A Detailed Guide to Stainless Steel Cleaning
The best thing about Stainless Steel is that it is corrosion resistant, but appliances and equipment that are made of stainless steel are still at risk of getting surface damage. In harsh environments such as factories and other industrial facilities, stainless steel applications are prone to rusting, oxidation, and staining. That is why routine stainless steel cleaning and maintenance are necessary to prevent such damages from occurring over time.
Stainless steel cleaning – Interior cleaning vs Exterior cleaning
Stainless steel has many applications. It is used to make cooking utensils, appliances, tapware, benchtops, and a whole lot more. All stainless steels have at least 10.5% chromium content by weight. Chromium creates a shield, also known as the passive layer, which gives stainless steel its corrosion-resistant properties. The higher the chromium contents in the steel, the greater its corrosion resistance.
Rusting occurs on stainless steel when this passive layer gets damaged and there is not enough chromium to “self-renew” this protective layer. The common causes of stainless steel corrosion in industrial facilities are high temperatures and contact with chlorides, sulfuric acids, hydrochloric acids, and iron or carbon steel. Knowing how to clean stainless steel properly is the key to keeping equipment and appliances in good shape.
Interior cleaning
In busy commercial settings such as factories and industrial kitchens, dirt, and grease can easily accumulate on stainless steel appliances and surfaces. While routine cleaning is necessary, major messes and spills need to be cleaned right away to prevent stubborn stains or long-term damage. Professional office cleaners know how to handle the steel appliances without damaging.
Daily stainless steel cleaning with soap and warm water should be sufficient for removing surface-level dirt and grime. It is better to avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch or damage the polish on the stainless steel. After gently scrubbing the surface with soap or detergent, you should rinse with a clean, damp cloth.
Leaving the detergent on the surface for too long can cause damage. You should also remember to wipe the surface dry to remove excess moisture.
Exterior cleaning
Because of its high resilience against corrosion and rust, stainless steel is widely used in the exteriors of buildings. It is used in building solar panels, door handles, roofing, hinges, window trimmings, and wall claddings. Discoloration and rust damage can occur when the stainless steel goes without cleaning or maintenance for a long time.
The best way to prevent corrosion and stain is to wash the stainless steel at least once a month. Make sure to never use harsh chemicals and acids such as hydrofluoric or hydrochloric acid when cleaning stainless steel items. These substances are often used to clean stone or brick structures, but should never be used on metal or steel surfaces. You should also avoid oil-based cleaners as they leave behind residue on the steel.
Take your safety, sanitation and hygiene to the next level.
Removing different types of stains and marks from stainless steel
When cleaning stainless steel surfaces, equipment, and appliances in industrial facilities, commercial cleaning services deal with a wide range of stains, marks, and grime daily. They follow cleaning best practices to avoid damage and keep the stainless steel spotless and shiny for a long time. Let’s find out how they tackle some of the most common stainless steel cleaning challenges.
Fingerprints
Dirty and oily fingertips can easily leave fingerprints on stainless steel surfaces. To remove fingerprints off of stainless steel, commercial cleaners use:
- Detergent or soap and warm water
- Commercially-available solutions such as hydrocarbon solvents
- Wipe with a microfiber cloth
Oil and grease marks
Professionals use non-scratching cloth and some type of solvent to remove oil and grease marks from stainless steel. They may also:
- Use acetone, isopropyl alcohol, or methylated spirit.
- Apply the solvent a few times with a clean and microfiber cloth until the surface is shiny and clean.
Burnt-on stains
Bunt-on food stains on stainless steel are a common sight in commercial kitchens. Companies that provide stainless steel cleaning Sydney remove such stains by using diluted ammonia. They typically follow a process that involves:
- Soaking the pots, pans, or stains in a solution of hot water and detergent or diluted ammonia
- Scrubbing the area with a nylon brush.
- Using a fine abrasive powder (but cautiously and only if it is needed)
- Rinsing thoroughly using clean water.
Discoloration, tea, and coffee stains
If you spill tea or coffee on stainless steel, make sure to wipe it clean immediately, or it will leave a nasty stain. Professionals use a bicarbonate or sodium carbonate solution to clean such stubborn stains. They may also:
- Use non-abrasive, mild cleansers.
- Scrub with a sponge or soft cloth.
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
Localized rust stains
Commercial cleaners generally use an oxalic acid solution to treat localized rust on stainless steel. They generally:
- Use a soft, non-scratching cloth for applying the oxalic acid solution.
- Leave that on the stainless steel surface for a few minutes to dissolve the particles.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Cement, limescale, and mortar splashes
When hardened, mortar, limescale, and cement splashes can be tough to remove. Experts generally use a vinegar solution to remove limescale build-up from stainless steel. For cement and mortar splashes, they typically:
- Rinse the splashes off right away to prevent hardening
- Use a phosphoric acid-based solution (10% to 15%) with warm water.
- Spread the solution evenly and leave it on for around 60 minutes.
- Neutralize the acid with diluted ammonia or an alkaline cleaner.
- Rinse off the surface with clean water.
Graffiti
Commercial facilities often face acts of vandalism like graffiti. To remove graffiti from stainless steel, commercial cleaners:
- Use biodegradable cleaning sprays or wipes that are made specifically for removing graffiti.
- Treat the area gently to avoid scratching.
These are some of the most tried and tested stainless steel cleaning tips that even you can use. If you are looking for a commercial cleaning company for stainless steel cleaning, make sure to check out JBN Cleaning.
