The EGAN Camping Wood Stove water tank is made of 304 stainless steel, which is the most common stainless steel. It contains both chromium (between 18% and 20%) and nickel (between 8% and 10.5%) metals as the main non-iron constituents. It is a very resilient material used in a wide range of household, industrial, and outdoor products. However, it is not perfect.

Stainless steel is resistant to rust and tarnish due to the chromium film on its surface. If this chromium film is removed, the utensil will begin to rust. During the manufacturing process, some tool marks or scratches can happen and remove the chromium film; as a result, you might see some brown color spots on the outside or inside the water tank, as shown in the following photos. If this happens to your water tank, do not worry, because first, it is normal, and second it can be fixed and prevented by knowing more about the stainless steel and following some simple steps.

Learning more about Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel is a slightly misleading name. A more accurate description would be "Harder to Stain" Steel. The largest single component of stainless steel is steel. Steel will rust. When exposed to oxygen in the atmosphere, the chromium in stainless steel forms a thin invisible layer called chromium oxide. This invisible layer covering the entire surface gives stainless steel its ability to resist stains and rust. If this layer is damaged, rust is formed on the surface at the point of that damage. The good news is that with a little cleaning and care the chromium oxide layer is self-healing.

The discoloration of steel can be anything from brown to blue depending on the exposure and what your steel is exposed to. The brown color you see on your stainless steel is most likely rust on the surface of your stainless steel. This can easily be cleaned off and prevented going forward (keep reading to know how). Stainless steel creates its own protective layer which is why it is so awesome. Also, some heat exposure can give your stainless steel a rainbow effect. Just remember that although very strong and works against the natural wear and tear of metal, it's not perfect. 

What are the causes of stainless steel discoloration/rust? How to prevent it from happening?

Outdoor stainless steel items could possibly over time become discolored or even rust. Although stainless steel is made to withstand and is very durable, it can still happen. You will have more of a risk of discoloration living close to saltwater. The discoloration process can be expedited in this environment and you should take preventive steps to avoid this happening. 

• Avoid damaging the chromium oxide layer by avoiding the use of cleaners that contain chlorides (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, etc.).
• Cleaners containing alcohol, ammonia or mineral spirits can also damage the protective layer.
• Do not use steel wool or steel brushes as minute particles of these carbon steel articles may adhere to the stainless and begin to rust.
• Avoid any caustic cleaners containing any of the above. If these compounds were to be used, extreme care must be used to remove any and all traces of the cleaner as these chemicals damage the chromium oxide layer.

The leading cause of stainless steel discoloration is using violently abrasive chemicals that will destroy its protective oxide layer. The oxide layer is what makes stainless steel what it is. Some abrasive chemicals that can endanger your stainless steel are salt, chlorides, and bleach. These can cause your stainless steel items to discolor rapidly.

How to maintain the stainless steel? How remove rust from stainless steel surface?

Remember: Stainless steel and the chromium oxide layer actually thrive on proper cleaning.

• For everyday cleaning of non-oxidized soils, dust, dirt and fingerprints, a mild soap/detergent (dish detergent) and warm water solution should be used. Use the solution to remove the soil, rinse with fresh water and a clean cloth and dry completely. Another alternative is to clean with a recommended stainless steel cleaner such as Cerama Bryte Stainless Steel Cleaner, or WEIMAN Stainless Steel Cleaner.

• Removal of oxidized stains and even “surface rust”

In the event that your stainless steel utensils do have rust on them, follow these instructions to remove it:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda in one cups of water.
2. Rub the baking soda solution/paste on the rust stain using a toothbrush. Baking soda is non-abrasive and will gently lift the rust stain from the stainless steel. It also will not damage the grain of the stainless steel.
3. Wipe and clean the spot with wet paper towel. You will see the rust on the paper towel
4. Finally, use one of the sprays introduced above (in everyday cleaning) for extra cleanness and protection