Guidelines for the Care & Cleaning of Stainless Steels

• 316 stainless steel will not stain if maintained in clean conditions. It is protected by a thin, passive layer of chromium-oxide which is established naturally by exposure to air.
• Any staining which occurs can usually be attributed to impurities deposited on the surface of the stainless steel or certain atmospheric pollutants.
• A common cause of this phenomenon on building construction sites is the ferrous particles from angle grinding, drilling and wire brushing of other materials.
• Should this occur the ferrous particles must be removed from the surface of the stainless steel using warm water and a household detergent. If the staining has been left for some time a special stainless steel cleaner may be necessary.
• DO NOT use a wire brush or wire-wool scourer.
• DO NOT use an acid based solvent or cleaner.
• After removal of the staining, the surface must be left dry and clean to allow the protective passive chromium-oxide layer to re-form. DO NOT apply a light coat of oil as this will prevent oxygen from getting to the material.

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