Now that you have scrubbed away the rust make sure you keep up with the maintenance of the steel.
Following the cleaner’s instructions, apply the oxalic acid to the affected area.Don’t use caustic cleaners or those with chlorides. Purchase a grit-free one such as Bar Keeper’s Friend Soft Cleanser. Purchase a cleaner containing oxalic acid.If the rust is extensive, there are more abrasive methods that you can use: For big spots of rust, rinse the area to remove debris, sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the rust, and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour.Wipe the area down with a bit of water, and dry it. With a cloth, rub this paste in, going with the grain. For small spots of rust, mix 1 tbsp of baking soda and 2 cups of water.
Cleaning stainless steel how to#
Hot Tub Dangers: How to Prevent Getting Electrocuted in a Hot Tub The simplest method is to use baking soda: There are several ways to remove rust from stainless steel. If your stainless steel has already rusted, you will want to get rid of it as soon as possible so that it does not further damage the steel. When this wears away, rust will start to build up. How to Clean Rust of Stainless SteelĪlthough stainless steel is resistant to rust, it is not immune to it.Ĭhromium oxide, the protective layer of stainless steel, can wear away when subjected to factors such as high humidity and harsh cleaners. If you go a long time without cleaning it, you may not be able to get it back to looking like it did when you bought it. Doing this will prevent excess buildup, making it easier to clean in the long run. You should clean it at least once every two weeks. If you want to keep your stainless steel looking nice and shiny, you will want to clean it quite regularly. Stainless Steel Needs to be Cleaned Regularly. It also makes the cleaning process easier, than if you were to clean it rarely. Regular cleaning keeps it looking like new. Make sure that all the surfaces are clean.Ĭleaning the steel may take a bit of time out of your day. Once the steel is dry, look over it one more time. If you don’t dry the surface, it will leave watermarks, ruining all the hard work you just did.
Once the steel looks clean, take a dry microfiber cloth and thoroughly dry the surface. The scratches should not be noticeable if you don’t make the mistake often. Don’t worry if you accidentally go against the grain, though, as the scratches will be small. Wiping against the grain can cause scratches. When you wipe down stainless steel, make sure that you wipe with the grain of the steel. You want to make sure you wipe off any dirt, gunk, and grime that may be on the surface.īefore this step, there is an important factor to keep in mind. Now, you will take your cloth or brush and wipe down the surface of the stainless steel. If you have the solution in a bucket or bowl, dampen your microfiber cloth or soft brush. If you have the solution in a spray bottle, spray down the surface. Now, it is time to clean the surface of the stainless steel. These scratches will build up over time, making the steel look worn and weathered. Things such as paper towels will leave tiny scratches in the steel. When you clean stainless steel, make sure that you use a microfiber cloth or soft brush. You also need to make sure you use the right kind of towel to clean it. If you make your solution, put it in a spray bottle or bowl and have it available near your workspace. You can either make this solution yourself, or you can buy a similar one at the store. This solution will help to break down any buildup. The Australian Stainless Steel Development Association recommends mixing low chloride warm water with soap, detergent, or a 1% ammonia solution. Instead of water, use a cleaning solution.