WASHING
Stainless steel furniture and other products must be cleaned regularly to prevent rust. In most cases, just washing with water is sufficient to clean stainless steel, in some special cases hot water and steam.
Adhered impurities and deposits can be removed, for example, by rubbing with an abrasive cloth. NOTE! The abrasive cloth must be iron-free. It is a good idea to test the treatment on an inconspicuous area of the product first.
CLEANING AGENTS
Stainless steel can be cleaned using conventional cleaning powders or heavy-duty detergents, such as soda, borax or sodium perborate.
Alkaline solutions, such as soda and ammonia solutions and diluted caustic soda, can be used to dissolve grease. Acetone, petrol, alcohol and other organic solvents can also be used to remove grease deposits or other water-insoluble substances.
Cleaning agents containing sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid must not be used to clean stainless steel.
DISINFECTION
The sterilants commonly used for disinfection often contain sodium hypochlorite or potassium hypochlorite. However, they are dangerous substances for stainless steel, as they easily cause pitting corrosion. Other chlorine-containing disinfectants, such as chloramines, are also dangerous. The most suitable disinfectant for stainless steel is nitric acid, which even in mild solutions has a bactericidal effect.
POST-CLEANING TREATMENT
The cleaning agent must be carefully removed from the steel surface, for which a generous rinse with water is usually sufficient. After using acidic cleaning agents, a pre-rinse with a neutralizing solution, such as soda, should be performed.
The user must always ensure sufficient ventilation of the room, the use of the correct protective equipment, and compliance with their own occupational safety instructions.