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Instructions on how
to take care of products
Suggested Methods of
Cleaning Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel Mistakes NOT to Make
You should enjoy a lifetime of "productivity" from your Stainless
Steel products. However, to ensure that this is possible, it still needs some
simple care and maintenance.
The attractive and hygienic surface appearance of stainless steel products
cannot be regarded as completely maintenance free. All grades and finishes of
stainless steel may in fact stain, discolour or attain an adhering layer of
grime in normal service. To achieve maximum corrosion resistance the surface of
the stainless steel product must be kept clean. Provided the grade, condition
and surface finish were correctly selected for the particular service
environment, fabrication and installation procedures were correct and that
cleaning schedules are carried out regularly, good performance and long life
will be achieved.
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Routine Cleaning
All finishes
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Soap or mild detergent and water (Preferably
warm)
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Sponge, rinse with clean water, wipe dry if
necessary. Follow polish lines.
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Fingerprints
All finishes
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Soap and warm water or organic solvent (eg
acetone, alcohol, methylated spirits)
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Rinse with clean water and wipe dry. Follow
polish lines.
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Stubborn Stains and Discolouration.
All finishes.
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Mild cleaning solutions, eg. Jif, specialty
stainless steel cleaners.
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Use rag, sponge or fibre brush (soft nylon or
natural bristle. An old toothbrush can be useful). Rinse well with clean
water and wipe dry. Follow polish lines.
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Lime Deposits from Hard Water.
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Solution of one part vinegar to three parts
water.
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Soak in solution then brush to loosen. Rinse
well with clean water.
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Oil or Grease Marks.
All finishes.
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Organic solvents (eg. acetone, alcohol,
methylated spirits, proprietary "safety solvents"). Baked-on
grease can be softened beforehand with ammonia.
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Clean after with soap and water, rinse with
clean water and dry. Follow polish lines.
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Rust and other Corrosion Products.
Embedded or Adhering "Free Iron".
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Rust stains can be removed by adding one part
of nitric acid to nine parts of warm water. Leave for 30 to 60 minutes,
then wash off with plenty of water, and flush any drains thoroughly. See
also previous section on Passivating.
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Rinse well with clean water. Wear rubber
gloves, mix the solution in a glass container, and be very careful with
the acid. (see Precautions for acid cleaners)
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Routine Cleaning of Boat Fittings.
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Frequent washing down with fresh water.
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Washing is recommended after each time the
boat is used in salt water.
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Cooking Pot Boiled Dry.
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Remove burnt food by soaking in hot water
with detergent, baking soda or ammonia.
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Afterwards clean and polish, with a mild
abrasive if necessary. See comments re steel wool.
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Dark Oxide From Welding or Heat Treatment.
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"Pickling Paste" or pickling
solutions given on previous page.
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Must be carefully rinsed, and use care in
handling (see Precautions for acid cleaners).
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Scratches on Polished (Satin) Finish.
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Slight scratches - use impregnated nylon
pads. Polish with scurfs dressed with iron-free abrasives for deeper
scratches. Follow polish lines. Then clean with soap or detergent as for
routine cleaning.
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Do not use ordinary steel wool - iron
particles can become embedded in stainless steel and cause further surface
problems. Stainless steel and "Scotch-brite" scouring pads are
satisfactory.
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Do not use abrasive cleaners that will scratch the surface.
Depending on the surface finish of your stainless steel, abrasive cleaners
can cause scratching. Duller finishes probably won't show scratching as much as
mirror or highly polished finishes. When in doubt, test in a hidden spot, and
also work from the least risky type of cleaning, (ie water) to the heavy duty
stuff.
Do not forget to rinse.
Gritty or dirty water, or residue from cleaning solutions left on a stainless
steel surface can stain or damage the finish.
Do not use cleaners containing chlorine.
While it may be second nature to bleach everything, stainless steel and
chlorine don't mix. Stay away from the bleach when you clean stainless steel.
Do not use steel wool or steel brushes.
These products leave little particles in the surface of the steel and
inevitably these particles begin rusting and staining the surface of the steel.
They also can excessively scratch the surface of your stainless steel.
Do not assume it's the cleaner.
If you do have some spotting or staining, and you've followed all of the
rules, it may not be the cleaner. Water, especially hard water, can leave
spotting and staining on stainless steel surfaces. Towel dry after rinsing can
end the problem.
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