Top Load Washer - Cleaning Rust From Stainless Steel Baskets

To minimize the possibility of electric shock, unplug this appliance from the power supply before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.

Cleaning Rust from the Stainless Steel Basket on a Top Load Washer

Surface rust on the side walls of stainless steel wash tub baskets may be caused by particulates in the water. This type of surface rust can be cleaned off and, in some cases, prevented by following the cleaning instructions below.

1. Apply and buff an oxalic acid based cleaner into the basket surface using a clean microfiber towel. (Bar Keepers Friend®, available in most stores).

2. Wipe away any cleaner residue on the basket. (Blue shop paper towels work well.)

Wiping water spots off after each cycle with a wet cloth once the cleaning process above has been completed can help with prevention.

If surface rust is heavy, a filtration system may be needed to eliminate particulates in the water.

PLEASE NOTE: Liquid fabric softener residue can also look like rust. With heavy fabric softener use, a residue can look like a rust pattern on the stainless steel wash tub basket. If you use too much fabric softener, it can be slung above the water line and will not be rinsed off. This is actually not rusting of the basket and can easily be cleaned with Bar Keepers Friend® since it is just the fabric softener residue.

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