Use and Care Guide

STAINLESS STEEL CARE AND CLEANING
CAUTION: Do not use any steel wool, abrasive or chlorine based products to
clean stainless steel surfaces.
Stainless Steel Enemies
and allow corrosion to occur.
There are three basic items that can break down stainless steel’s passivity layer
8 Steps that can help prevent rust on stainless steel
• Clean along the polish lines. Polish lines or grain are visible on some stainless steel.
• Water treatment. To reduce deposits, use soft water whenever possible. Installation
• Maintain cleanliness of food equipment. Use cleaners at recommended strength
(alkaline, alkaline chlorinated or non-chloride). Avoid buildup of hard stains by
• Hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid) should never be used on stainless steel.
• Regularly restore/passivate stainless steel.
• Scratches from wire brushes, metal scrapers and steel pads are just a few examples
of items that can be abrasive to stainless steel’s surface.
• Deposits left on stainless steel can leave spots. Hard water can leave spots. Hard
water that is heated can leave deposits if left to sit for too long. These deposits can
cause the passive layer to break down and rust stainless steel. All deposits left
from food prep or service should be removed as quickly as possible.
• Chlorides are present in table salt, food and water. Household and industrial
cleaners are the worst type of chlorides to use.
• Use the correct cleaning tools. Use non-abrasive tools when cleaning your stainless
steel products. The stainless steel’s passive layer will not be harmed by soft cloths
and plastic scouring pads.
Always scrub parallel to visible lines. Use a plastic scouring pad or soft cloth when
grain is not visible.
• Use alkaline, alkaline chlorinated or non-chloride containing cleaners. While many
traditional cleaners are loaded with chlorides, the industry is providing an ever
increasing choice of non-chloride cleaners. If unsure of chloride content contact the
cleaner supplier. If present cleaner contains chlorides, ask for an alternative. Avoid
cleaners containing quaternary salts as they can attack stainless steel causing
pitting and rusting.
of certain filters can be an advantage. Contact a treatment specialist about proper
water treatment.
cleaning frequently
• When using chlorinated cleaners you must rinse and wipe dry immediately. It is
better to wipe standing cleaning agents and water as soon as possible. All stainless
steel equipment to air dry. Oxygen helps maintain the passivity film on stainless steel.