Steel
Maintenance and Cleaning
| Types | Maintenance / Cleaning | Cleaning Frequency |
| Stainless steel to BS 1329 | Rinse and towel dry to minimize maintenance problems. Do not use steel wool pads to clean the sink. Moisture that is trapped on the surface of the sink can lead to staining of the sink. Chlorine is potentially harmful to stainless steel. Certain acidic or salted food can lead to pitting if not cleaned from sink surface.
Strong drain cleaning chemicals containing acids can attack the surface of the sinkUse a water base stainless steel cleaner and polish to clean and polish. This will add a temporary protective coat.Never use cleaners with abrasives or soft scrub cleaners on high gloss |
Office: 2x/ day
Industrial: 3x/ day Commercial: 3x/ day Residential: daily |
| Enamelled* steel to BS 1344 | Use a mild soap & water & be sure to wipe the entire surface dry. Do not use cleaners containing ammonia, bleach or other chemicals that can damage these finishes. |
*Porcelain enamel is a glass surface fused to a metal base. This glass surface is damaged by acids & harsh abrasives. It is very hard but can be chipped by hard blows. Porcelain enamel is acid resistant but not acid proof. The glass coating is gradually dissolved by acids. Acetic & muriatic acids are effective in removing certain stains, but they will also remove part of the surface coating of porcelain enamel. Eventually they will attack the base metal underneath and cause serious damage. Therefore, it is advisable not to use acid cleaners on porcelain enamel.
To clean, wash w/ warm or hot sudsy water, using detergent. A solution of non-precipitating water softener, or baking soda, in warm water also may remove soap scum & soil. Always rinse w/ plain water. If scouring powder is used, it should be the very finest one possible. Most scouring powders contain hard particles, such as quartz or feldspar, that cause minute scratches. Once a glasslike surface has been roughened, it becomes a catchall for dirt, grease, soap residue & minute alkaline deposits from hard water. Then abrasives are necessary to remove soil imbedded in the roughened area. Commercial household or bathroom cleaners may also be used.
Chlorine or hydrogen peroxide bleach may be used to remove stains. Do not use these bleaches full strength or let them remain on the surface for more than a few seconds. Rinse the surface thoroughly. Bleaches eliminate most stains but are not effective on rust. Heavy deposits of grease or soap scum can be removed w/ a solution of 1 tablespoon trisodium phosphate in 1 gallon hot water. Rinse thoroughly. Or warm water & ammonia solution will do this. Rinse thoroughly. Do not combine w/ any other cleaners.