Stainless steel is a material which accompanies us almost every day. It is used for cutlery, crockery, housewares, household appliances, as well as fittings, bathroom accessories and sinks. Due to its universal character, steel is widely used in various fields of economy, which is why both the demand for and production of steel elements is growing every year.
When it comes to the anti-corrosive properties of stainless steel - it does not require regular and costly maintenance. However, if we want to enjoy its shiny gloss for years to come - it is worth learning how to take proper care of steel surfaces. How to do it?
What is stainless steel?
Stainless steel is a special type of steel, which exhibits unique physical and chemical properties. The passive, self-healing chromium oxide film, which forms on steel surfaces, makes the material resistant to corrosion caused by atmospheric agents or dissolved acids. This is due to the chemical reaction that takes place between the chromium molecules in the alloy and the oxygen in the air and water. The material is non-toxic and does not react with other substances. It can therefore be used in the kitchen.
Basics of cleaning stainless steel
First of all, we should remember not to use abrasive cleaners for cleaning stainless steel surfaces. This could lead to rapid scratching and destruction of the surface. For the same reason, forget about using a wire brush or hard brushes designed for scrubbing. In addition to periodic, thorough cleaning of the surface, let's also remember to wipe it down every day.
Daily hygiene of steel surfaces is trivial. All you need is warm water, a soft sponge and a bit of washing-up liquid. Finally, remember to wipe the surface dry to avoid ugly stains. For thorough cleaning we can use special detergents designed for cleaning and polishing stainless steel.
Tips for cleaning stainless steel
The well-known household methods will also work perfectly. The most common, environmentally friendly way to clean stainless steel is to use vinegar. Citric acid or baking soda also work well. In order to eliminate limescale, we can prepare a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar. Stubborn dirt can be removed with a paste of baking soda.
If you want to use professional detergents, choose either gentle and natural ones (such as dishwashing liquid or window cleaner) or special milks designed for cleaning such surfaces. Admittedly, stainless steel will not lose its anticorrosive properties as a result of improper cleaning, however, in home conditions we want to enjoy the aesthetic appearance of our sink or refrigerator for years.
We should also remember not to scrape steel surfaces under any circumstances. If, for some reason, food remains get stuck in the sink, it is best to plug the drain, fill the bowl with water and add some dishwashing liquid. After some time, the dirt will soften and you will quickly get rid of the problematic dirt. Properly cleaned surfaces retain their original shine for a very long time.