Whirlpool Customers Can't Stand This Seemingly Inescapable Issue With One Refrigerator Finish

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The last thing you want when you purchase an expensive new refrigerator is to discover a major problem days or weeks after installation. Unfortunately, one of the most common customer complaints about Whirlpool refrigerators is rust spots that show up right away. Stainless steel can rust if it is exposed to water and humidity, or if its naturally protective chromium coating is scraped off. Using abrasive cleaning products like bleach or tools like steel wool pads can also degrade the coating and allow water to damage the surface. However, with Whirlpool refrigerators, shoppers point blame elsewhere.

Customers claim that the issue stems from a defective fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish or low-quality stainless steel panels that are more vulnerable to premature rusting. In one Reddit post, a customer said their fridge is rusting after just eight months, despite the fact that "no water ever gets on it." Worse still, a different Redditor lamented that their Whirlpool fridge started rusting after only one week, though it hadn't been exposed to moisture. 

Another customer on Reddit went as far as to claim, "All my Whirlpool appliances started getting rust in 2 years." One Redditor who indicated they work at an appliance store also noted the issue, saying, "Whirlpool, in my experience, is also the most likely to show these rust spots. I see them in our showroom more than other brands." What's more, in a complaint made to Consumer Affairs, a customer of a two-year-old refrigerator says, "The exterior stainless steel doors rust in sporadic locations. According to a quick Google search, it is a widely known issue that Whirlpool has not addressed." They go on to clarify that they only use stainless steel cleaner and never anything abrasive. 

It's always best to consult your appliance manual and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for care and cleaning. Whirlpool offers advice for preventing rust, properly cleaning stainless steel, and removing stains and oxidation. The company recommends that you wash traditional and black stainless steel surfaces, as well as those with a non-smudge coating, with warm water and a mild detergent, using a soft sponge or cloth to clean the metal in the direction of the grain. Always dry the surface completely to prevent rusting. To avoid damaging the finish, you should not use paper towels, metal or steel wool brushes or cleaning pads, or any abrasive cleansers like bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or alcohol.

If you notice rust marks or stains, you should only clean them off with specialized products that are made for use on stainless steel, like Bar Keepers Friend Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish. You can also make your own stainless steel cleaner by combining baking soda and water to make a paste. Apply it to rust spots and then wipe it off with a microfiber cloth. However, if you want a low-maintenance refrigerator that doesn't require such specialized care and cleaning to prevent rust, you might want to think twice before buying stainless steel appliances for your kitchen.