A brand new stainless steel sink should never truly “rust” — but sometimes you might notice orange spots, brown stains, or discoloration soon after installation. This can be alarming, especially when you’ve invested in a premium sink. The good news is: in most cases, these marks are not actual rust on the steel itself, but surface contamination that can be cleaned and prevented.
Stainless steel contains chromium, which reacts with oxygen in the air to form a thin, invisible protective layer of chromium oxide.
This layer seals the surface against corrosion — which is why stainless steel sinks, especially SUS304 and SUS316 grades (like those used by Shunhan), are so durable and rust-resistant.
So if your new sink shows rust-colored spots, the cause is usually external contamination rather than corrosion of the steel itself.
During production, cutting, or installation, tiny particles of carbon steel or iron may cling to the sink’s surface.
When exposed to moisture, these foreign particles oxidize — creating orange or brown rust spots.
This is the most common cause of rust marks on new sinks and can be cleaned easily.
If your home has hard water or high iron content, minerals and iron can leave rust-colored deposits when water evaporates.
Over time, these minerals react with oxygen and moisture to form stains that look like rust.
Solution: Wipe your sink dry after each use and clean regularly with vinegar or baking soda to neutralize mineral deposits.
Leaving wet cast iron pans, metal scrubbers, or tools in the sink can transfer rust particles to the surface.
Even though the sink itself is stainless, contaminated water can leave rust marks where those objects rested.
Tip: Always dry cookware before placing it in the sink, and never leave steel wool or metal scouring pads sitting overnight.
Bleach and chlorine-based cleaners can attack stainless steel’s protective layer, causing localized corrosion known as pitting.
Even a small amount of bleach residue from dishwater or cleaning sprays can cause reddish or rainbow discoloration.
Avoid: All chlorine-based cleaners, including bathroom sprays and disinfectants.
If your sink was installed during kitchen renovation or countertop fabrication, metal dust or debris from saw blades or drills may have settled on the surface.
When these particles get wet, they rust and leave stains.
Solution: Wipe and rinse your sink thoroughly after installation.
Even if you see brown or orange spots, most can be removed easily with gentle cleaning.
Mix 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water.
Apply the paste to the rusted area.
Let it sit for 15–20 minutes.
Rub gently along the grain with a soft sponge.
Rinse thoroughly and dry with a microfiber towel.
Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water.
Spray on affected areas.
Let sit for 5–10 minutes to dissolve rust residue.
Wipe clean and dry immediately.
Vinegar neutralizes iron particles without damaging the steel surface.
For stubborn stains, use a non-abrasive stainless steel polish or cream.
Apply with a microfiber cloth.
Rub lightly in the direction of the grain.
Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Avoid products that contain chlorine or hydrochloric acid — they can worsen the problem.
| Preventive Step | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Rinse and dry after each use | Removes minerals and moisture that promote oxidation. |
| Clean weekly with baking soda or vinegar | Keeps the protective chromium layer healthy. |
| Avoid bleach or acidic cleaners | Prevents pitting and corrosion. |
| Use a sink grid or mat | Protects surface from metal cookware scratches. |
| Polish monthly | Adds a hydrophobic layer that repels water and minerals. |
Shunhan stainless steel sinks have a dense brushed finish that resists residue buildup — but regular drying and gentle cleaning will maximize protection.
If spots do not disappear after cleaning and appear rough or pitted, it could indicate actual corrosion — usually from exposure to chemicals or salty environments.
In this case:
Stop using harsh cleaners.
Rinse thoroughly and dry.
Contact the manufacturer for inspection or refinishing advice.
Shunhan sinks use high-nickel 304/316 stainless steel — true rust on this grade is rare and often repairable through light refinishing.
