Care & Maintenance

Stainless Steel Care & Maintenance

All grades of stainless steel can stain or discolour due to surface deposits and should never be considered completely maintenance-free. To achieve maximum corrosion resistance, stainless steel surfaces must be kept clean.

Stainless steel is highly rust-resistant and will not rust under normal conditions. Marks that appear to be rust are almost always discolouration or staining caused by inadequate cleaning routines. With correct cleaning carried out on a regular schedule, excellent performance and long service life can be expected.

All exposed stainless steel surfaces are typically supplied with a satin polished finish, unless stated otherwise.

Powder coating services are available in a range of colours. Please contact our sales team for further information.

Factors Affecting Maintenance

Surface contamination and deposit formation must be prevented. Deposits may include:

  • Iron or rust particles from construction processes
  • Industrial atmospheric deposits
  • Naturally occurring contaminants
  • Salt deposits in marine environments

Acids, bleaches, and non-approved chemicals must not be used on stainless steel surfaces. A mild soap and water solution is recommended for routine cleaning.

Maintenance Programme

Thorough cleaning should be completed before handover to the client. If contamination is suspected after installation, immediate cleaning will help ensure trouble-free service.

Regular cleaning prevents deposits from building up and causing discolouration.

Routine Cleaning

Use:

  • Mild soap or detergent (such as washing-up liquid)
  • A soft sponge or cloth

Wash thoroughly, rinse with clean water, and dry.

Stubborn Stains & Discolouration

Use soap and water together with a Scotch-Brite™ synthetic cleaning pad, rubbing gently along the grain of the stainless steel.

Scratches on Brushed Satin Finish

Light scratches can be reduced using a Scotch-Brite™ pad with washing-up liquid, rubbing firmly along the grain of the material.

Solid Surface Materials

Cleaning

Everyday spills can be removed using:

  • A damp cloth
  • General purpose cleaner (e.g., Ajax Spray n’ Wipe)

Stubborn marks such as food, dye, tea, or fruit juice may require:

  • Bleach diluted 1:1 with water
  • Followed by a general purpose cleanser

Bleach should remain on the surface for no longer than two minutes.