Engineering and fabrication

How to prevent stainless steel getting rusty in the dishwasher?

I have a Hotpoint SDW80 dishwasher. It's very good but on the normal program (the one I use the most) leaves the stainless steel like pots, cutlery and so on labelled 'dishwasher safe' rusty. Is there anything that I can do to prevent that happening? Do I have to stop the program towards the end when the drying time is active, would be that OK or I have to wait till the program has completed? Any other suggestion?

Public Comments

1. Wow, I've had many years experience with various metals, and never heard of any grade, even very poor, being rusty by just washing in a dishwasher, in fact, plain carbon steel shouldn't rust that quick.

   So now I ask, are you by chance using well water? If so, then this condition may be surface coated rust form the water, actually contained in the water.

   If this is a fact, then I suggest a water filter and the installation of a water softener.



2. I suspect one of two alternatives is happening:

   Either the stuff is going rusty in which case it is not stainless steel.

   or (more likely)

   Burnt fat and the like is not being effectively washed off by your dishwasher and it is this residue that you think is rust; I have to admit that would be an easy mistake to make.

   Before you put such stuff in the dishwasher try immersing in very hot water with a good splash of fairy liquid or similar - leave for 15 minutes then take a brillo pad to the worst affected areas. Then and only then put through the dishwasher.

   Good luck,



3. Stainless Steel should never rust, that is why it is called "Stainless., it is 80% chrome. Must be something in the washing agent you are using. On the washer packet, you should find a number or E mail Address of the Company's Customer Services. Contact them and tell them the Problem.


4. Stainless steel will corrode in a reduced atmosphere (low oxygen levels) or in the presence of corroding chemicals in particular very high salt levels. My advice is to only use the top quality washing tablets (Finish), which have inhibitors in them. Then when you put your cutlery and pots in the washer try not to let them touch one another - use the separators provided as this reduces contact corrosion. Also, when replacing any S/steel item buy the best quality you can afford - the cheaper the steel the lower the content of nickle and chrome used to make them and the more chance of corrosion. I live in a hard water area and have the same problem


5. Metals rust in the presence of oxygen and water.

   And unreactive metals such as the stainless steel will definitely react with hot water/steam.

   Hence u'll need to change your killer dishwasher or you'll hev to change your kitchen utilities...

   Which one will you choose?...It's up to you.

   My recommendation is to complain to the company and if nothing change,then you'll need to buy a new dishwasher.

   GOOD LUCK and happy cleaning! ;D ...

   gIMME points please..hehehe...IF u r satisfied.Thanks...