They told me it was only cosmetic too, but that's why I bought stainless steel. Its not staining, its discoloring and it shouldn't be after less than a year. No one can explain why either. I hope others complain as well or they wont fix the issue.

Stainless can stain, especially if exposed to bleach or other harsh substances. Using Barkeeper's Friend can help to remove discolorations.

We just ordered a stainless steel fridge. Hopefully, the manufacturers owners manual shall give guidelines as best way to protect their product...in their best interest to do so their customers can recommend them to others. But, just in case they don't have guidelines will this product help ? http://www.stainlesssteelshield.com/index.cfm

Just use Pledge in the brown and yellow can to clean it with and don't sweat it. People make too much of a big deal out of cleaning stainless because they use the wrong products. Never use anything with an oil base. And remove all of the shipping oils with Dawn and water before using the Pledge and no problema.

We not only purchased the STAINLESS STEEL LG fridge but also a kitchen aid dishwasher, microwave and gas range. The LG fridge is the only one of the appliances that discolored. When we purchased the appliances we also purchased the stainless steel cleaner recommended and sold by SEARS. After the first ordeal with the fridge we switched to Weiman (Who has made the product for over 100 years), a stainless steel cleaner & polisher and once again no problems with any of the new appliances except the LG. I'm uncertain as to what is the "wrong product" is for the LG Brand. But it appears to be what is recommend by the LG Manufacture.

My thoughts are, when spending over $3,000 on a new appliance, the consumer should not have to be concerned with this type of issue and more importantly the lack of LG standing behind their products and honoring their warranties. The bottom line as I view it, LG make a "very poor" stainless steel refrigerator.

Kenmore Elite=LG. Kenmore makes nothing. They merely rebrand stuff from other makers. If you are getting repeat discoloration, it is from something that you are using on the refrigerator. They use the same 304 stainless as everyone else in the appliance industry does. Unless this is the ''titanium'' finish, which is actually a paint treatment, not stainless. Many makers have a faux stainless look that is actually paint or a clear coat over a lower grade of stainless.

Kenmore offers an Active stainless steel finish, which we purchased. Will wait and see if that fixes the problem.

I never got any bleach or any harsh chemicals on the fridge. I use the stainless cleaner that the dealer recommended and it works great but there are spots that look like water spots on the doors that won't come off with anything. Considering I bought the stainless steel one for the look, I am very disappointed. Be careful and maybe look at another brand instead. LG is certainly not standing by the product even though it was within the warranty because it's deemed cosmetic.

Sophie.... My stainless steel sink doesn't even look like this. Lol.

Show a picture. Without that, guessing is as good as it gets.

Not easy to see. There is more that doesn't show up that well using my iPad.

I have a Kitchen aid. After I had it about 2 years I used a wet sponge to clean off ice cream spatter. I did not scrub it. But, made circular motion to remove ice cream. It left circular marks o To door. It looks awful, since it was very expensive. I used a stainless steel cleaner recommended by Lowes, where I brought it. I have contracted Kitchen Aid and Lowes. So far nothing. I now love the look of stainless, but hate the up keep. Very disappointed in Kitchen aid, and Lowes.

I have had an lg refrigerator for a year and a half now, and have had no problems. I only use soap and water to clean, and then a soft towel. I go in a linear way with the "grain" of the color

Water with mineral impurities or either a high or low pH will cause spotting. Scrubbing across the grain will scratch it. Even the fake stainless paint stuff that gold1947 picked will show normal wear and tear from the real world. It's unrealistic to expect otherwise.

It IS ''just cosmetic'' though and does not affect the refigerator's performance.

The use of Barkeeper's friend WITH the grain can help to remove mineral marks and some scratching. The use of a stainless ''resurfacing'' kit meant to repolish stainless sinks can also work to remove marks. But they will come back if you go against the grain, or do not treat your water to rectify it's pH and mineral content.

The fake stainless steel paint is what you're taking delivery of in the new LG/Kenmore. Be careful with cleaning products as it's not an enamel. Plain Dawn and drying with a microfiber cloth that doesn't get washed in the washing machine is all it should need.

3K is no where near the upper end of appliance cost and quality. The physical properties of 304 stainless do not change at either end of the spectrum.

Gold.... I couldn't agree more. I have never used anything on the refrigerator except a damp microfiber cloth and an occasional stainless cleaner that was sold with the Refrigerator. I have never used anything abrasive or any other chemicals except the stainless cleaner recommended. All my other stainless appliances from other manufacturers are fine and my stainless sink doesn't have the discoloration and all sorts of products get thrown in there and the same water i would use on the fridge for that matter. Doesn't sound right and all I want them to do is make it right.

