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Care & Maintenance

Guidelines

Caring for Stainless Steel

What is Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel, also known as inox steel, is a steel alloy with a minimum of 10.5% chromium content

by mass. It is well known as Pan extremely hardy metal requiring little upkeep and its comparative

low initial and maintenance costs with other materials. In addition, stainless steel gives a clean,

modern look to any design and installation. Stainless steel is commonly used for its special qualities.

It does not readily corrode, rust, or stain with water as ordinary steel is prone to do. However, it is

not entirely stain-proof in low-oxygen, high-saline, or poor air-circulated environments. This is in

contrast to carbon steel, which rusts readily when exposed to air and moisture and will start to ﬂake

and fall away. Stainless steel prevents corrosion on its surface by blocking oxygen diffusion and

prevents corrosion from spreading into the metal’s internal structure. Elcoma metal Grab Bars can

be used indoors or outdoors in wet and dry environments without worry!

Properties of Stainless Steels.

When exposed to oxygen, the chromium in the steel will form a passivation (chemically protective)

layer on the surface which is thin enough to be seen by the naked eye and leaves the metal lustrous

and smooth as before. This layer is impervious to water and air, and when scratched will quickly

“heal” itself.

Elcoma uses SAE 304 stainless steel, also known as A2 stainless steel or  stainless steel. 304

steel does not easily conduct heat or electric current and is a non-magnetic metal and contains

between 17.5% and 20% chromium content and 8% nickel. 304 steel is subject to pitting and crevice

corrosion when exposed to high levels of chloride and to stress corrosion cracking at temperatures

above 60°C. It is resistant to potable water with up to ~200mg/L at standard temperatures; this

resistance drops to ~150mg/L above 60°C.

304 stainless steel should not be used in the presence of sulfuric acid. All stainless steel is resistant

to phosphoric acid and will be damaged by hydrochloric acid.

300 series stainless steels are unaffected by any weak bases including ammonium hydroxide,

even in high concentrations and at high temperatures. In contrast, stronger bases such as sodium

hydroxide at high concentrations and high temperatures are likely to experience etching and cracking,

especially with solutions containing chlorides such as sodium hypochlorite.

How do you Care for Stainless Steel?

While stainless steel is a popular industry standard, it is not 100% stain or rust proof. Regular

maintenance is required to keep stainless steel clean and free of contaminants. In most applications,

GRAB BARS, FLIP-UP RAILING, & SEATING

Page 1 Elcoma Metal Care & Maintenance

Summary of content (4 pages)

PAGE 1
Care & Maintenance Guidelines GRAB BARS, FLIP-UP RAILING, & SEATING Caring for Stainless Steel What is Stainless Steel? Stainless steel, also known as inox steel, is a steel alloy with a minimum of 10.5% chromium content by mass. It is well known as Pan extremely hardy metal requiring little upkeep and its comparative low initial and maintenance costs with other materials. In addition, stainless steel gives a clean, modern look to any design and installation.
PAGE 2
stainless steel will not rust or stain even after years of use. However, in environments including marines, high polluted areas, near highways, or locations with high chlorine content, the corrosive elements present will necessitate proper care and maintenance for continued Grab Bar upkeep. The following lists some basic guidelines for caring for your Elcoma Grab Bars: ČČ Do clean frequently with soap and water. Any glass-safe cleaner is safe. Apply and scrub with a cotton cloth to avoid abrasions.
PAGE 3
produce surface soiling after many shop operations. Greases and other contaminates may also soil surfaces in food preparation and other household and commercial situations. These soils may be corrosive and may not allow a continued passivation surface barrier, meaning that periodic removal is necessary for proper maintenance. Initially, warm water with soap or detergent may be tried, or a combination of water,detergent, and a solvent.
PAGE 4
What to use? ČČ Cleaner - Many stores sell commercial vinyl cleaners. We recommend using one of these cleaners on your vinyl seats. Many people attempt to use other types of household cleaners for various reasons, including cost. However, a cleaner specifically formulated for vinyl will be better for your seats in both short and long term use. For example, bleach is often used on vinyl, but it is too harsh and will cause it to break down over time, becoming more easily damaged by day to day wear and tear.