How to Remove Rust From Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is of the hardest-working materials in a commercial kitchen, but that doesn’t mean it’s zero maintenance.
Correct cleaning helps protect your stainless steel from staining, corrosion and unnecessary scratches while keeping food preparation areas clean and hygienic.
The good news? Maintaining stainless steel isn’t complicated. A simple daily routine combined with regular inspections and deeper cleaning will do most of the heavy lifting.

Here’s how to clean stainless steel benches, sinks, shelving and other commercial kitchen equipment properly.

Why Stainless Steel Care Matters in Commercial Kitchens

Proper stainless steel care goes beyond keeping your kitchen shiny.

Regular cleaning and maintenance helps:

Keep food preparation surfaces clean and hygienic
Remove food residue, grease and other contaminants
Reduce the risk of staining and surface corrosion
Protect the appearance of your stainless steel
Identify scratches or corrosion before they become bigger problems
Extend the usable life of your commercial kitchen equipment

Another bonus: regular quick cleans make those bigger deep cleans considerably easier. We’d take that over extra elbow grease any day.

Know Your Stainless Steel: 304 vs 430 Grade

Before choosing cleaning and maintenance products, it helps to know what grade of stainless steel you’re working with.

304-grade stainless steel is commonly used for benches, sinks and other equipment in indoor commercial kitchens due to its durability and corrosion resistance.

430-grade stainless steel is a ferritic stainless steel commonly used for indoor commercial kitchen applications where moderate corrosion resistance, durability and value are important.
It is generally less corrosion-resistant than 304-grade stainless steel and is not usually the first choice for high-moisture, coastal or highly corrosive environments.

Regardless of grade, stainless steel still needs to be cleaned and maintained correctly.
Using inappropriate chemicals, leaving contaminants on the surface or exposing stainless steel to unsuitable conditions can result in staining or corrosion.
Not sure about the difference? Read our guide to 304 vs 430 stainless steel.

What Causes Rust on Stainless Steel?

Before we dive into how to remove rust from stainless steel, let’s touch on why stainless steel, known for its resistance to rust, can still fall victim to it. The key is in the name: “stain-less”, not “stain-free”.

Your stainless steel bench is made up of iron, chromium and other components. It is the chromium content that gives stainless steel its corrosion-resistant properties. Discolouration caused by non-structural surface staining can appear on stainless steel due to the breakdown of the chromium oxide layer. It can be easily cleaned by following one of the following methods – though prevention is the key here. We highly recommend regular cleaning and removal of dust, and ensure you dry your bench with a clean cloth and remove any water spots.

Weekly and Periodic Deep Cleaning Checklist

Your daily routine takes care of the main working surfaces. A more thorough clean allows you to reach the areas that aren’t necessarily cleaned after every service.

Regular Deep Clean

Clean joins, corners and splash zones
Clean underneath benches and shelving
Thoroughly clean sink bowls, drains and waste outlets
Remove grease and food buildup
Clean and sanitise hard-to-reach areas
Inspect surfaces for staining, scratches or signs of corrosion
Check legs, feet and adjustable components
Update cleaning records where required by your food safety program

Periodic Maintenance

Periodically inspect the condition of your stainless steel and address problems early.
Depending on the environment and manufacturer’s recommendations, this may include using an appropriate stainless steel cleaner or polish to maintain the appearance of the surface.
How frequently this is required will depend on the grade, finish, location, usage and environmental conditions.

How to Remove Rust from Stainless Steel Home Remedies?

You’ve got options, some can be found right in your very own kitchen. Always test a small, inconspicuous rusty spot on your stainless steel appliances or surfaces before moving on to larger surfaces. You want to ensure the cleaning method of your stainless steel is more of a gentle breeze than a hurricane to your shining appliances and surfaces. And always rub in the direction of the grain.

1. Baking Soda
Mix water with baking soda to create a paste, aiming for a consistency that won’t run off the surface. Spread this homemade rust remover over the rusted spots on your stainless steel surface. Feel free to cover the area generously.
Using a soft cloth, a soft-bristled brush, or a damp sponge, scrub the area gently. Always go with the grain of the stainless steel; think of it as petting a cat—you wouldn’t go against the fur. After a bit of scrubbing, rinse the area with water and pat it dry with a soft cloth. Voilà! You should see a significant improvement.

