Stainless Steel Commercial Cleaner
Contents
- 1 Stainless steel cleaning for commercial kitchens
- 2 Phone: 305-557-1729
- 3 Email:
Stainless steel cleaning for commercial kitchens
Stainless steel is everywhere in a commercial kitchen. It’s such a durable, easy-to-clean material that comes in many different types, plus it just looks great! However, it isn’t a totally maintenance-free item and it can start to rust if not properly cared for. Fortunately, properly caring for your stainless steel work tables, sinks and equipment is easy. Read on for the best way to clean stainless steel and keep your items looking great for years to come!
Hint: Sheila Shine is part of your solution!
Types of stainless steel
Unlike iron or steel that readily corrodes, stainless steel contains additional metals like chromium and nickel. Don’t confuse stainless steel with galvanized steel. Galvanized steel is plain steel with a layer of zinc deposited on the surface.
While there are many different compositions of stainless steel, two of the most common ones you’ll see in the food service industry are 400 series and 300 series. 400 series contain chromium while 300 series contains both chromium and nickel for superior durability and corrosion resistance.
Without getting too technical, adding these metals in specific percentages to the steel itself change its makeup all the way down at the atomic level, and form an invisible film on the surface, which protects the metal against corrosion. Because this film is only millionths of an inch thick, it can be damaged if abused. Three basic things can damage this protective layer and allow corrosion to take hold.
- Mechanical abrasion – Anything that can scratch the steel’s surface including steel wool, wire brushes, and scrapers.
- Deposits and water – Hard water left sitting on the surface will leave water spots and can break down the layer of protection, as well as food deposits.
- Chlorides – Found in water, food, table salt, but mainly found in many household and industrial cleaners.
How to clean stainless steel equipment
It is important to properly clean stainless steel work tables, sinks, and other equipment regularly. How is just as important as how often.
Use the right cleaning tools
Soft cloths, microfiber, sponges, or plastic scouring pads are best. Avoid using anything that might scratch the surface.
Clean with polish lines
Stainless steel usually has a “grain” that you can see running in one direction or another. If you can see the lines, it’s always best to scrub and wipe parallel to them, especially if you use something more abrasive than a cloth or wipe.
The right cleaning products
The best cleaner for stainless steel will be specifically for stainless steel cleaning. Do not use anything that isn’t approved for stainless steel surfaces. You risk staining or even scratching your stainless steel. One great product is Sheila Shine. This 3-in-1 stainless steel cleaner not only cleans, but it polishes and protects as well. No other stainless steel cleaner on the market can do this and it is not only a money saver, but also a time saver as well!