Stainless Steel Me

Cleaning stainless steel – below are listed the 10 most popular reasons for cleaning stainless steel and the best method to suit

1. Standard soiling / markings – soap / detergent in warm water or dilute Ammonia 1%

2. Finger prints – wash with alcohol or thinner rinse with clean water

3. Oil & grease – wash with organic solvents as above, then wash with soap rinse with clean water and dry.

4. Stubborn stains / discolouration – Mild, non-scratching creams and polishes. Apply with soft cloth or soft sponge and rinse off residues with clean water and dry. Avoid cream or pastes with abrasives and chlorides.

5. Rust stains – Proprietary gels, or 10% phosphoric acid solution followed by ammonia and water rinses, or oxalic acid solution . Can also use non scratching cream as above, followed by water rinse then dry.

6. Burnt on food or carbon deposits – Pre-soak in hot water with detergent or ammonia solution. Remove deposits with nylon brush and fine scouring powder if necessary. Repeat if necessary and finish with standard cleaning.

7. Tannin (tea) stains and oily deposits in coffee pots – soak in a hot solution of washing soda i.e. sodium carbonate. Coffee deposits – soak in a hot solution of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).

8. Hard water scales and mortar/cement splashes – 10-15 volume % solution of phosphoric acid. Use warm, neutralise with dilute ammonia solution, rinse with clean water and dry. Alternatively soak in a 25% vinegar solution and use a nylon brush to remove deposits.

9. Badly neglected surfaces with accumulated grime deposits – A fine, abrasive paste as used for car body refinishing, e.g. ‘T-cut’ rinsed clean to remove all paste material then dry.

10. Paint, graffiti – alkaline or solvent paint strippers, depending upon paint type. Use soft nylon or bristle brush on patterned surfaces. Make sure you follow manufacturer’s directions.

All above are the best methods for the application. Care should be taken when using any chemicals on stainless steel and always follow the manufacturers guidelines.

One good tip to preserve and gut down cleaning on appliances especially in the kitchen is to wipe down once cleaned with an oil similar to baby oil (as produced by Johnson’s) this will prevent grease sticking and result in a shiny easy to clean surface