To maintain the appearance and shine of a stainless steel surface and to prevent rust it should be periodically cleaned in accordance with the following instructions. Discolouration and surface grime can be caused by, for example, water or solutions containing synthetic detergents if allowed to remain in contact with the stainless steel surface. Visible rust stains normally originate from foreign materials e.g. iron or carbon steel, which have been in contact with the stainless steel surface, developing rust stains through self-corrosion. Such stains can also be caused by high iron content in water, which, on evaporation, can leave rust stains behind. Stainless steel has a certain amount of sensitivity towards limited corrosion assaults (so called pointetching) caused by exposure to chloride (inhibited) materials for example salt (NaCL). This type of substance should be removed from stainless steel surfaces immediately.

Strong concentrated solutions of mineral acids as well as organic acids may cause surface corrosion. Such corrosion results in stains and generally manifests itself as a dull greyish discolouration on the surface or in severe cases as deeper surface cuts.

Please take note of the following instructions for normal maintenance and for the removal of discolouration and rust stains:

NORMAL MAINTENANCE

Apply some general purpose cleaning material e.g. cream cleaner (Cif or Ecover) to the surface and rub gently with a damp cloth or sponge ensuring that the cleaning action follows the grain of the stainless steel. Rinse off thoroughly with COLD water. Finally dry the surface very carefully with a soft cloth. If the surface remains discoloured after cleaning, repeat the cleaning process. NEVER rinse with warm or hot water and NEVER leave the cleaned surface to air dry.

THE REMOVAL OF CALCIUM DEPOSITS

Calcium deposits can develop as a result of water evaporation and may be removed with one of the following substances:
A) Vinegar
B) 10% acetic acid
C) Diluted nitric acid (one part HN03 to four parts water)
During the use of nitric acid good ventilation should be ensured and the usual rules for handling strong acids adhered to. After cleaning with these solutions the surface should be thoroughly rinsed with COLD water and dried with a soft cloth.

THE REMOVAL OF RUST STAINS AND SURFACE RUST

Surface rust, which has not been allowed to remain for a long period of time, can normally be removed by using a dry cleaning powder which should be lightly applied to the surface with a damp cloth or sponge, rinsed with COLD water and dried with a soft cloth. In the event that surface rust has been allowed to remain for an extended period, the stainless steel surface may suffer from deeper damage - which can become permanent. In such cases it is advisable to use a dry nylon fibre brush or diluted nitric acid (one part HN03 to four parts water) followed by rinsing and drying as above.