31
Service Manual for Subway Front Counters
MAINTENANCE
STAINLESS STEEL CARE
Cleaning
Stainless steel contains 70-80% iron, which will
rust if not properly maintained. It also contains 12-
30% chromium, which forms an invisible passive,
protective fi lm that shields against corrosion. If the
fi lm remains intact, the stainless steel will remain
intact. However, if the fi lm is damaged, the stainless
steel can break down and rust. To prevent stainless
steel breakdown, follow these steps:
CAUTION: Never use any metal tools.
Scrapers, fi les, wire brushes
or scouring pads (except for
stainless steel scouring pads)
will mar the surface.
CAUTION: Never use steel wool, which will
leave behind particles that rust.
CAUTION: Never use acid-based or
chloride-containing cleaning
solutions, which will break down
the protective fi lm.
CAUTION: Never rub in a circular motion.
CAUTION: Never leave any food products or
salt on the surface. Many foods
are acidic. Salt contains chloride.
For routine cleaning, use warm water, mild soap
or detergent and a sponge or soft cloth.
For heavy-duty cleaning, use warm water, a
degreaser and a plastic, stainless steel or Scotch-
Brite pad.
Always rinse thoroughly. Always rub gently in the
direction of the steel grain.
Preserving & Restoring
Special stainless steel polishing cleaners can
preserve and restore the protective fi lm.
Preserve the life of stainless steel with a regular
application of a high quality stainless steel polishing
cleaner as a fi nal step to daily cleaning.
If signs of breakdown appear, restore the stainless
steel surface. First, thoroughly clean, rinse and
dry the surface. Then, on a daily basis, apply a
high-quality stainless steel polish according to
manufacturer’s instructions.
Heat Tint
Darkened areas, called heat tint, may appear on
stainless steel exposed to excessive heat, which
causes the protective fi lm to thicken. It is unsightly
but is not a sign of permanent damage.
To remove heat tint, follow the routine cleaning
procedure. Stubborn heat tint will require heavy-
duty cleaning.
To reduce heat tint, limit the exposure of equipment
to excessive heat.
