Stainless steel is easy to clean, washing with soap or mild detergent and warm water followed by a clear water rinse typically being adequate. Where stainless steel has become extremely dirty with signs of surface discolouration (perhaps following a period of neglect or misuse) then the following alternative methods of cleaning can be used.
| Requirement | Suggested Method | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Routine cleaning of light soiling | Soap, detergent or dilute (1%) ammonia solution in warm water. Apply with a clean sponge, soft cloth or soft-fibre brush then rinse in clean water and dry. | Satisfactory on most surfaces |
| Fingerprints | Detergent and warm water, alternatively, hydrocarbon solvent | Proprietary spray-applied polishes available to clean and minimise remarking. |
| Oil and grease marks | Hydrocarbon solvents (methylated spirit, isopropyl alcohol or acetone) | Alkaline formulations are also available with surfactant e.g. ‘D7’ Polish. |
| Stubborn spots, stains & light discolouration. Water marking. Light rust staining | mild, non-scratching creams and polishes. Apply with soft cloth or soft sponge and rinse off residues with clean water and dry | Avoid cleaning pastes with abrasive additions. Suitable cream cleansers are available with soft calcium carbonate additions. Do not use chloride solutions. |
| Localised rust stains caused by carbon steel contamination | Proprietary gels, or 10% phosphoric acid solution (followed by ammonia and water rinses), or oxalic solution (followed by water rinse). | Small areas may be treated with a rubbing block comprising fine abrasive in a hard rubber or plastic filler. Carbon steel wool should notbe used, nor should pads that have previously been used on carbon steel. |
| Adherent hard water scales | 10-15 volume % solution of prosphoric 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 | Proprietary formulations available with surfactant additions. Take special care when using hydrochloric acid based mortar removers. |
| Heavy discolouration | a) Non-scratching cream or polish, or b) Nylon-type pad | a) Creams are suitable for most finishes, but only use on bright polished surfaces. Some slight scratching can be left. b) Use on brushed and polished finishes along the grain. |
| Badly neglected surfaces with accumulated grime deposits | A fine, abrasive paste as used for car body refinishing, rinsed clean to remove all paste material and dried. | May brighten dull finishes. To avoid a patchy appearance, the whole surface may need to be treated. |
