Maintenance

Tea Staining

Without regular cleaning and maintenance, discolouration of the surface of the stainless steel by corrosion may occur. Tea staining is a cosmetic issue, which does not generally affect the structural integrity of the stainless steel, and most commonly occurs within around 5 kilometres of the surf and becomes prevalent closer to the marine source.

How to Reduce the Risk of Tea Staining

1. Avoid Corrosives (Salt, Chlorine, Cleaning Acids etc)
2. Seek Suitable Conditions (Lower Temperatures and Low Humidity)
3. Consider Surface Orientation (Open exposure to rain washing is better)
4. Consider Surface Finishes (Smoother finishes are better. Where practical, a mirror polish finish may perform better than a brushed finish)
5. Complete passivation and achieve chemical cleanliness to improve corrosion resistance
6. Select appropriate grade for application conditions
7. Regularly maintain to limit accumulation of corrosion

316 grade stainless steel products are suitable for external use with the proper maintenance schedule, and are often referred to as 'marine grade stainless steel' due to their use on boats and in coastal environments. Stainless steel products made from a 304 grade are not designed to be used for external use however, as they are more susceptible to corrosion.

How to Remove Dirt and Grime from Stainless Steel

Washing stainless steel removes deposits such as salt that can cause corrosion and avoid, in most situations, tea staining. Washing is best to be done with soap or detergent. To avoid smears, the surface should be dried afterwards. Simply wiping the stainless steel with a damp cloth will not remove corrosive deposits as it smears them without removing them.

DO NOT USE HARSH SCRUBBING TOOLS OR CHEMICALS ON OR NEAR THE STAINLESS STEEL

Abrasive cleaners or those containing chlorides or bleach are not to be used on the clean stainless steel as they will damage the surface. It is also advised not to use steel wool or steel tools so not to scrape the surface of the stainless steel. Do not drag rough items across the surface as this can scratch the surface.

How to remove paint from stainless steel

Applying a paint stripper, take care following all safety instructions. You may need to use a nylon brush or scourer, avoiding metal scrapers as they will damage the surface of the stainless steel.

How to remove Cement, hard water staining and Mortar from stainless steel

Splashes of cement and mortar should be washed off immediately before setting. Scales from hard water and dried water can be removed chemically but not using chemicals that contain hydrochloric acid. Hot 25% acetic acid (vinegar) or warm 10% phosphoric acids are very effective according to stainless steel specialists. Following an acid wash, the surface should be neutralised with dilute ammonia or sodium bicarbonate solution, rinsed and dried.

How often should you clean stainless steel?

Frequency of cleaning will vary depending on environmental factors mentioned previously such as the proximity to the ocean and local humidity and temperatures. Peek Stainless Steel Polish is what we would recommend for maintenance.

Seek the table below as an intended guide and maintenance varies as required: