Stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance, luster, strength, and durability. However, it is not stain or rustproof. You must provide regular stainless steel care and maintenance to keep this material clean and free of contaminants.

In most applications, stainless will not rust or stain even after many years of service. However, stressful environments such as marine, polluted surroundings, salted highways, concentrated chlorine, or other situations where it experiences exposure to corrosive elements require you to provide proper stainless steel maintenance.

Do’s & Don’ts of Stainless Steel Care and Maintenance:

• Do clean stainless frequently with soap and water. Any cleaner that is safe for glass is usually safe for stainless steel maintenance; apply it with a cotton cloth.
• Do use a coating to help safeguard stainless, such as car wax, for added beauty and protection.
• Do remove discoloration or rust spots as soon as possible with a brass, silver, or chrome cleaner. Irreversible pitting will develop under rust that remains on stainless for any period. Apply a mild abrasive cleaner such as Bon Ami, Ajax, or their equivalent with a wet cotton cloth in the direction of the grain of the finish. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry to prevent streaks and ensure effective stainless steel upkeep. Stains that resist the above treatment may require scouring in the direction of the grain with stainless steel wool and a mild abrasive cleaner in creamy paste form. If scraping is required, use stainless steel pads, sponges, wood, or plastic tools. Note: indoor pool rails and ladders require particularly frequent maintenance due to chlorine vapors.
• Do use white vinegar to remove fingerprints and other marks while performing stainless steel maintenance. It is quite effective at removing grime.
• Don’t use coarse abrasives like sandpaper or steel wool on stainless. These may cause rusting.
• Don’t use hard water while engaging in stainless steel maintenance. This may cause stains in the metal.
• Don’t clean with mineral acids or bleaches.
• Don’t leave stainless in contact with iron, steel, or other metals which cause contamination leading to rust or corrosion.
• Don’t store near any chlorine product.
• Don’t aggressively wipe the material’s grain while cleaning it off. This approach may cause visible damage that offsets all your hard work in providing your stainless steel with care and maintenance.

[1] Information provided courtesy of https://www.sugatsune.com/