Community Forums

We_B_Tripn · 10-10-2018, 11:43 AM

I've noticed over the past few outings that rust spots are starting to appear in our bathroom sink, which is the cheaper stainless variety. I'm guessing it is just a cheap "stainless" material and even if I used a polishing compound it would eventually rust again.

We are at our one year anniversary so I had Newmar document the issue, but I'm thinking even if the sink were replaced with another stainless sink it would end up with the same issue. Has anyone changed out a stainless sink for a ceramic undermount sink similar to those found in some other models?

Thanks in advance.

Bill

TJ · 10-10-2018, 01:47 PM

Have you cleaned the sink with steel wool? That's a no-no for stainless. It will leave small bits of steel embedded in the surface and they will rust.

You can try using a stainless steel brush and/or stainless steel wool (available online or at better hardware stores) to clean the rusted areas. Use a good stainless steel cleaner with them.

If that doesn't help, replacement is the next option, but as you say, the replacement sink may have the same problem.

TJ

Coral · 10-10-2018, 02:23 PM

This will cure your problem.

https://www.amazon.com/Bar-Keepers-F.../dp/B000V72992

We_B_Tripn · 10-10-2018, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tranquil Jim

Have you cleaned the sink with steel wool? That's a no-no for stainless. It will leave small bits of steel embedded in the surface and they will rust.

You can try using a stainless steel brush and/or stainless steel wool (available online or at better hardware stores) to clean the rusted areas. Use a good stainless steel cleaner with them.

If that doesn't help, replacement is the next option, but as you say, the replacement sink may have the same problem.

TJ

I have not used any abrasive cleaners. That what makes it a bit surprising after only a year.

I’m going to clean with Bon Ami (less harsh than Bar Keeper’s Helper) which is fantastic cleaning stainless steel pots. But I think it will just return.

Thanks all.

Bill

TJ · 10-10-2018, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by We_B_Tripn

I have not used any abrasive cleaners. That what makes it a bit surprising after only a year.

I’m going to clean with Bon Ami (less harsh than Bar Keeper’s Helper) which is fantastic cleaning stainless steel pots. But I think it will just return.

Thanks all.

Bill

Just to be clear, Bill, it isn't the abrasive" nature of steel wool that is the problem. Small bits of steel (that will rust) get embedded in the rough finish of the stainless steel sink. A similar problem can occur if a non-stainless steel wire brush is used in the production of the sink.

Sounds like you didn't use any steel wool on your sink, so that's not the problem.

TJ

We_B_Tripn · 10-10-2018, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tranquil Jim

Just to be clear, Bill, it isn't the abrasive" nature of steel wool that is the problem. Small bits of steel (that will rust) get embedded in the rough finish of the stainless steel sink. A similar problem can occur if a non-stainless steel wire brush is used in the production of the sink.

Sounds like you didn't use any steel wool on your sink, so that's not the problem.

TJ

Correct. I should have been clear, no steel wool. I wish I had asked for a porcelain sink basin as a special, but that’s the old hindsight theory.

Thanks TJ.

mikeh2obury · 10-10-2018, 04:25 PM

This stuff is incredible.

GraniteB · 10-10-2018, 04:52 PM

Bill,

I have a Newmar BS 3406 also with the exact same issue - they cleaned it at the dealer to remove but first use it returned - I'll be asking for a new sink and hope there was something in the manufacturing process that a lot of these sinks was poorly made.

TJ · 10-10-2018, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by We_B_Tripn

I wish I had asked for a porcelain sink basin as a special, but that’s the old hindsight theory.
Thanks TJ.

I know the feeling, Bill. There are already several specials we wish we'd known might be available so we could have ordered them. Hindsight is always 20-20; foresight, not so much.

TJ

We_B_Tripn · 10-10-2018, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GraniteB

Bill,

I have a Newmar BS 3406 also with the exact same issue - they cleaned it at the dealer to remove but first use it returned - I'll be asking for a new sink and hope there was something in the manufacturing process that a lot of these sinks was poorly made.

I feel like I read of this issue previously but haven’t been able to find it by searching. Thanks for letting me know you have this issue too.

Bill

tmw188 · 10-10-2018, 07:50 PM

Looks like there may have been some grinding of some carbon steel near that sink or something similar at some point. As stated you have to be careful what you clean it with.

GraniteB · 10-11-2018, 05:24 AM

to clarify - the rust formed on my 3406 sink PRIOR to the first cleaning - this is not a user issue. Subsequent to the initial incident and scrubbing by the dealer, the issue has reoccurred in another location on the bath sink.

mikeh2obury · 10-18-2018, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by We_B_Tripn

I've noticed over the past few outings that rust spots are starting to appear in our bathroom sink, which is the cheaper stainless variety. I'm guessing it is just a cheap "stainless" material and even if I used a polishing compound it would eventually rust again.

We are at our one year anniversary so I had Newmar document the issue, but I'm thinking even if the sink were replaced with another stainless sink it would end up with the same issue. Has anyone changed out a stainless sink for a ceramic undermount sink similar to those found in some other models?

Thanks in advance.

Bill

I worked for the largest manufacturer of stainless steel sinks in USA for 23 years. Barkeepers Helper is awesome using a non abrasive cotton towel. BH comes in a liquid container that is easier to use than the powder. The dealer probably had the sink cleaned before showing and used steel wool, a no no poor idea.