RESOURCES

Interior Stainless Steel Cleaning

All metal finishes are delicate in nature and care needs to be exhibited in the cleaning process. One should use clean cloth or soft sponges to wipe the surfaces. Whenever possible, do not spray or apply cleaning agents directly on the metal surfaces, spray on the cloth. Always use clean, fresh, warm water when starting on new areas. Do not use abrasive pads or steel wool type products.

When cleaning a surface for the first time, test the procedure in an inconspicuous area. If a successful result is obtained, cleaning the rest of the surfaces can begin. Unless all parts of a surface are cleaned equally, there will be a visible difference in the finish. Foreign steel particles being deposited on the surface can be cleaned with a sponge or cloth soaked in a neutral detergent or a mild soap and water solution. Rinse immediately with a clean water rinse.

Steps for Cleaning Interior Stainless Steel with an Angel Hair® Finish

The steps outlined on this page can be used on a variety of finishes on stainless steel. The mill provides a number of standard finishes, but Zahner also has developed a finish designed to reduce glare in a non-directional finish. Angel Hair stainless steel is a surface developed by Zahner used for muted reflectivity in interior and exterior applications. When properly installed, it will maintain the same appearance after decades of weathering. The material is easily cleaned with water when natural pollutants and dirt begin to appear on its finish.

Initial Cleaning

1. Inspect the surface. If grease, stains or other difficult to remove spots exist, pre- cleaning is required. To pre-clean apply an appropriate solvent to a clean and soft cotton cloth. Cloth should be damp but not dripping. Test in an inconspicuous area first. If a successful result is obtained, cleaning can begin. Gently rub damp rag on stain. Repeat as necessary. Change cloth frequently to ensure that the cloth is damp and clean.
2. Clean the surface. Using a clean and soft cotton cloth gently apply clean soapy warm water to the area of stainless steel. Wipe in a swirl pattern across the stainless steel surface. Rinse to ensure soap residue is removed. Change cloth frequently to ensure that the cloth is damp and clean.
3. Dry the surface. After surface is dry spray stainless steel cleaner and polish directly on a clean and soft cotton cloth. Cloth should be thoroughly damp but not dripping. Gently wipe in a swirl pattern across the stainless steel surface. Insure complete and even coverage. Change cloth frequently to ensure that the cloth is damp and clean.

How to Maintain the Stainless Steel Surface

1. Inspect surface. The stainless steel cleaner and polish applied (from Initial Cleaning above) provides a protective coat to the stainless steel. Fingerprints and other light marks can be removed by following Step 3 from Initial Cleaning above.
2. Repeat Cleaning Steps: If grease, stains or other difficult to remove spots exist follow Steps 1 through 3 from Initial Cleaning above.

In cases where the above steps outlined do not produce the desired results, it may be a good idea to discuss the issue with an expert in metals. Contact Zahner for larger issues with installed stainless steel.