Due to its excellent resistance and beauty, stainless steel is an easy-care material, sometimes tending to have the mistaken idea that it does not require maintenance. In order to preserve their innate qualities, it is necessary to follow some minimum recommendations during storage, handling and use, which with proper routine cleaning, allow to maintain the original characteristics unaltered, preserving their resistance to corrosion, hygiene and appearance.
Stainless steel is the only metal that can regenerate itself. It has a thin layer of adherent oxides formed mainly by chromium, iron and nickel oxides which, when clean and properly formed, are quite inert, under most conditions. In this state it is said that stainless steel is “passive”. The following passivation treatments are mainly cleaning and do not induce passivity, but repair the defects on the surface and eliminate substances that may damage the surface film.
Remember that the secret of cleaning and maintenance is the use of proper procedures and products.
See the following cleaning techniques*:
With a soft cloth or a damp, soapy sponge or isopropyl alcohol. In mirror finish, use clean glass. To reduce new occurrences, apply household polishes based on wax on the clean and dry surface.
Wash with water under pressure or steam. Use detergent.
Immerse the piece in warm water and rub with a soft cloth. If the adhesive persists, dry and use alcohol or an organic solvent. Never scrape with spatulas, blades or abrasives.
Thick deposits should be cleaned with a soft cloth. Then, the piece must be immersed in a solution of alkaline detergent or ammonia.
Treat the surface with 10% nitric acid solution and 2% hydrofluoric acid. Wash with plenty of water and dry.
With a fine abrasive, polish the surface. Decap the surface with a solution of 10% nitric acid and 2% sulfuric acid until all traces are eliminated. Electro polish or wash with warm water.
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The surface should be washed with a 20% nitric acid solution and then rinsed with water.
Polishing with a fine-grained abrasive.
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Polish with a fine-grained abrasive or, weld over if it is in the weld line.
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Can be prevented by the use of adhesive films on the sides of the weld bead, or removed with a fine-grained abrasive.
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Remove with grinders and re-weld.
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Can be washed with clean water or alkaline cleaners.
Dissolve with nitric or phosphoric acid. Rinse with clean water. If necessary, use a fine-grained abrasive.
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Use mild cleansing solution. Make sure that the solution you use is compatible with stainless steel. Phosphoric acid cleaners can also work. Use a cloth, sponge or fiber brush (nylon or natural bristle, it could be an old toothbrush). Rinse well with clean water and dry following the polishing lines.
Dissolve 1 part of vinegar in 3 parts of water. Soak in this solution and then brush to loosen the tank. Rinse well with clean water.
Use organic solvents (acetone, alcohol, methylated alcohol or certified products for stainless steel). The stuck grease can be loosened before applying the solvent, applying ammonia. Subsequently, clean with soap and water; Rinse with clean water and dry following the polishing lines.
*please use discretion by considering any water restrictions in your area