Care instructions for stainless steel

Why does the material need to be cleaned?

Stainless steel also requires regular care to maintain its corrosion resistance and visual appearance. Contaminants such as sulphur dioxide, chlorides and foreign iron particles can attack the surface and damage the passive layer. Cleaning is particularly important in marine and industrial atmospheres, as concentrated pollutants can lead to spot corrosion. Regular cleaning prevents staining and reduces the risk of damage.

How is cleaning carried out?

There are two types of cleaning:
Maintenance cleaning: Removes dirt and deposits from intact surfaces and preserves the appearance and corrosion resistance of stainless steel.
Renovation cleaning: Required with visible discolouration and incipient corrosion. This is carried out with special acidic cleaners that safely remove corrosion products and passivate the surface again.

• Light soiling and oily, greasy soiling: Remove with water, chloride-free glass cleaners or mild cleaning milk with calcium carbonate or with a commercially available stainless steel cleaner. Then rinse off residues thoroughly with demineralised water to avoid traces of limescale.
• Limescale residues: Treat with standard household limescale remover (bathroom cleaner) or diluted vinegar (1 part vinegar, 3 parts water).
• Lime or cement mortar splatter: Before hardening, scrape off with a rubber scraper or wooden spatula and then remove with a commercially available stainless steel cleaner. Then rinse with plenty of clean water.
• Iron particles, grinding dust, swarf, welding spatter: Remove immediately with standard household (ferrite-free) cleaning sponges or special cleaners. Professional mechanical or pickling treatments are required for advanced corrosion.

The elements must be protected from soiling and damage during construction work after the stable equipment has been installed. Soiling caused by mortar, paint, concrete etc. must be removed immediately.