How to Remove Rust from Stainless Steel Refrigerator Door

Contrary to popular belief, there’s no such thing as a completely stainless steel. It only means that the steel has come added metal elements that increase its resistance to rust, but even then, all metals are susceptible to corrosion in some fashion.

However, it’s completely possible to remove rust from the different grades of stainless steel. Which means there are multiple ways to remove rust from a stainless steel refrigerator door.

Ways To Remove Ruts from Stainless Steel Refrigerator Door

Water and Baking Soda

Before you get to cleaning some rust, it’s advised to place some old newspapers or towels in front of the fridge. Baking soda might fall on the floor while cleaning. Alternatively, you can do without and wipe off the stains after you’re done.

You need to add baking soda to water in equal amounts, but it’s best not to mix too much at once. Depending on the severity, you might not need much.

Dip a towel or cloth in your newly created solution and rub the fridge door. This is not a very abrasive method, so the chances of scratching the surface are low. To further minimize it, you should rub the towel or cloth in the direction of the grain lines, as these usually go in the same direction.

This should easily remove the rust stains. If it doesn’t, try applying more of the solution. The good thing with this method is that you can also clean other stains with it. Additionally, you can also use a commercial stainless steel cleaner afterwards if you have some.

If this method isn’t effective enough for you, you can use lemon juice with baking soda and see if that helps.

Vinegar

Vinegar is generally known as a cleaning agent for not just refrigerator doors, but most stainless steel home appliances. You can combine vinegar with, say, detergent, or use it on its own. For the latter, you can simply pour it onto a scouring pad. Rub the rust stains with the pad in the direction of the grain. Keep doing this until the stain completely disappears.

Once you’re done, use a wet rag to wipe the door’s surface, followed by a dry one to dry it. Leave it to dry for about twenty minutes.

If this method doesn’t help you, you can also mix vinegar with baking soda. Before you do that, you should prep with warm water and dishwashing soap. Dip a sponge in the solution and clean the rusty areas.

Finally, mix one teaspoon of baking soda in white vinegar and apply it on the door and leave it there for a few minutes. Following that, scrub the spot and repeat until everything looks smooth.

You can even paint the surface to reduce rusting in the future. Remove the baking soda with soapy warm water and let it dry. After this is done, paint the problematic area with appliance paint.

Commercial Rust Cleaner

If you have a more serious rust problem, you can always use a commercial rust remover. It should ideally contain oxalic acid and not chlorides, as the latter can damage the steel’s protective layer. Apply it directly onto the rusted area, making sure to follow the instructions on the container.

Take a partly wet soft sponge and rub in the direction of the grain. This might not be the easiest thing to do, but if done right, it will result in a sparkling finish, as the only thing left to do is cleaning this with water and slowly drying it with a towel.

Among the available rust cleaners, Bar Keeper’s Friend is one of the best. You can use it to clean just about any home appliances. Additionally, it can clean not just stainless steel but also glass, ceramic, porcelain, aluminum, copper, and brass. Alternative recommended cleaners include Revere Ware and Kleen King.

Cleaning Advice

Whatever you do, don’t use steel brushes or steel wool. This is also true of any cleaners that contain chlorides, chlorine, bromine, iodine, or fluorine.

Rather than cleaning, they can make stainless steel more vulnerable to rust. The same goes for harsh scrubbing pads that scratch easily. Even worse, they will expose raw metal for additional rust.

You should leave the fridge door dry at all times, as opening and closing the refrigerator will result in condensation and moisture. If you spill anything on the door, make sure to clean that up as soon as possible. This is especially so if you live in a coastal area.

Even cleaning the mildest stains each day, such as fingerprints, can help with reducing the formation of rust. Mixing water with dishwashing or mild soap will do. After that, you just need the same wet cloth and dry cloth one-two punch.

Keeping Rust Under Control

Removing rust from your stainless steel refrigerator door is no big deal if you know what to do. Make sure that you do this more often in the future and it will help in the long run, especially if you live somewhere humid. Refrigerators can be susceptible to rust, so you might want to give them a bit of care.