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The combination of these three factors may lead to the eventual destruction of parts of the equipment, even if they have been made in very
high quality stainless steel.
Note that when stainless steel becomes corroded, it is extremely rare that this is generated by the steel itself. Generally, cleaning
products, which are not appropriate or are improperly used, lack of maintenance or extreme conditions of use are often found to be the
cause of the damage.
The manufacturer will not be held responsible for cases of corrosion resulting from these conditions and the warranty will not
apply.
A list of the most frequent causes follows, to allow you to better identify possible inappropriate use and to ensure the long service
life of your equipment.
13.2 THE COMMONEST CAUSES OF CORROSION:
Floor cleaning
Floors are often cleaned with very aggressive products (prior to handover or during a kitchen deep clean). If the product is sprayed,
without necessary precautions or suitable dilution, any splashes on the appliances may result in the corrosion of legs, bases and low level trims.
Worse still, if the area is not properly ventilated after application, the vapour from these products may settle on the equipment and result in
corrosion spreading to the entire surfaces.
Inappropriate cleaning product (Bleach, Acids, Soda)
If inappropriate products, such as bleach, acid or soda dilutions, (all products which are not specifically designed for the maintenance of
stainless steels) are used, irreversible etching of the stainless steel surfaces can occur.
Cleaning product applied when the temperature is too high
All cleaning products are more aggressive at higher temperature. In principle the temperature of any surface must not exceed 60°C or
permanent staining (blackening) of the stainless steel will result.
Inadequate rinsing after cleaning
After cleaning the surfaces should all be rinsed thoroughly to remove any chemical residues. If this is not done the residue will continue to
act over time with the risk of starting the corrosive process.
Worse still, if the affected surface is submitted to temperatures over 60°C (inside of an oven, a tank or tank,...), the impact will be greater
and corrosion will almost inevitably occur.
Stagnation of cleaning products
In the same way, all the areas that can trap chemicals, especially the channels, gutters, drainage manifolds, traps etc. must be subject to
careful and plentiful rinsing. (Use a nylon brush to reinforce the action of rinsing with clean water).
Salt concentration
Salt, much in use in kitchens, is often found to be the origin of pitting that can even penetrate the stainless steel. Spillages on any surface
should be cleaned up at once.
Particular case of cooking in boiling salted water:
Salting water in a tank or tank presents a major risk: never put cooking salt into the tank before the water and remember that salt can
concentrating on the base of the tank. Salt should be added to the water and stirred until it dissolves, the risk is reduced using table salt which
dissolves faster.
Intensive use with brine
Certain products, such as sauerkraut (acid juices), fish and sea food (presence of salt), and in general, all brines, must be subject to
particular attention. In the case of occasional use there should be no problem if equipment is carefully and systematically cleaned after each use.
In the case of intensive use, all the cooking equipment (ovens, boiling pans, even utensils) must be selected with a grade of stainless steel
specifically adapted to use in such an environment
Too much chlorine in the mains water supply
Sometimes certain networks supply water containing chlorine at above normal levels. In this event it is not unusual to be faced with
problems of corrosion, pay particular attention to bain-marie, water baths, and equipment left to soak overnight etc.
Cleaning aluminium or aluminium coated items
The presence of aluminium or items that are aluminium coated in a chlorine solution is a particularly powerful catalyst for damaging
stainless steel.
Do not leave fittings such as hood filters, aluminium trays or dishes soaking in tanks, tanks, pots, fryers etc. Just one night is sufficient to
etch stainless steel at the point of contact with aluminium.
Page 27
WARNING!
3EE490044EU – 09/19
ELRO-Werke AG
Wohlerstrasse 47
5620 Bremgarten
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