ᐅ Does stainless steel range hood darken over time?

Hello everyone,

my name is Christian. I have been following the forum for quite some time and would like to thank everyone who posts here for the helpful contributions, from which I have gained a lot for my own kitchen planning.

Now the planning is complete, the materials and appliances have been ordered and some have already arrived. The new range hood also arrived today via DHL. And this is exactly what is leaving me completely puzzled.

It is a stainless steel wall-mounted (or chimney) hood.

When unpacking, I noticed that at one spot the protective film was missing on an area of about 20cm x 10cm (8 inches x 4 inches). The area without the film is noticeably darker and more matte than the surrounding stainless steel surface, which makes it stand out clearly. It looks very unattractive.

Unfortunately, I have no knowledge about metals at all.

Could it be that the unprotected stainless steel simply reacted with the oxygen in the air and changed its appearance?

I would like to sincerely thank anyone who takes the time to read and comment on my post.

Christian

Stainless steel does not simply react with oxygen.
My first guess is salt or chlorine compounds, possibly from a shipping container exposed to a storm, causing all unprotected areas to corrode.
Therefore, file a complaint and request a replacement.

Nida35a schrieb:

Stainless steel does not simply react with oxygen.

I am not sure exactly what stainless steel reacts with (actually, it’s the air!), but our stainless steel surfaces develop a patina, which is normal. Then the surface is cleaned and that’s fine.
I assume it has developed an even patina without protection.
I would test cleaning on one corner as a trial, but make sure to document it.

ypg schrieb:

I would do a test plaster on one corner, but make sure to document it as well.

Since stainless steel surfaces tend to show streaks easily, be careful not to work across the grain; sanding and plastering marks will be visible indefinitely.

That can be cleaned off, and then it will streak evenly. However, you can also, of course, file a complaint.

I would file a complaint. You easily pay 1,500 units for a hood like that, so I wouldn’t try polishing it yourself or using cleaners on it.

Even if you document it, the manufacturer will probably say that it wasn’t handled properly, that the hood can’t be saved, and they won’t take it back.