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Stainless Steel Care and Maintenance(Continued)
Do not assume it's the cleaner. If you do have some spotting or staining, and you've followed
all of the suggestions, it may not be the cleaner. Water, especially hard water, can leave
spotting and staining on stainless steel surfaces. Hard water can leave mineral deposits,
resulting in whitish-colored spots and streaks. Remove hard water stains with vinegar or with
stainless steel cleaning polish. Prevent hard water stains by towel-drying after every wash. Do
not allow soaps and cleaners to dry on surfaces. The chemicals in many soaps and cleaners
can cause staining. Never use corrosive cleaners such as mineral spirits. Use stainless steel
cleaning polish and a non-abrasive scrub pad to remove dried cleaner stains. Baking soda
mixed with liquid dish soap can make a good paste to gently rub on stains. Be sure to rinse
the stainless steel surface thoroughly, and towel dry. If stains remain Mopec recommends
trying a stainless steel cleaner and polisher. Barkeeper's Friend is a good powder formula that
can clean without scratching. Be sure to follow the directions, rinse thoroughly, and towel dry.
These methods should help remove any discoloration.
Fingerprints and Stains – The most common surface contaminates that occur from normal use
are fingerprints and mild stains. These usually affect only appearance so fortunately they do
not have an effect on corrosion resistance. They can easily be removed by a variety of simple
cleaning methods. The most troublesome marks to remove from the surface of smooth
polished or bright finished stainless steel are fingerprints; fortunately they can be removed
with a common glass cleaner or by gently rubbing with a paste of soda ash (sodium
carbonate) and water which would be applied with a soft cloth. Again, it is best to follow with a
warm water rinse.
Clean Water and Wipe – The method that will do an adequate job and is the simplest, safest
and the least costly is the best method. There is no surface coating to wear off of stainless
steels so the surface will thrive with frequent cleaning. The first choice to clean mild stains and
loose dirt and soil should always be a soft cloth and clean, warm water. Rinsing with clean
water and wiping the surface dry will finish the process and eliminate the possibility of water
stains.
Solvent Cleaning – To remove oils, greases and fresh fingerprints that have not had time to
oxidize or decompose, use a solvent that does not contain chlorine. There are many organic
cleaners on the market today that optimize safety attributes and clean ability. Spray or vapor
methods or by wiping with clothes containing solvents can also clean surfaces. The wiping
technique will sometimes leave the surface streaked.
