Frequently Asked Questions about Cleaning and Maintaining Stainless Steel

Have you ever wondered how to clean stainless steel? Below we have tried to answer a few frequently asked questions about stainless steel.

1. How to clean stainless steel.
2. How often should I clean and maintain my stainless steel?
3. Can scratches be removed from Stainless Steel?
4. How do I prevent scratching my stainless steel sink?
5. Why has my stainless steel stained after acids were used in the same room but were not applied directly to it?
6. What To Avoid using around stainless steel?

How to clean stainless steel.

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.

Stainless Steel Refrigerator doors, dishwashers, 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: How often should I clean and maintain my 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. Can scratches be removed from Stainless Steel?

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. How do I prevent scratching 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. Why has my stainless steel stained after acids were used in the same room but were not applied directly to it?

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 tile 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.