True Food Service Equipment, Inc.
MAINTENANCE, CARE & CLEANING
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 depending 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 steps that can help prevent rust on stainless steel:
1. Using the correct cleaning tools
Use
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
While many traditional cleaners are loaded with chlorides, the industry is providing an ever increasing choice of
4. Water Treatment
To reduce deposits, soften the hard water when possible. Installation of certain filters can remove corrosive and distasteful elements. Salts in a properly maintained water softener can be to your advantage. Contact a treatment specialist if you are not sure of the proper water treatment.
5. Maintaining the cleanliness of your food equipment
Use cleaners at recommended strength (alkaline, alkaline chlorinated or
6. Rinse
When using chlorinated cleaners you must rinse and wipe dry immediately. It is better to wipe standing cleaning agents and water as soon as possible. Allow the stainless steel equipment to air dry. Oxygen helps maintain the passivity film on stainless steel.
7.Hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid) should never be used on stainless steel
8.Regularly restore/passivate stainless steel
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