Stainless Steel Maintenance Guide: 5 Do's & Don'ts for Lasting Durability and Shine

The Do's: 5 Best Practices for Stainless Steel Care

1. Do Clean Regularly:

   The best method is to wash with mild soap or dish detergent and warm water, rinse thoroughly, and then wipe completely dry with a soft cloth. Drying is crucial to prevent water spots.

2. Do Wipe in the Direction of the Grain:

   If your stainless steel has a brushed finish, observe the direction of the fine lines ("grain") and always wipe parallel to them. This helps prevent micro-scratches and cleans more effectively.

3. Do Use a Dedicated Stainless Steel Cleaner:

   For stubborn stains like fingerprints or grease, a specialized stainless steel cleaner can be very effective. These products are formulated to remove tough residues and often leave a protective coating.

4. Do Remove Contamination from Other Metals Immediately:

   If small particles of carbon steel (from tools or grinding dust) land on a stainless surface, they will rust and make it appear as if the stainless itself is rusting. This is called "free iron contamination" and should be scrubbed off immediately with a non-metallic pad.

5. Do Passivate After Welding or Heavy Machining:

   Passivation is a process that uses a mild acid (e.g., citric acid) to remove contaminants and help rebuild the passive protective layer. It's especially important after fabrication processes that can damage the original film.

The Don'ts: 5 Things to Absolutely Avoid

1. Don't Use Steel Wool or Carbon Steel Brushes:

   This is the most critical rule. Tiny steel particles will embed in the surface and cause rust spots to form very quickly. Use only soft cloths, synthetic scrubbers, or stainless steel brushes.

2. Don't Use Cleaners Containing Chlorides:

   Avoid any cleaning products that contain chlorides, such as bleach or many bathroom cleaners. Chlorides are the number one enemy of the stainless steel's passive layer.

3. Don't Let Food or Chemicals Sit for Long Periods:

   Acidic or salty foods should be cleaned off surfaces promptly after use to prevent permanent etching or pitting corrosion.

4. Don't Use Hard Water and Allow to Air Dry:

   Water with high mineral content (hard water) can leave white, chalky deposits on the surface. Always wipe dry after rinsing.

5. Don't Drag or Store Carbon Steel Pots on Stainless Surfaces:

   This prevents both scratching and the transfer of free iron particles that can lead to rusting.