We understand that you want your PlanetBox to look spot free so we’d like to explain where spots can come from, why they are harmless, and how you can remove them.
If you have staining on the lunchbox lid in the areas where the magnets are placed, it is because the magnetic material from the back side of the magnets is rubbing off onto the box. This happens if your box or magnets are not completely dry when you place the magnets on the lunchbox.
The discoloration is only cosmetic damage. The blemishes do not affect the functioning of your PlanetBox and the marks can be cleaned off. What can be done to fix this is cleaning off the rust, switching to a new set of magnets AND always making sure both the magnets and lunchbox are totally dry before putting the magnets on the box lid each time you use it.
If there is a spot on your PlanetBox, it is most likely due to either:
1) A mark left behind from the electropolishing process, which smooths the surface of the metal and makes it shiny.
2) Detergents that contain chlorine bleach. Bleach causes pitting and “eats away” at stainless, and should never be used to clean our products. Common detergents that can contain bleach include many “Cascade” dishwashing products, as well as other brands.
3) Hard water can leave dark spots and stains on your stainless.
4) Magnetic material left from the magnets on top of the PlanetBox, especially if the magnets are accidentally left on during washing
5) Foreign material can attach itself to the lid of the lunchbox and then can proceed to corrode in place. This likely happens when customers wash their PlanetBox with other carbon steel items in their dishwasher or sink. Sharp kitchen knives are a potential culprit, as are rusty baking pans. These little flecks of iron or other contaminants attach themselves to the lid of the lunchbox. After these bits of foreign debris attach themselves to the lid they proceed to rust. If these are left unattended for a very long time they can begin to ‘pit’ the lid of the lunchbox, making very tiny divots in the surface.
If regular steel wool will not remove the spots, try a vinegar and water paste! Make a thick paste of baking soda and vinegar, and leave on for at least an hour. Try scrubbing it with a sponge and/or some fine steel wool. Rinse and dry.