Properties And Chemical Reactions Of Stainless Steel
300 series stainless steel contains iron, chromium, and nickel. 400 series stainless steel contains iron and chromium. Since both
series contain 70-80% iron, they are both capable of rusting under certain conditions. With a 12-30% chromium are passive towards
corrosion. This means an invisible lm covers the steel’s surface, creating a barrier against corrosion, causing the metal to be stainless,
This lm is only millionths of an inch thick, so if the lm is broken down or scratched, your equipment will begin to show signs of
corrosion. The goal is to keep this lm intact by applying proper maintenance and cleaning procedures to stainless steel to obtain
maximum longevity of your equipment.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion can manifest itself on your stainless steel equipment if the passive lm has been broken down. The initial signs of the process begins
with tiny pits and cracks on the surface of the steel, unable to be seen with the naked eye. Only with a magnifying glass or a microscope, can these
“symptoms” be seen. Over time, these pits and cracks will continue to increase in size and depth, resulting in the topical red-orange rust visible to the
unaided eye.
What Causes The Passive Film Layer to Deteriorate?
1. Steel pads, wire brushes, or anything abrasive that will scratch the surface.
2. Mineral deposits left over from hard water.
3. Chlorides that are found in household cleaners, water, food particles (that are left behind after food preparation), and table salt.
Scenario Cleaner Tip
Routine Cleaning Soap, Ammonia, Detergent Cloth or Sponge Application
Smudges & Fingerprints Arcal 20, Lac-O-Nu Ecoshine Lends Barrier Film
Dicult Stains Cameo, Talk, Zud First Impression Clean Parallel to Polish Lines
Oil & Grease A Good Commercial Detergent Cloth or Sponge Application
Food Grease, Burnt on Foods Easy-o, De-Grease it , Oven Aid Works Well on All Surfaces
Restoration Passivation Benet, Super Sheen
Kit Contents Instructions
Stainless Steel Care & Maintenance
Phone: 888-310-4393 | www.bk-resources.com | Fax: 888-310-4394 | 120 Frontage Road Altamont , IL 62411
Bar Keepers Friend is used for general daily cleansing of your stainless steel product. Use a liberal amount on a sponge or scrubbing pad to clean
your sink and rinse thoroughly afterward.
The red cleansing pad may be used in conjunction with the Bar Keepers Friend for tougher stains and contaminant removal. Never use steel
wool to clean stainless steel. Always rub with the grain of the stainless when using this pad for best results.
Stainless Steel Polish is used on your clean stainless to give it a fresh shining finish and help protect it from anything that may damage the
stainless material.
Cleaning Guide Chart