Care & Maintenance of Stainless Steel

Cleaning Procedures

It is important to rinse any stainless steel surface with clear water after any application of cleansers and also to wipe dry after washing; often tap water contains dissolved mineral salts, which will remain if allowed to dry naturally, leaving scale deposits which are unsightly and which might taint food.

Use nylon bristle brushes to loosen stubborn burnt food or grease, not metal scapers or carbon steel wool - iron particles can become embedded in the stainless steel and cause further surface problems.

Use soaps, mild detergents with water for all routine cleaning, also bleaches and solvents if necessary, diluted to the suppliers instructions. Use alkaline types if you are using cleaning solutions, preferably those containing phosphates, carbonates, hydroxides or silicates - avoid those containing hypochlorites; bleaches containing chlorine can attack stainless steel.

DO NOT use silver dip polish on stainless steel surfaces as it can cause discolouration.
If any should spill onto stainless steel, rinse off immediately.

DO NOT leave carbon steel knives or mild steel components lying on wet stainless steel surfaces. They can leave stains, though these can be wiped away easily enough with a non-abrasive cleaner such as Jif (now known as Cif).

DO NOT use wire wool on stainless steel, fragments of wire can rust leaving rust marks on the surface.

Fingerprints: Soap or warm water or organic solvent (eg Usher Walker Thinners No. PF8017, acetone, alcohol)

Stubborn Stains: Mild cleaning solutions ... Cif, Goddard Stainless Steel Care

Rust and other products of Corrosion: Oxalic Acid; the cleaning solution should be applied with a swab and allowed to stand for 15-20 minutes before being washed away with water. May continue using Cif (new name for Jif) to give final clean

Scratches: Impregnated nylon pads - polishing with scurfs dressed with iron-free abrasives - apply in the direction of polishing.

Richards of Hull - April, 2003

tel 01482 442422 ... fax 01482 442362 ... email - sales@richards.uk.com