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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT
CLEANING & MAINTAINING STAINLESS STEEL |
Q:
How often should maintenance be carried out on stainless steel?
Maintenance on stainless steel varies due to different applications.
Interior stainless steel i.e: benches, shower
trays, hand-basins, may require general cleaning on a day
to day basis to maintain hygiene standards. However chemical
and machine polishing processes can be carried out to remove
scratches and discolouration based on personal preference.
As a rule it is quite simply "clean the metal when it
is dirty in order to restore its original appearance".
Stainless steel can be frequently machined without causing
damage.
Exterior stainless steel i.e: handrails,
sculptures, down-pipes, signage, requires general cleaning
to remove pollution, road grime or salt build up due to close
proximity to the sea. Working environments can also create
more aggressive conditions, such as the warm, high humidity
atmosphere above indoor swimming pools. These environments
can increase the speed of corrosion and therefore require
more frequent maintenance.
Stainless Restorations recommends maintenance
on a 4 – 6 monthly basis for exterior stainless steel.
The stainless steel is chemically treated, machine polished
and protective coated to enhance the appearance of the stainless
steel and prevent corrosion. If corrosion is left on the surface
it will cause pitting which is difficult to remove and this
may result in replacement.
Q. What
can I do to clean and maintain my stainless steel?
Bench Tops/Sinks – Wash surface with
a soft cloth, and diluted cream cleanser. Rinse and dry after
every use. Drying is very important to eliminate any film
build-up that may develop from hard water deposits.
Refrigerator door, dishwasher and range hood panels
etc – wipe surface with a soft cloth using
a mild detergent and warm water. Always wipe in the direction
of the grain, and remove all traces of detergent. Dry with
a soft cloth.
Stainless Restorations have an oil protective
coating, which is used to enhance the appearance of the stainless
steel and protect the surface. This coating is designed for
satin finishes only and is commonly used on appliances. This
product can be purchased by contacting us.
Boat Fittings – all fittings should
be frequently washed down with fresh water to remove salt
deposits from the surface of the stainless steel. If the salt
deposits are left to form corrosion on the surface of the
steel this may cause pitting which will be difficult to remove.
Stainless Restorations can provide an “on-site”
service to chemically treat, machine polish, and protective
coat your stainless steel to ensure it remains in the best
possible condition.
Q. Can scratches
be removed?
Yes. Stainless Restorations specialise in chemically treating
and machining stainless steel to remove discolouration and
scratching from all grades or styles of stainless steel.
We offer an “on site” and “in place”
service which returns your stainless steel back to a near
new condition.
(refer - before/after photo gallery)
Q. What
can I use to prevent scratching of my stainless steel sink?
Perforated rubber or plastic mats in the sink will cut down
on scratching and marking by pans and tableware. Wash with
a solution of hand dish washing liquid detergent and water;
rinse and polish dry with soft cloth or paper towel. Never
use scouring powders or steel wool as they will scratch stainless
steel.
Q. I have staining that has appeared on my
stainless steel after acids were used in the same room but
not applied directly on it – why has this happened?
Some acids release strong “fumes” that can attack
the surface of the stainless steel and leave an unpleasant
appearance. It is not necessary for the acid to directly come
in contact with the stainless steel; just the “fumes”
from it will cause the discoloration of the metal. Stainless
Restorations can repair damage caused by chemicals and return
the stainless steel back to a near new condition
Q. What
To Avoid using around stainless steel?
• Bleaches containing hypochlorite
will attack stainless steel and cause pitting and staining.
• Certain foods, when left for prolonged
periods, can cause pitting and corrosion. Examples are citric
fruit juices, salt, vinegar, mustard, pickles, and mayonnaise
(even used teabags can leave hard to remove stains).
• Silver dip cleaners contain acids
which attack stainless steel and leave a permanent stain.
• Muratic acid which is sometimes used
with grout around title and stone etc.
• Strong acids can damage stainless
steel (i.e., photographic developing liquids or denture cleanser),
if they come in contact with the stainless steel.
Should these come in contact with your stainless steel
they must be washed away immediately with clean water.
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