CABINET CARE
Cleaning Stainless Steel
Commercial grades of stainless steel are susceptible to rusting if not properly maintained. It is
important that you properly care for the stainless steel surfaces of your ice machine and bin to
avoid the possibility of rust or corrosion. Use the following recommended guidelines for keeping
your stainless steel looking like new:
1. Clean the stainless steel thoroughly once a week. Clean frequently to avoid build-up of
hard, stubborn stains. Also, hard water stains left to sit can weaken the steel's corrosion
resistance and lead to rust. Use a nonabrasive cloth or sponge, working with, not across, the
grain.
2. Don't use abrasive tools to clean the steel surface. Do not use steel wool, abrasive sponge
pads, wire brushes or scrapers to clean the steel. Such tools can break through the
"passivation" layer - the thin layer on the surface of stainless steel that protects it from
corrosion.
3. Don't use cleaners that use chlorine or chlorides. Don't use chlorine bleach or products like
Comet to clean the steel. Chlorides break down the passivation layer and can cause rusting.
4. Rinse with clean water. If chlorinated cleansers are used, you must thoroughly rinse the
surface with clean water and wipe dry immediately.
5. Use the right cleaning agent. The table below lists the recommended cleaning agents for
common stainless steel cleaning problems:
Cleaning Activity
Cleaning Agent
Method of Application
Routine Cleaning
Soap, Ammonia, Windex, or
detergent with water. Fantastik,
409, Spic ‘nSpan Liquid are also
approved for Stainless Steel
Apply with a clean cloth or
sponge. Rinse with clean water
and wipe dry.
Removing grease or fatty acids
Easy-off or similar oven cleaners
Apply generously, allow to stand
for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with
clean water. Repeat as required.
Removing hard water spots and
scale
Vinegar
Swab or wipe with clean cloth.
Rinse with clean water and dry.
© Supera
September 2015
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