Cabinet....... Hopefully the dealer where the unit was purchased will do the right thing and replace the defective unit as my dealer did. I went with the active finish as it doesn't show finger prints and appears to be more durable than the fake stainless steel paint. Regardless, this has been a experience I hope to soon forget. Your method of cleaning appliances mirrors exactly how its done in my home. Your point that your stainless steel sink takes considered more abuse without any issues is solid proof in my mine that the manufacture (LG) is having major issues in their curing process. Keep me posted as to the our come. My Best!

Oh...........great! Our stainless refrig is due on 01/09/2015. Never had one in all me life. Per all comments above i'm gonna shy away with cleaners that even hint at acid base...for now, gonna clean with Joy

I didn't even use any cleaners except the stainless cleaner sold by the dealer and if it was that it would be all over the place. I have about 7 or so spots on (I think) 1 door only. I clean the whole thing the same, why is it 1 door???? Good Luck!!!

We use vinegar and water with a microfiber cloth on everything- granite counters and stainless. Never had a problem. I can't imagine what is wrong with your LG stainless, very odd. Sophi is making a fair point, chemically all stainless is the same. I also hear your point that your other stainless appliances are fine. How very frustrating. In our current kitchen we opted for a white fridge with stainless handles- less fingerprints. Our last house had a big stainless fridge and it was so tiresome!

We were told nothing acidic on our granite, Ellsworth. Don't even use dish soap with citrus.

Reporting Back - The new replacement fridge (Kenmore Elite) with the ACTIVE STAINLESS STEEL FINISH is even more than I hoped for. No fingerprints, no smudges and best of all no discoloration. We use the same store bought cleaner and sometimes Johnson Baby Shampoo mixed with warm water.

It appears that LG is having a lot of trouble with the quality of their refrigerators, as I just received a "Notice of Pendency and Proposed Settlement of Class Action", (Clark v LG Electronics - Case no: 3:13-cv-0485-JM-JMA). LG has reached a settlement and consumer claims are now being accepted.

Issues cited in the class action include: Low or no ice production, Water leaking, Ticking and grinding that goes away when the refrigerator is shut off, clogged ice system, refrigerator shutting on its own, loud motor sounds, DISCOLORATION, to name a few.

So the bottom line is the discoloration of our refrigerators has nothing to do with the product(s) being used to clean the refrigerator.

Hope this information helps. "Best Of Luck"

I purchased a side by side refrigerator, microwave and double oven and I cannot clean everyday marks off, the refrigerator is the worst and they are only 2 years old. We purchased them for our cottage that was renovated, we only use the cottage 6 months a year and it is only us. I contacted LG and was told it was a maintenance issue and I could either buy new doors or paint the spots. I will ever buy LG again.

I bought an LG stainless steel refrigerator about 6 years ago because I required a counter depth and it had the largest cubic foot counter depth. I LOVED it. Great operation, beautiful, sparkling shiny finish. When I moved, I purchased ALL LG appliances, because I'd been so happy before. It is no longer the same! The stainless steel is far more inferior now. My appliances are less than a year old and they are all discolored! I've tried every recommended way of cleaning and polishing them and they just keep getting worse. STAY AWAY FROM LG!

My LG french door bottom freezer refridgerator has what looks like water spots on the freezer door. I have only used the product that the company recommended. By reading everyones comments I have little hope of a solution.

Yikes. Put in brand new kitchen and the fridge is an LG. We've only had it 3 months and we can't get it clean. I've had SS in all my homes but this is the worst I've ever seen. Will call Home Depot tomorrow and see what they're willing to do. My other appliances are Bosch and no problem. It's obvious the company has a problem. How about it LG?

I have had my LG four door fridge for 2 1/2 years now, and only clean it with water and soap. No problems

Does anyone else have this problem with their LG French door bottom freezer? I have 2 active blisters and 1blister that went down. located on the lower right side under the water dispenser.

Yes.. it just happened to me too.. and I take very good care of it. Who did you contact? I am so upset.

I only used stainless steel cleaner on it and it wasn't there two days ago!

When I called LG a few times, and used the products they recommended, (which didn't help) They gave me the phone number to call that supplies parts for LG. I ordered a new door front which cost about $195.00 . Sears came out and changed out the door.

Here’s the bad news... most, if not all “stainless” appliances; ain’t! They’re usually stainless steel “finish”. In the same way a “gold finish” light fixture is not really gold. You won’t be told this unless you ask specifically. Pretty low, but probably not quite illegal. Don’t believe me? Grab a kitchen magnet, put it against your appliances and you’ll have your answer. True Stainless steel Is not magnetic.

