In the past, stainless steel has been used for cutlery. Today, the demand for stainless steel products in the Philippines is constantly on the rise. Why? They can be modified for an extensive array of applications.
Stainless steels are made with an alloy of iron-containing a minimum of 10.5% Chromium. Once custom built, they can be used for the most common items such as surgical tools, dental equipment, and cookwares to major structures like bridges, aircraft, railways, and skyscrapers.
The corrosion resistance, immense durability, and aesthetic appeal make stainless steel even more ideal to work with. Given such versatility, proper maintenance is required to ensure its longevity. Here are six tips to maintain stainless steel. Read on!
Table of Contents
Prepare All the Necessary Tools
Depending on the type of stainless steel product, the maintenance process can be hazardous.
For example, stainless steel pipes used in manufacturing plants can contain corrosive chemicals and toxic gases. If not handled properly, it may not only cause damage to facilities but also personnel accidents. These situations are dangerous and costly.
This is why it’s important to ensure you prepare all the necessary tools which might include neoprene gloves, safety glasses, microfiber cloths, plastic scrubbing pads, sponges, spray bottles, baking soda, and vinegar.
Choose the Correct Cleaning Method
Just like any other material, cleaning is one of the best ways to maintain stainless steel as well. Cleaning would ensure it remains free from dirt, dust, and any other debris that can result in wear and tear.
Depending on the type of stainless steel product and the debris present, there are numerous cleaning procedures you can do:
Dust and Dirt –
The most common issue present in different kinds of facilities is dust and dirt. Thankfully, these can be simply cleaned on stainless steel using detergent and water. It would be best to choose a neutral detergent to avoid scratching off materials.
Grease –
All food fried or cooked with excess oils is prone to get greasy. Therefore, all the stainless steel cookware being used will be greasy as well. Grease is a substance that is relatively easy to clean. Simply wash the surfaces with soap or detergent, and water. However, burned-on ones require more effort. For this, consider using warm water, mild detergent, and plastic scrubbing pads.
Acids and Chemical Stains –
The presence of these on stainless steel can be dangerous as they can weaken the overall structure. This is why it’s important to clean the surfaces immediately after impact. To do this, fill a spray bottle with equal amounts of baking soda and water. Then, spray the mixture to the stains, wash off with water, and dry completely. Remember to use protective gloves and goggles to avoid skin corrosion.
Steer Clear from Abrasive Brushes
While you might be tempted to just use an abrasive brush to quickly get rid of all debris particles, remember that doing so will damage the stainless steel’s surface.
Steer clear from abrasive brushes made of nylon. Once scratched, the surface will eventually rust and therefore compromise the stainless steel’s longevity. Instead, make use of plastic scouring pads or microfiber cloths.
Cover Them Up
If you are not using the stainless steel products, cover them up with a tarp or protective sheets if possible. This is a good way to keep them away from potential falling debris when operation hours are over. It will also maintain their cleanliness.
Have a Regular Inspection Schedule
A long-term solution to maintaining stainless steel is to schedule a regular inspection. This is especially important for industries that use stainless steel for daily operations.
For example, most manufacturing companies utilize stainless steel pipes for transporting all kinds of materials to assemble products. Having a regular inspection will ensure all problems and sections of piping are scoped out.
Conducting an inspection can be done on a monthly or weekly basis. Rest assured that if you do this, operations will be free from delays.
Consider Replacing Damaged Ones
During inspections, you might encounter a number of stainless steel parts that have been damaged or worn out. If you deemed that the part cannot be used effectively anymore, consider replacing them.
Do not think about further costs. We are talking about impacting overall operations. If you don’t replace defective parts, it can cause further facility damage, delays, and additional costs. Let’s not forget that these can cause personnel accidents as well.
Make sure you have a reliable supplier for replacing steel products in case you spot any damage.
Key Takeaway
As stainless steel is used for numerous applications within a wide variety of industries, proper maintenance is a must. By following these procedures, you would be able to make sure your stainless steels perform well for years.
