QUALITIES OF STAINLESS STEEL:

 

  1. Corrosion resistant. Stainless steel is corrosion resistant due to an invisible protective film of chromium oxide formed on the surface of steel under effect of ambient oxygen. Even if steel surface is damaged physically or chemically, the protective film is restored quickly after the source of damage is removed.
    Therefore, stainless steel does not require any coating or other protection against corrosion. If properly cared of, stainless steel remains shiny and bright even after long-lasting use.
     
  2. Inert in different environments and completely non-toxic. Stainless steel surface does not absorb foods it comes in contact with or chemical detergents it is cleaned with. Hard and smooth surface is easy to clean and resistant to formation of various biofilms – therefore, stainless steel surface meets high hygiene standards.
     
  3. Resistant to both low and high temperatures. Stainless steel is very resistant to thermal shocks – quick and significant changes of temperature.
     
  4. Practical, aesthetic and durable. Physical qualities allow making economical products of different design and shapes, which are also easy to take care of. The products are sturdy, durable and resistant to wear and tear and environmental impacts.

 

However, stainless steel must be cared of and cleaned periodically to maintain good condition of its surface (aesthetic appearance and corrosion resistance).

 

INITIAL CLEANING OF STAINLESS STEEL SURFACE

 

Plastic protective film on the surface protects stainless steel products from mechanical and chemical damage during production, transportation and assembly. However, long-lasting UV effects changes the qualities of plastic film and the adhesive sticks to stainless steel too strong and becomes hard to remove. Therefore, it is recommended to remove plastic protective film as soon as it is no longer necessary (after transportation and assembly).

 

If the products are assembled after the plastic protective film is removed, it is recommended to avoid soiling them, first, by covering the products and assembling them only after other work which could generate dirt is completed. Iron particles appearing from the tools or contact with carbon steel during assembly or other work must be cleaned off immediately. Steel dust from welding, cutting, drilling, etc. can quickly result in corrosion. Not only these particles corrode themselves, they also damage the self-restoring “passive layer” of stainless steel and cause touch point corrosion.

 

DAILY CARE AND CLEANING MEANS AND FREQUENCY

 

Appropriate cleaning products are supplied by specialized surface care companies. Before cleaning, make sure that health and safety at work information of cleaning products is received from the manufacturer and fully understandable. If in doubt, contact the representatives of manufacturer of cleaning products.

 

Stainless steel must always be cleaned along the structure (polishing), not across.

 

Sources of oxidation, fingerprints and other marks may be cleaned with soapy water or special mild detergent and a soft cloth or piece of suede. We recommend spray detergents, which make cleaning easier by covering the surface with a thin layer of detergent. They remove fingerprints and dirt and prevent accumulation of dirt. Depending on the cleaner, after spraying on stainless steel, the surface has to be polished with dry cloth (masking cleaner) or just wiped off.

 

Hard to clean marks may be cleaned by nylon and specialized stainless steel detergents, which remove limescale and rust. Household creamy cleaners may also be used. These products may also be used to clean water stains and to correct uneven light reflection. After cleaning, residual detergent must be washed off with distilled water and the surface has to be dried to avoid water stains.

 

Very hard to clean dirt may be cleaned by stainless steel cleaners containing phosphoric acid. After use, wash off the residue with distilled water or high pressure spray jet, if possible, dry off the surface.

 

In case of touch point corrosion, special cleaners are used to restore the surface or it is cleaned mechanically. Restoring stainless steel protection against corrosion or using highly concentrated acids may change the visual appearance of the surface. Paste cleaners may be used to remove local corrosion focuses. Manufacturer’s instructions must be observed when using above cleaners to ensure safe work and environmental protection.

 

Prohibited:

 

  • Do not use scouring powder, because it may scratch the surface!
     
  • Do not clean the surfaces in the direction perpendicular to polishing!
     
  • Do not use cleaners containing chlorides (especially hydrochloric acid) to clean stainless steel surfaces. If such products are accidentally used, wash the surface with fresh water and clean with special cleaners removing oxides and other compounds!
     
  • Carbon steel based products, e.g., steel brushes, pads, meshes, must not be used to clean stainless steel. Beside scratching the surface, such products may leave Fe particles, which under ambient humidity may cause touch point corrosion. Do not use cleaning means and tools, which were previously used to clean carbon steel.
     
  • Do not use rough and abrasive materials!

 

To ensure hygiene in a professional kitchen, it is recommended to clean stainless steel surfaces every day.