How to Clean?
Stainless steel is synonymous with long life and durability of appearance. Nevertheless, it is essential to clean their surfaces periodically, in order to remove dirt. Routine maintenance is performed as preventive measure. The cleaning frequency depends on grade, surface finish, part geometry and service environment.
| Contaminations | Cleaning Method |
|---|---|
| Fingerprints | Wash with soap, detergent, or solvent such as alcohol or acetone. Rinse well cold water and wipe dry. |
| Oil & Grease | Wash with organic/hydrocarbon solvent (e.g. alcohol) then wash with soap or mild detergent and water. Rinse well with cold water and wipe dry. Soaking prior to cleaning in hot soapy water is recommended. |
| Paint | Wash with paint solvent using soft nylon brush, and then rinse with cold water and wipe dry. |
| Carbon Deposit or Baked-on | Soak in water. Use ammonia-based cleaning solution. Rinse well with cold water and wipe dry. |
| Heat discoloration | Use non-metallic scouring pad with non-abrasive substance (e.g. Brasso). Stain must be removed physically. Rub in the direction of the finish. Rinse well with cold water and wipe dry. |
| Label and sticker | Soak in hot soapy water. Take the label off and remove glue with methylated spirits or benzene. Followed by washing with soap or detergent and water. Rinse thoroughly with in hot water. Wipe dry with soft clean cloth. |
| Water Marks-Lime Scale | Soak in hot soapy water. Take the label off and remove glue with methylated spirits or benzene. Followed by washing with soap or detergent and water. Rinse thoroughly with in hot water. Wipe dry with soft clean cloth. |
| Tannin-Tea and Coffee | Wash with washing soda (sodium bicarbonate) in hot water. Followed by washing with soap or detergent and water. Rinse thoroughly with in hot water. Wipe dry with soft clean cloth. |
| Rust stains | Soak parts in 9:1 warm water to nitric acid solution for ½ to 1 hour. Wash thoroughly with water. Or Wet the surface with oxalic acid solution and leave it for approximately 20 minutes. Rinse well with cold water and wipe dry. Or Mechanical decaling may be needed in case of hard-to-remove rust stain. |