Reasons for rusting of stainless steel sinks

Stainless steel has the ability to resist atmospheric oxidation, that is, stainless steel, and also has the ability to resist corrosion in media containing acid, alkali, and salt, that is, corrosion resistance. But the magnitude of its corrosion resistance varies with the chemical composition, additive state, usage conditions, and environmental medium type of the steel itself. It relies on a thin, strong, and stable chromium rich oxide film (passivation film) formed on its surface to prevent the further infiltration and oxidation of oxygen atoms, thus obtaining the ability to resist corrosion. Once for some reason, this thin film is continuously damaged, oxygen atoms in air or liquid will continuously infiltrate, or iron atoms in metal will continuously separate, forming loose iron oxide, and the metal surface will also be continuously corroded.

The sink itself will not rust, but improper use and maintenance of protection can lead to adverse phenomena such as floating rust and mold on the surface of the sink. The main reasons for rusting are:

Decoration impurities: Alkali water, lime water, oil stains and other residues left on the surface of the sink during wall decoration can cause local corrosion and rust spots if not cleaned in time.

Iron objects: Iron nails, iron wires, and other iron tools left in the sink for a long time can cause surface rust and yellow spots.

Organic juices: Chemicals, cleaning agents, paint, sauces, oil stains, tea leaves, and other substances that remain on the surface of the sink for a long time, causing mold, discoloration, and localized corrosion.

Metal dust: During decoration, metal dust containing minerals, acids, or alkalis in the house falls onto the surface of the sink. When it encounters humid gas and condensed water between stainless steel, it triggers electrochemical reactions, forming yellow spots and rust spots.

Impurities in water pipes: There are iron filings and rust water in the water pipes of newly renovated houses. When these impurities stay on the surface of the sink and are not washed in time, rust spots and rust spots will appear.

The influence of decoration building materials on the surface of the sink: Although stainless steel has corrosion resistance, it is not non-toxic and non-invasive. Experiments have shown that decoration impurities such as water, cement, lime oil, paint, metal dust, etc. have a significant impact on the surface of the sink.

The impact of chemical products on the surface of the sink: Similarly, various agents used for paint and cement removal in decoration and cleaning, as well as strong oxidants commonly used in households, if left on the sink surface for a long time without timely cleaning, can react chemically with dust and impurities on the sink surface, causing corrosion, rust, stains, and other adverse phenomena.

Treatment method for floating rust on stainless steel sink

Use toothpaste to remove: Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto the rust or mold spots in the sink to moisten them, and use a dry cloth to vigorously wipe them repeatedly.

Use cleaning powder to remove: Dip a cloth in a small amount of cleaning powder or apply it directly to areas with floating rust or mold spots, and rub vigorously repeatedly.

Use rust removal paste (agent) to remove: Dip a small amount of rust removal paste on a dry cloth or spray it directly on the floating rust or mold spots and wipe them repeatedly with force.

Rinse and wipe the surface of the sink clean: After removing the floating rust, rinse the sink surface thoroughly with clean water, and then use a clean cotton cloth to thoroughly wipe off any water droplets on the surface.

Apply cooking oil for protection: After wiping dry, apply a layer of protective agent or cooking oil to the entire surface of the sink for protection.

For larger areas of floating rust and spots, please use a scouring pad and toothpaste to scrub the entire surface according to the pattern of the sink, from heavy to light, from fast to slow, and be sure to scrub the surface evenly with force until the floating rust is wiped off. Using steel wire balls or other grinding materials to wipe and damage the surface of the sink is more likely to rust.