Stainless Steel Cleaning Methods & Recommendations

While stainless steel is a highly-durable material, there are a few simple tips to keeping it clean and in tip-top condition. Well maintained stainless steel benches will last for decades.

At Brayco Stainless Steel we also offer Stainless Steel Sink Benches, at everyday low prices.

General Cleaning Methods

1. Polish or brush with the grain of the stainless steel.
This will help to diminish marks or scratches.

2. Day to Day Cleaning  – mild detergent and cloth or soft brush (no bleach).
Make sure you rinse with clean water and wipe the surface dry. Harsh bleaches can permanently ruin any stainless steel benches surface. Detergent is fine. Specialist stainless steel cleaners are fine, but largely unnecessary.

3. Deep Clean – for a really intense clean, us methylated spirits or turpentine and then rinse with clean water and dry. Follow up with light rub of olive oil and polish with soft cloth.

4. Tea and Coffee Stains – Soak the affected area with boiling water and baking powder. Then rinse with fresh water and dry.

5. Rust Marks – We recommend using a proprietary stainless steel cleaner (such as a phosphoric acid).  Please handle with care and ensure you rinse with clean water and dry carefully.

6. Limescale – Make a paste by mixing water and baking soda. Use toothbrush or a soft cloth to apply the paste onto the infected area, following the grain of stainless steel. Then finish with a wipe of olive or baby oil and polish with a clean cloth.

7.  Paint – Paint stripper or turpentine, with nylon brush. Rinse well with fresh water and dry.

General Tips:

DON’T use concentrated bleach, hydrochloric acid or any cleaning chemical that has Chlorine. Chlorine is a corrosive chemical for all types of stainless steel.

DON’T scrub against the grain of the steel.

DO not use steel wool brushes or scourers which have been used on ordinary steel as these will damage the stainless surface and allow rust to form.

DO use a soft cloth and follow these guidelines for years of great stainless steel!

Surface Rust? Please check the cleaning agent you are using. Stainless steel cleaner will remove surface rust, however we highly recommend to regularly clean with stainless steel cleaner to ensure rust does not return.

Any questions give our team a call on 09 271 5000