2. Stainless Steel Cleaner
We recommend Hillmark Steel Kleen. Follow the instructions laid out by the manufacturer of the stainless steel cleaner. These cleaners are specially formulated to tackle rust and leave behind a protective layer on the metal surface.
Apply the cleaner as directed, scrub gently with a soft cloth, and then either rinse or wipe away as instructed. The result? A rust-free surface that looks brand new.

What to Avoid When Removing Rust From Stainless Steel

Embarking on a rust-removal quest feels a bit like being a kitchen superhero. But even superheroes have to play by the rules to avoid turning their powers against them.

When it comes to how to remove rust from stainless steel, there are a few “villains” you’ll want to steer clear of. Let’s uncover the no-nos of rust removal to ensure your stainless steel lives happily ever after.

Harsh Chemicals: The Kryptonite

Think of harsh chemicals as the kryptonite to your stainless steel. They might promise to zap away rust faster than you can say “stainless,” but at what cost? These chemicals can damage the protective layer of your stainless steel, leaving it more vulnerable than ever. Rather than commercial rust removers, stick to the gentler, kinder methods we’ve outlined above.

Steel Wool: The Arch Nemesis

Steel wool might seem like your ally in the fight against rust, but it’s actually an arch-nemesis in disguise. Using steel wool on stainless steel is likely to cause more harm than good. The abrasive nature of steel wool or other metal brushes can scratch the surface of your stainless steel, leaving it looking worse than when you started. Opt for a soft cloth or soft bristle brush to keep the peace.

Citrus & Vinegar:

Whilst vinegar and lemon juice has been used for cleaning steel, its acidic nature can cause damage and discolouration. We recommend you steer clear of these solutions.

Bleach: The False Friend

Bleach may be a go-to for tough cleaning jobs, but when it comes to stainless steel, it’s a false friend. Not only can bleach discolour your stainless steel, but it can also lead to further corrosion. If bleach has accidentally made contact with your stainless steel, neutralise the area with a solution of water and baking soda, then rinse thoroughly.

Ignoring the Grain: The Rookie Mistake

Ignoring the grain of stainless steel while cleaning is a rookie mistake that can lead to scratches and dullness. Always clean in the direction of the grain, as if you’re gently combing the hair of a beloved pet. This keeps your stainless steel looking its best.

Forgetting Protection: The Overlooked Step

Finally, not protecting your stainless steel after rust removal is like forgetting to wear a coat in a snowstorm. Applying a layer of stainless steel polish or olive oil after cleaning not only adds shine but also provides a protective barrier against future rust.
In the realm of rust removal, knowledge is power. By knowing what to avoid, you can keep your stainless steel shining like the beacon of hope it was always meant to be. Armed with these tips and tricks, you’re now fully equipped to tackle rust while keeping your stainless steel in superhero condition.

Stainless Steel Cleaning Do’s and Don’ts

Clean brushed stainless steel with the grain
Use soft cloths and suitable non-abrasive cleaning tools
Clean before sanitising
Rinse away cleaning-product residue where required
Dry surfaces thoroughly
Remove spills and contaminants promptly
Follow cleaning-product instructions
Inspect stainless steel regularly for staining or corrosion

DON’T

Use ordinary steel wool or iron-based scourers
Use unsuitable bleach or chlorine cleaners
Use harsh abrasives without checking they’re suitable
Scrub brushed stainless steel against the grain
Leave water, food or chemicals sitting on the surface unnecessarily
Mix cleaning chemicals
Use aggressive cleaning methods before trying a gentler approach

Stainless Steel Rust FAQs

How Does Baking Soda Remove Rust?

Baking soda is an alkaline substance that neutralises acids. When rust comes into contact with the baking soda solution, it dissolves, leaving your stainless steel gleaming. It’s also mildly abrasive, so you can scrub stubborn rust without damaging your surface.

How to Remove Rust from Stainless Steel Utensils?

You can scrub your stainless steel utensils with a baking soda paste. Wipe your utensils like normal afterwards to bring back the shine.

Prevention is Key: Keeping Your Stainless Steel Gleaming

Learning how to remove rust from stainless steel is an invaluable skill. However, choosing top-grade stainless steel is the best way to prevent rust from building up in the first place. Contact us and let’s have a chat—with multiple depots across Australia and New Zealand, we can have your premium quality stainless steel ready for pick-up or dispatch within 24 hours of your order being placed.