Stainless steel maintenance
Stainless steel, also known as inox or corrosion-resistant steel, is a material that is easy to clean and highly suitable for hygienic applications in kitchens, the food industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and more. This is why it remains a popular material.
Sporadic maintenance of stainless steel is necessary.
If stainless steel does become dirty, it is generally not damaged—provided the right material quality has been chosen—but often it's external contaminants that attach themselves to the stainless steel and may start to rust or cause corrosion. A typical example is exterior wall cladding located near a busy railway; after a few months, these panels showed signs of corrosion due to tiny iron particles present in the air. It wasn't a serious issue for the stainless steel at that point, but it is recommended to clean or polish the stainless steel if it becomes contaminated.
Stainless steel has the reputation of being maintenance-free; while it is indeed very easy to maintain, it cannot be said to be completely maintenance-free. Any contamination is a burden for the stainless steel and should ideally be removed. Generally, one or two cleanings per year are sufficient, depending on the environmental contaminants. Those who prepare specifications, such as architects, would do well to establish or request a maintenance plan for stainless steel when used outdoors. Aside from the maintenance needed to prevent corrosion, the aesthetic and hygienic aspects are also important; for instance, a kitchen countertop will, of course, need more frequent cleaning.
Tips for cleaning stainless steel:
- For home use, where the base material usually has a brushed or polished finish, it's best to clean with a cloth or sponge, following the direction of the grain or brushing.
- NEVER use abrasive sponges or products. A soft cloth, sponge, or damp microfiber cloth is ideal, but definitely no scouring pads. Be cautious with abrasive detergents advertised as miracle products. These are usually not suitable for stainless steel. Also, avoid chlorine-based products.
- There are many good stainless steel cleaners available on the market, specifically designed for cleaning and maintaining stainless steel. Some of these leave a protective film on the surface. Most give good results, but the downside is that they are often not found on regular supermarket shelves, and you may need to go to specialty stores or stainless steel processors. However, this is usually unnecessary: a simple soapy solution with a bit of household detergent or even a glass cleaner almost always works.
- When ordering, keep in mind that for kitchen countertops, the non-directional brushed version is by far the easiest to maintain. Lightly soiled dishwater is enough; you clean everything with a dishcloth and dry it afterward. Super easy!
Dry the stainless steel after cleaning. It's often the lime deposits in the water droplets that leave marks. Again, wipe in the direction of the grain. This drying step is often overlooked but requires little effort and makes a world of difference.
Important!
Over time, stains may appear on stainless steel due to the use of various products, such as soaps with additives and fragrances, as well as contact with acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, or vinegar. Additionally, pigment-rich foods and water with high iron or lime content can leave stains if not properly dried.
No worries! As long as no chlorine-based products or harsh cleaning agents are used, you can easily remove stains with a good stainless steel cleaner. By treating your stainless steel surfaces every few months, these stains will disappear effortlessly, and your stainless steel will look as good as new.
Scratches, however, are permanent and cannot be removed by a cleaner.