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Inspect the equipment frequently. If you notice discoloration, tarnish or water stains,
increase the frequency of your cleanings. You can also try cleaning with borax, soda
ash, or a non-abrasive commercial cleanser and water. Deeper stains may be
removed with a magnesium oxide, ammonia and water paste. Wipe clean with water
rinse and dry the plate.
Light rusting on the faceplate can be removed with a stronger cleaning agent, such
as Simichrome Polish. For stronger corrosion, naval jelly is recommended. To
remove or reduce pitting damage caused by corrosion, mechanical polishing is
preferred to chemical cleansing. Scotchbrite works well for this purpose. Work only in
the direction of the existing grain and never use steel wool.
Please refer to ASTM A-967 and ASTM A-380 guidelines regarding stainless steel
passivation and maintenance.
C.
Preventative Maintenance
For most installations the stainless steel finish does not require any maintenance to
prevent the occurrence of corrosion. In rare cases, e.g. high humidity environment,
exposure to airborne contaminants or direct contact with certain chemical
compounds like salt spray, it may be required to perform preventative maintenance
on a regular basis.
A regular automotive wax can be used to prevent corrosion of the stainless steel.
Follow these directions to reinforce the chromium oxide layer on the faceplate and
prevent it from further corrosion:
-
Wet a cleaning pad with fresh water (do not use chlorine water) and apply powered
cleanser;
-
Using gentle pressure, rub stained areas in the same direction of the existing
polishing grain until stains are removed;
-
Rinse with clean water. Use cleaner de-greaser to remove any stains;
-
Thoroughly dry the stainless steel faceplate;
-
Apply a layer of an automotive wax on the faceplate and wait until it dries out to a
haze;
-
Buff the wax in with a soft dry cloth until the residue is gone.
DO NOT use steel wool, sandpaper, mineral acids, bleaches, or chlorine
cleansers on the stainless steel surface.
