What is stainless steel?

I notice my flatware says 18/8 or 18/10. What does this mean?

I have a stainless steel sink and it is beginning to rust. Why? I thought stainless did not rust!

The stainless steel on my refrigerator door, dishwasher, and/or countertop is scratched. How can I remove the scratches?

I used a Brillo pad to clean my stainless counter, and now it is scratched and there are some small rust stains. How can I remove the scratches and rust?

The heat of the stove has discolored some of my stainless steel pots. How can this be removed?

How can I remove burnt-on foods and grease on pots?

How should I clean my stainless steel stove?

Will my magnet collection work on a stainless steel refrigerator?

What is stainless steel?
Stainless steels are a family of steels that are resistant to corrosion (rusting) and elevated temperature. They must contain at least 10.5 % chromium. The chromium reacts with the oxygen in the air to form an invisible, protective chrome-oxide surface layer. This layer helps to prevent “staining” (rusting) of the surface. This does not mean that stainless steel will never rust. There are many different stainless steels with unique chemical compositions. These chemistry differences influence strength, corrosion resistance, and cost. Higher levels of chromium and the addition of other alloying elements such as nickel and molybdenum improve the corrosion resistance and make them easier to fabricate. The most commonly used stainless steel for sinks, flatware, appliances, and other consumer products is Type 304 but other less expensive and less corrosion resistant stainless steels are sometimes used and the consumer should not assume that all stainless steel products will provide equivalent performance.

I notice my flatware says 18/8 or 18/10. What does this mean?
The first number is the amount of chromium that is contained in the stainless i.e. 18 is 18% chromium. The second number is the amount of nickel i.e. 8 stands for 8% nickel. So 18/8/means that this stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This is a common name for Type 304. 18/10 is 18% chromium and 10% nickel. The higher the numbers the more corrosion resistant the material.

I have a stainless steel sink and it is beginning to rust. Why? I thought stainless did not rust!
Stainless does not "rust" as you think of regular steel rusting with a red oxide on the surface that flakes off. If you see red rust, there are several possible reasons.Steel or iron scratched the sink and particles become embedded in the surface. These particles are much less corrosion resistant than the stainless steel and rust making it appear that the stainless steel is rusting. Stainless steel should never be cleaned with steel wool.Damp steel or cast iron was left in the sink for a prolonged period of time and it rusted. The rust stained the stainless steel. A fluid with a high concentration of chlorides (most dishwashing detergents) was left on the surface for an extended period of time.The sink is made from a less corrosion resistant stainless steel and more care must be taken to keep it clean and avoid prolonged standing water.In most cases, light staining can be removed with a fine abrasive cleaner or non-metallic abrasive scouring pad. Some of these products will scratch the finish. Apply the cleaning product in the same direction as the polish to minimize damage. Products that are safe for cleaning glass or automobiles are less likely to damage the finish. Many kitchen cleaning products and stainless steel cleaners contain chlorides and should be thoroughly rinsed off after cleaning.

The stainless steel on my refrigerator door, dishwasher, and/or countertop is scratched. How can I remove the scratches?
Scratches are difficult to remove. Most kitchen appliances, sinks, and counters have a polished finish with short directional polishing lines. Restoring a polished finish to its original appearance requires a professional such as a company that specializes in fabricating or polishing stainless steel. If the refrigerator or dishwasher door panel is replaceable, purchasing a new panel is normally more cost effective than professional refinishing. The homeowner may want to consider obtaining replacement panels with angel hair, distressed, swirl, or embossed finish. These finishes help to hide light scratching and can be obtained from companies that specialize in stainless steel finishes.Counters and appliance doors that are not easily removable must be refinished in place. When the counter is refinished, it may have long rather than short polishing lines. If a slightly different finish is acceptable and cost is a consideration, a homeowner can refinish the counter or appliance using a non-metallic abrasive pad such as a Scotch Brite® pad. This can be done by rubbing the surface with the pad using long uniform strokes in the same direction as the current polishing lines. This will not eliminate deep scratches. A professional may offer this finish as a less expensive option. The resulting finish is normally referred to as a hairline or long grain finish. Some appliance companies are starting to offer this finish.

I used a Brillo pad to clean my stainless counter, and now it is scratched and there are some small rust stains. How can I remove the scratches and rust?
Brillo pads are made of steel wire. Iron particles from the pad have probably contaminated the surface (see question above about stainless steel and rust). NEVER use an iron-based product on stainless steel. Refinishing the stainless steel should remove the scratches and iron particles. (See answer to preceding question about removing scratches).

The heat of the stove has discolored some of my stainless steel pots. How can this be removed?
A mild abrasive cleaner or non-metallic abrasive pad will remove the heat discoloration. Some of these products may change the finish on the pot.

How can I remove burnt-on foods and grease on pots?
First, try soaking the pot in hot water with dishwashing detergent. If this does not work, try adding water to the pot and bring it to a boil. Sometimes this will break up the food deposit. If all else fails, use a mild abrasive scouring powder or non-metallic or stainless steel scouring pad to remove stubborn deposits. These may scratch the surface. If there are obvious polishing lines rub in the same direction as the lines to minimize surface finish damage.

How should I clean my stainless steel stove?
Standard non-abrasive kitchen cleaning fluids can be used to remove most grease and food deposits. Window cleaning fluid or vinegar and water solutions are usually effective. If a cleaning fluid with stronger chemicals is used, wipe away any residual cleaning fluid with a damp cloth. Stubborn stains may require a mild abrasive cleanser or non-metallic scouring pad. Some of these may damage the stainless steel finish. Oven cleaners can be used on stainless steel.

Will my magnet collection work on a stainless steel refrigerator?
No. Although some stainless steel grades are magnetic, the stainless steel type used for appliances is not. But you wouldn't want to cover up the beauty of the stainless with magnets anyhow!!