I opened a bottle of champagne and it splashed on my LG refrigerator door. Now there are permanent light colored circular splats all over the door. What a mess! I was told by LG to use touch up paint. I'm so disappointed bec the fridge is less than a year old! I will never buy LG again and "stainless steel" is so overrated! It very hard to take care of if, you are an active person in the kitchen. I am always cooking and using my appliances. Im tired of trying to keep everything clean. My stainless steel overhead exhaust is a nightmare too! Never again :(

Wow, do I feel like a chump..! I did homework on the LG Studio line (dishwasher, French door fridge and oven/range) but was obviously too focused on pricing and not performance. I mean it’s “stainless” right so what can go wrong? Well, the “stainless” scratches off..!!! It’s like a giant decal that’s applied to the mystery metal. I complained very professionally to the LG service line (bought all via Costco) and at least got my bottom freezer door replaced gratis. Asked Service Tech if he gets a lot of calls on this issue and the did say that they “slide” the handles onto the fridge in final assembly and that caused some of bubbling probs we had at the handle, but that doesn’t explain the ease with which the finish will scratch or “peel” off.
No luck on the DW, range or other fridge doors that will continue to get scratched (even though it’s just my wife and me in the house) and look crappy compared to either real stainless or just a nice white. Ridiculous and not an inexpensive mistake..! If you know of any legal action being taken please share, I’d love to join. Haven’t seen anything from my searches so far.
So tell everyone you know that Bottom Line: SAVE YOURSELF THE GRIEF - DO NOT BUY ANY LG “BLACK STAINLESS” APPLIANCES..!
Good luck!

All my appliances are a challenge to keep up! Permanent stains that cant be removed. Never again will I buy LG or Samsung! Waste of money!! My dishwasher doesnt work well either since it has no heating element! RIP OFF Grrrrr

Why do you want to know Jimmy? Are you paranoid about something?

Hello, does anyone know what this white spot would be on the bottom freezer door of my Whirlpool french door refrigerator? Popped up all of a sudden and cannot seem to get it off. Thanks for any info.

Wish I'd seen this before we bought our LG french door stainless steel fridge back in 2017. It's only 2 years old this July and we just noticed this odd discoloration, almost like a 'seeping' under the finish at the very bottom of the freezer door. Will never, and I do mean NEVER, purchase stainless steel products or an LG PRODUCT again. Hope LG reads this.

my lg fridge looks like this. how can I fix it?

Same problem. Looks like something I've never seen

I have discolor by the bottom of the door handles that started 3 years after purchase. I am going to make a HUGE stink with LG and tell them I am going to ruin their ratings. I have only used Wiemens Stainless steel cleaner on this and there are no kids near my fridge...just me and my hubby. When my husband called customer service, they said...."one year warranty." I am going to go hard on LG for this. My appliance, frig was over $4500. This is ridiculous. Anyone want to supply me thier name and email, I will start a big fuss with this company. I hate wasting money and was told LG was the best....huh???

My LG refrigerator i bought it 2yrs ago i only clean it with stainless steel products and this is how it looks, i called them and they say its a cosmetic issue and they do not cover that, they sent me a 10% discount coupon to use on my next buy, i will never buy an LG appliance again, my stove is GE for more than 10yrs and never in issue, the refrigerator before this LG never an issue with discoloration, it was replaced because the compressor went bad and it was to expensive to fix. I hope LG reads this and any potential clients think twice before getting an LG appliance.

If your frig has LG's linear compressor the discolored stainless will be the least of your worries.

Kevin9408 is right. 4 years ago I wrote here about the bad 'stainless' on the front fridge doors/freezer door. May 30, 2023, our fridge lost it's cool. Repair guy told us this LG model was noted to have bad compressors. We were just 1 month short of our 6 year LG fridge anniversary. Got a new fridge, NOT LG. (We were owners of those notorious LG G4 phones, so no more LG brand).

Angel---if you look for my pic somewhere here, we had same issue. I think the bad sealing around the edges allows moisture to enter under whatever type of lamination they used. Not anything you did wrong.

Yes mine is doing the same thing

Same here. My LG bit the dust last fall with cooling gone and moisture dripping from under top water/ice panel. We purchased a KitchenAid, which we love, but sounds like chirping birds or old phone dial tone as the compressor starts and stops! Pick your poison!

For all the people who have nasty stainless steel appliances there is a solution. Vinyl wrap, yes the same Vinyl wrap used on cars will work great on your appliances and last many years. The best part is you can just peel it off when you're tired of the color.

Great for all appliances except your cooking range because of the heat, but so many colors to pick from and truthfully I think Stainless steel is a boring color.

kevin9408:

That would be an excellent solution to fix dented appliances. The auto body dent removal people seem to have no luck with stainless steel. You could simply fill the dent with Bondo, abrade to smooth, and wrap. Better put a stopper on that door first though: