Stainless steel acquires minimal staining and corrosion, but must be kept clean. Luckily, cleaning costs are low. Follow these steps to keep your stainless steel in primo condition:
- Clean stainless steel frequently with a sponge and warm, soapy water. Detergent and ammonia can also be used. Always wipe in the direction of the polish lines. You can use soft cloths and plastic scouring pads. Do not use wire brushes, metal scrapers or metal scouring pads.
- To clean off stains and small discolorations, use a sponge with stainless steel cleaner or another mild cleanser. Some usable cleansers you can use are alkaline, alkaline chlorinated, or non-chloride cleaners. This includes Arcal 20 and Lac-O-Nu Ecoshine. An old toothbrush can come in handy when cleaning the surface. Do not use abrasive cleaners containing quaternary salts, chlorides or hydrochloric acids. For difficult stains, use Cameo, Talc or Zud First Impression.
- To clean up oil or grease marks, use organic solvents, such as acetone or alcohol. You can also use a good commercial detergent. For baked-on grease, soak the steel with ammonia before using organic solvents. Finish cleaning the stainless steel using soapy water and rinse.
- To clean off food grease you can use Easy-off, De Grease It or Oven Aid cleaners.
- For cleaning off rust or other corrosion, use a mixture ratio of one part nitric acid to nine parts warm water. Remember, when creating the mixture, to always add the acid to the water. Let it sit on the stainless steel for at least 30 minutes. Be cautious; use gloves and safety glasses when cleaning with acid. After cleaning with acid, rinse the area with clean water. Do not breathe the fumes.
- In restoration of your stainless steel, try cleaning with Benefit or Super Sheen.