Rust on stainless steel??

Question

Just lately I have been getting (on and off) these little spots of rust (kina deep and pitted) on high quality stainless I pull out of the dishwasher. I am assuming it must be in my well water, because I know it changes in make up with the amount of rain we get (TX drought etc. shallow well). What could cause this and might it be harmful in other ways????

Answer 1

We have the same problem.

The cause is a direct result of the iron in your water.
The water droplets that are left on your silverware after the wash cycle will deposit minute amounts of iron as the droplet evaporates during the dry cycle.

The iron left behind is what is causing the rust, and not the stainless steel itself. Much of the rust you see is only on the surface and most of it can be wiped off. Over the years though, you will have rust stain on your silverware that simply wont easily come off.

Filtration helps immensely. Just don't purchase any filter though. There are special ones for "iron problems" and they tend to need quite a bit of maintenance also. They tend to develop what looks like a brown slimy algae on the inside of the filter so cleaning and replacement of the filter medium is an ongoing thing with these filters.

Hope this answers your question.

Answer 2

In metallurgy, stainless steel (inox) is defined as a ferrous alloy with a minimum of 10% chromium content.[1] The name originates from the fact that stainless steel does not stain, corrode or rust as easily as ordinary steel. This material is also called corrosion resistant steel when it is not detailed exactly to its alloy type and grade, particularly in the aviation industry.
The 630 foot high, stainless-clad (type 304) Gateway Arch defines St. Louis, Missouri's skyline.
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The 630 foot high, stainless-clad (type 304) Gateway Arch defines St. Louis, Missouri's skyline.
The pinnacle of New York's Chrysler Building is clad with type 302 stainless steel[1].
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The pinnacle of New York's Chrysler Building is clad with type 302 stainless steel[1].
An art deco sculpture on the Niagara-Mohawk Power building in Syracuse, New York
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An art deco sculpture on the Niagara-Mohawk Power building in Syracuse, New York
Pipes and fittings made of stainless steel
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Pipes and fittings made of stainless steel

Stainless steels have higher resistance to oxidation (rust) and corrosion in many natural and man made environments; however, it is important to select the correct type and grade of stainless steel for the particular application.

Answer 3

You might check the quality of your stainless steel. Put a magnet to it. If it's stainless steel, it will react to it as it sould to a piece of wood.

Answer 4

There is no true "stainless" steel. Under the proper conditions, any steel will tarnish.

Answer 5

there is carbon steel and true stainless... if it rusts then it most likely carbon steel... and will pit and rust... most often from rough water, more so from the carbon!!! get new utensils, make sure they are strue stainless!!

Answer 6

it may be because the stainless steel is not the non magnetic type which is what it should be

Answer 7

metal in yuor water use a large filter or drill deeper

Answer 8

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