Section IV: Caring For Stainless Steel
This section provides specific guidelines for cleaning
and protecting the stainless steel surface of your
equipment.
Important!
Always disconnect power before cleaning (or
servicing) the unit. Never spray the control console,
electrical controls, gas controls, or connections with
water. Clean these areas by wiping them with a
clean, damp cloth.
The stainless steel can be cared for using any good
commercial stainless steel cleaner or polish. Contrary
to popular belief, stainless steel remains resistant to
corrosion only as long as its passive surface remains
intact. There are some basic rules to prevent the
breakdown of this surface.
Only plastic scouring pads and soft cloths should be
used, since they will not damage the stainless steel
surface. Never use anything that will scratch the
surface such as steel pads, wire brushes, or scrapers.
In the kettle liner, scratches make cleaning more
difficult and provide places for bacteria to collect and
grow. Never use steel wool since it can leave particles
embedded in the kettle liner and can also lead to
eventual corrosion and pitting. Never let deposits
from water, particularly hard water, or deposits from
food sit on the surface for extended periods. Wipe up
deposits and spills promptly. After cleaning, rinse off
the cleaning agents thoroughly with water, wipe dry,
and then allow the surface to air dry. Oxygen actually
helps maintain stainless steel’s protective surface.
Sanitizing
Suggested Tools:
a. Cleaner, such as Klenzade HC-10 or HC-32 from
ECOLAB, Inc.
b. Kettle brushes in good condition
c. Sanitizer such as Klenzade XY-12.
d. Film remover such as Klenzade LC-30.
Procedure:
1. Clean food contact surfaces as soon as possible
after use. If the unit is in continuous use, thoroughly
clean and sanitize the interior and exterior at least
once every 12 hours.
2. Scrape and flush out food residues. Be careful not
to scratch the kettle with metal implements.
3. Prepare a hot solution of the detergent/cleaning
compound as instructed by the supplier. Clean the
unit thoroughly. A cloth moistened with cleaning
solution can be used to clean controls, housings, and
electrical conduits.
4. Rinse the kettle thoroughly with hot water, and then
drain completely.
5. As part of the daily cleaning program, clean soiled
external and internal surfaces. Remember to check
the sides of the unit and control housing.
6. To remove stuck materials, use a brush, sponge,
cloth, plastic or rubber scraper, or plastic wool with the
cleaning solution. To reduce effort required in washing,
let the detergent solution sit in the kettle and soak into
the residue. Do NOT use abrasive materials or metal
tools that might scratch the surface. Scratches make
the surface harder to clean and provide places for
bacteria to grow.
7. The outside of the unit may be polished with
a stainless steel cleaner such as “Zep Stainless
Steel Polish” from Zep Manufacturing Co used in
accordance with the manufacturer’s directions.
Never use cleaners containing chlorides (or quaternary
salts, since they can also contribute to pitting and
rusting). Use only alkaline, alkaline-chlorinated, or non-
chloride cleaners.
Tip: If you’ve been doing a lot of continued boiling or
steaming, you may notice a build-up of lime or scale in
the kettle liner. This cleans up easily using vinegar, a
vinegar/water mixture, or any commercial de-liming / de-
scaling solution.
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