The
metal known as stainless steel is a steel alloy that contains a minimum of 10.5
percent chromium, measured by mass. The chromium lends the steel a degree of
corrosion resistance (corrosion, or rust is the most common form of staining on
steel). The degree of corrosion protection increases with the percentage
of chromium in the alloy.
Rather
than oxidizing and discoloring when exposed to air or water, the chromium
reacts to form a thin protective coating to the sink or other appliance.
Although this protective layer can be scrubbed away, the protective film
quickly reforms, which is why stainless steel surfaces are almost
indestructible in a kitchen.
The
fact that this alloy doesn't corrode and rust, along with the fact that it is
self-healing when the protective film is scrubbed away, is why this material is
known as stainless steel.
How to clean stains in stainless steel sink
Cleaning
stainless steel can sometimes seem tricky since this shiny material can be
scratched fairly easily. This is less problematic with a matte-finish surface,
like that found on some sinks, but shiny stainless steel requires some care in
order to remove stains without scratching the finish. Fortunately, stainless
steel is a very resilient material that responds well to several different
cleaning techniques.
First,
examine your stainless steel surface and determine if it has a
"grain" pattern. While the metal itself is solid, the process by
which the manufacturer polished the surface may leave it with faint directional
scratches. Whenever you scrub at a stainless steel surface—even if using
so-called "non-scratch" pads—you should rub at the stains in the same
direction as whatever grain is already present on the surface.
Here
are four methods you can try for removing stains from stainless steel. Run
through these solutions in order, as they are listed in order of how likely
they are to damage the surface, with safest solutions first.
Steam Cleaning
Many
stains will be lifted from stainless steel by the action of steam vapors.
1. Heat
water to boiling in a kettle with a spout that will allow you to pour it.
2. Place
a paper towel or microfiber towel over the stained surface.
3. Pour
enough of the boiling water onto the paper towel to wet it. Allow it to steam
to work for five to 10 minutes.
4. Once
the surface has cooled, rub the surface with the paper towel, moving with the
direction of the grain. If this doesn't remove the stain, try the next
solution.
Baking Soda and Dish Soap
Baking
soda mixed with liquid dish soap can make a good paste to gently rub
out stains. Baking soda is a very fine abrasive that is unlikely to
seriously scratch the stainless steel surface.
1. Apply
the mixture of baking soda and liquid dish soap to a microfiber cloth or
another soft cloth, then rub at the stain, moving back and forth in the same
directions as the grain in the metal.
2. After
scrubbing, rinse the stainless steel surface thoroughly, and towel it dry.
3. Examine
the surface. If this hasn't removed the stain, try the next technique.
Vinegar
The
next thing to try is vinegar.
1. Pour
a little white vinegar or apple cider vinegar onto the stained
surface.
2. Let
it sit for a few minutes; the gentle acid in the vinegar may lift out the
stains.
3. Rub
the stained with a soft cloth, following the grain of the steel.
4. Rinse
thoroughly, and dry the surface with a clean towel.
5. Examine
the stained area; if discoloration still is present, move on to the last
solution.
Stainless Steel Cleaner
As
a last resort, if the stains still don't budge, try a stainless steel
cleaner and polisher. Barkeeper's Friend is one such powder formula that
can clean without excessive scratching. Be sure to follow the directions, rinse
thoroughly, and towel dry.
Tips for Preventing Stains on Stainless Steel
Rather
than removing stains, you can also take some preventive measures to avoid the
problem in the first place. Here are some tips to help you prevent stains on
stainless steel:
1. Never
use bleach or anything containing chlorine on stainless steel. Avoid spraying a
chlorine bleach product nearby or allowing bleach to drip onto stainless steel
surfaces.
2. Don't
use oven cleaners around stainless steel. When using oven cleaners, shield
stainless steel surfaces from exposure.
3. Don't
use standard abrasive cleaners on stainless steel, and prevent them from even
contacting the metal.
4. Never
use steel wool, wire brushes, or other abrasive cleaning tools on stainless
steel. Non-scratch vinyl scrubbing pads can be used.
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