10
STAINLESS STEEL EQUIPMENT CARE AND CLEANING
CAUTION : Do not use any steel wool, abrasive or chlorine based products to
clean stainless steel surfaces.
Stainless Steel Opponents
There are three basic things which can break down your stainless steel’s passivity layer and allow
corrosion to rear its ugly head.
1) Scratches from wire brushes, scrapers, and steel pads are just a few examples of items that
can be abrasive to stainless steel’s surface.
2) Deposits left on your stainless steel can leave spots. You may have hard or soft water depend-
ing on what part of the country you live in. Hard water can leave spots. Hard water that is
heated can leave deposits if left to sit too long. These deposits can cause the passive layer to
break down and rust your stainless steel. All deposits left from food prep or service should be
removed as soon as possible.
3) Chlorides are present in table salt, food, and water. Household and industrial cleaners are the
worst type of chlorides to use.
8 step that can help prevent rust on stainless steel:
1. Using 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. Step 2 tells you how
to find the polishing marks.
2. Cleaning along the polish lines
Polishing lines or “grain” are visible on some stainless steels. Always scrub parallel to visible
lines on some stainless steels. Use a plastic scouring pad or soft cloth when you cannot see
the
grain.
3. 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 you are not sure of your cleaners chloride content
contact your cleaner supplier. If they tell you that your present cleaner contains chlorides, ask if
they have an alternative. Avoid cleaners containing quaternary salts as they can attack
stainless steel, causing pitting and rusting.
