Use and Care
14
STAINLESS STEEL EQUIPMENT CARE AND CLEANING
CAUTION : Do not use any steel wool, abrasive or chlorine based products to 
clean stainless steel surfaces.
Stainless Steel Opponents
There are three basic things which can break down your stainless steel’s passivity layer and allow 
corrosion to rear its ugly head.
1) Scratches from wire brushes, scrapers, and steel pads are just a few examples of items that 
  can be abrasive to stainless steel’s surface.
2) Deposits left on your stainless steel can leave spots. You may have hard or soft water depend-
  ing on what part of the country you live in. Hard water can leave spots. Hard water that is 
  heated can leave deposits if left to sit too long. These deposits can cause the passive layer to 
  break down and rust your stainless steel. All deposits left from food prep or service should be 
  removed as soon as possible.
3) Chlorides are present in table salt, food, and water. Household and industrial cleaners are the 
  worst type of chlorides to use.
8 step that can help prevent rust on stainless steel:
1. Using the correct cleaning tools
  Use non-abrasive tools when cleaning your stainless steel products. The stainless steel’s 
  passive layer will not be harmed by soft cloths and plastic scouring pads. Step 2 tells you how 
  to find the polishing marks.
2. Cleaning along the polish lines
  Polishing lines or “grain” are visible on some stainless steels. Always scrub parallel to visible 
  lines on some stainless steels. Use a plastic scouring pad or soft cloth when you cannot see 
 the grain.
3. Use alkaline, alkaline chlorinated or non-chloride containing cleaners
  While many traditional cleaners are loaded with chlorides, the industry is providing an ever 
  increasing choice of non-chloride cleaners. If you are not sure of your cleaners chloride content 
  contact your cleaner supplier. If they tell you that your present cleaner contains chlorides, ask if 
  they have an alternative. Avoid cleaners containing quaternary salts as they can attack
  stainless steel, causing pitting and rusting.










