How to clean stainless steel?

Stainless steel has strong corrosion resistance - however, stainless steel applications can still be at risk of surface damage. In harsh environments, without regular cleaning and maintenance, long-term oxidation, corrosion, rust or staining may occur. Repeated mechanical damage also causes the metal to degrade faster.

All stainless steels contain at least 10.5% chromium by weight. It is this chromium content that forms a shielding layer called the passivation layer, which protects the stainless steel from corrosion by other steels. The higher the chromium content, the better the corrosion resistance. Stainless steel rust occurs when the passivation layer is damaged and there is not enough chromium to allow it to reform.

Stainless steel applications require regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent oxidation, corrosion, rust and staining.

Regular stainless steel cleaning.

Stainless steel must be cleaned regularly to maintain the integrity of the metal and maintain its original appearance. With proper maintenance and selection of the appropriate grade, stainless steel can be protected from corrosion. If the maintenance of stainless steel is neglected, corrosive substances may accumulate on fragile surfaces.

Daily cleaning procedures (performed every 6 months).

Use a soft nylon brush to remove accumulated dirt.

Wash with mild soap or detergent.

Then rinse it off with water.

Dry with a soft cloth, disposable rag or hair dryer.

The care and maintenance of stainless steel may require the use of harmful chemicals. Follow all safety instructions provided with cleaners or polishes. Ensure that personal protective equipment is worn in accordance with occupational health and safety guidelines.

Specific stainless steel cleaning.

When stainless steel becomes very dirty and shows signs of surface discoloration or corrosion, daily cleaning may no longer be enough. Listed below are cleaning methods designed for specific types of damage.

Unsightly fingerprints left on stainless steel applications can be cleaned with soap and warm water.

Fingerprint

Wash with soap or detergent and warm water.

Commercially available solutions or hydrocarbon solvents may also be used.

Oil and grease on stainless steel can be removed with solvents and a scratch-free cloth.

Traces of grease.

Use isopropyl alcohol, acetone, or methylated alcohol.

Apply the solvent multiple times with a clean, scratch-free cloth until all traces are removed.

Use diluted ammonia or cleaner to remove burnt stains from stainless steel POTS and pans.

A burnt stain.

Soak in hot water and diluted ammonia or detergent.

Remove dirt with a nylon brush.

Use finely ground powder if necessary, but be careful not to scratch the polished surface.

Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Coffee or tea stains on stainless steel tableware can be removed with sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate solution.

Discoloration, coffee and tea stains.

Change color

Use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner.

Apply with a soft cloth or sponge.

Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Coffee stains.

Soak in sodium bicarbonate solution (baking soda and warm water).

Tea stain

Soak in sodium carbonate solution (wash soda and warm water).

If the object is too large to soak, use a sponge or soft cloth.

Local rust spots can be treated with oxalic acid solution.

Some rust.

Apply the oxalic acid solution to a soft cloth.

Leave the solution on the surface for a few minutes to dissolve the contamination particles.

Rinse off any remaining solution with clean water.

Try using a vinegar solution to treat scale on stainless steel.

Scale, cement and mortar spatter.

Scale.

Dilute one part vinegar with three parts water, then apply with a nylon brush.

Cement and mortar spatter.

The flush splashed out immediately.

Soak in warm water with 10%-15% phosphoric acid solution.

Apply the cleaner evenly, wait 30-60 minutes, and then neutralize the acid with an alkaline cleaner or diluted ammonia.

Rinse well with water.

Graffiti can be removed from stainless steel using biodegradable graffiti cleaning wipes.

doodle

Use biodegradable graffiti cleaning spray or wipes.

Avoid using knives or hard scraping tools to prevent damage to the stainless steel surface.

Hot stains on stainless steel surfaces can be removed with a household metal polish.

Hot soak.

Use household metal polishes (chrome polishes for automotive parts are widely available and effective).

Treat the entire stainless steel surface to avoid discoloration.

Severely damaged products should be removed from service prior to repair or replacement.