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Appendix B Stainless Steel Care and Maintenance
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Iron or Carbon Steel Contamination
Passivated stainless steel surfaces can be compromised by contact with iron or carbon
steel products. This can result from exposure to nearby welding, cutting, drilling, or
grinding of carbon steel. Grit from iron or carbon steel will quickly rust in the presence
of moisture. If left unattended, contaminates may compromise passivation, leading to
stainless steel rust. To remove contaminants from stainless steel surfaces, use a soft cloth
to apply a solution of Oxalic Acid. Leave solution on surface for a few minutes to dissolve
contaminating particles. Once clean, thoroughly rinse away all residual solution with clean
water.
Corrosion
Type 316 Stainless Steel does not corrode with proper care. If signs of corrosion appear,
clean immediately.
• Minor: Use an all-purpose lubricant, such as WD-40, to wipe affected stainless
steel. Domestic stainless steel cleaners containing calcium carbonate or citric acid,
such as Citisurf 77 Plus, can also be used. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. If rust
remains, treat as moderate. If rust returns in a short time, treat for iron or carbon steel
contamination.
• Moderate: Use E-NOX CLEAN or another Phosphoric Acid based stainless steel
cleaner. Spread cleaner evenly over the surface, wait 30-60 minutes, and then
neutralize the acid with an alkaline cleaner like UNO S F. Thoroughly rinse away all
residue with clean water. If rust remains, stainless steel may need to be treated for
severe corrosion or be replaced. If rust returns in a short time, treat for iron or carbon
steel contamination.
• Severe: Due to the highly corrosive nature of severe rust treatments, and the inherent
risks to personnel and surrounding environments, a professional service provider is
recommended. Severe rust is treated with a pickling bath, typically containing highly
corrosive hydrofluoric acid. Once treated, stainless steel can be passivized with mild
nitric acid.
Mortar and Cement Spatter
If mortar or cement comes into contact with stainless steel, remove immediately. Use
E-NOX CLEAN or another Phosphoric Acid based stainless steel cleaner. Spread cleaner
evenly over the surface, wait 30-60 minutes, and then neutralize the acid with an alkaline
cleaner like UNO S F. Thoroughly rinse away all residue with clean water.
Graffiti Removal
Remove graffiti from stainless steel with a biodegradable graffiti-cleaning spray or wipe.
Avoid using knives or hard scraping tools to remove graffiti, as these may damage
stainless steel surfaces.
Oil and Grease Marks
Remove oil or grease from stainless steel with hydrocarbon solvents such as methylated
spirit (Bartoline is a common brand), isopropyl alcohol (that is, rubbing alcohol) or acetone.
Apply solvent several times with a clean, non-scratching cloth until all oil or grease is
removed.