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Cleaning and Maintenance
Don't Despair! Here are a few steps that can help prevent
stainless steel rust.
1. Use the Proper Tools
When cleaning your stainless steel products, take care to
use non-abrasive tools. Soft Cloths and plastic scouring pads
will NOT harm the steel's passive layer. Stainless steel pads
can also be used but the scrubbing motion must be in the
same direction of the manufacturer's polishing marks.
2. Clean With the Polish Lines
Some stainless steels come with visible polishing lines or
"grain". When visible lines are present, you should ALWAYS
scrub in a motion that is parallel to them. When the grain
cannot be seen, play it safe and use a soft cloth or plastic
scouring pad.
3. Use Alkaline
Non-chloride Containing Cleaners
While many traditional cleaners are loaded with chlorides,
the industry is providing an ever increasing choice of non-
chloride cleaners. If they tell you that your present cleaner
contains chlorides, ask for an alternative. Also, avoid cleaners
containing quaternary salts as they also can attack stain-
less steel & cause pitting and rusting. Avoid cleaners and
sanitizers that contain chlorides." Remove "If you are not
sure of your cleaner's chloride content contact your cleaner
supplier.
4. Treat your Water
Though this is not always practical, softening hard water
can do much to reduce deposits. There are certain filters
that can be installed to remove distasteful and corrosive
elements. Salts in a properly maintained water softener are
your friends. If you are not sure of the proper water treat-
ment, call a treatment specialist.
5. Keep your Food Equipment Clean
Use alkaline or non-chlorinated cleaners at recommended
strength. Clean frequently to avoid build-up of hard, stub-
born stains. If you boil water in your stainless steel equip-
ment, remember the single most likely cause of damage
is chlorides in the water. Heating cleaners that contain
chlorides has a similar effect.
6. RINSE, RINSE, RINSE
Chlorinated cleaners and sanitizers are to be avoided. The
sooner you wipe off standing water, especially when sit con-
tains cleaning agents, the better. After wiping the equipment
down, allow it to air dry for the oxygen helps maintain the
stainless steel's passivity film.
7. Never Use Hydrochloric Acid (Muriatic Acid) on
Stainless Steel
8. Regularly Restore/Passivate Stainless Steel
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