Maintenance methods for stainless steel

The use of stainless steel has become more widespread with the development of the economy. People are closely related to stainless steel in their daily lives, but many people do not know much about the performance of stainless steel, and know even less about the maintenance of stainless steel. Many people think that stainless steel will never rust. In fact, stainless steel has good corrosion resistance. The reason is that a layer of passivation film is formed on the surface. In nature, it is in the form of a more stable oxide. In other words, although the degree of oxidation of stainless steel varies according to different use conditions, it is eventually oxidized. This phenomenon is usually called corrosion. All metal surfaces exposed to the corrosive environment undergo electrochemical or chemical reactions and are uniformly corroded. The parts of the passivation film on the surface of stainless steel with weak corrosion resistance form pitting reactions due to self-excited reactions, generate small holes, and with the proximity of chloride ions, a very strong corrosive solution is formed, which accelerates the speed of the corrosion reaction. There is also intergranular corrosion cracking inside the stainless steel. All of these have a destructive effect on the passivation film on the surface of stainless steel. Therefore, the surface of stainless steel must be cleaned and maintained regularly to maintain its gorgeous surface and extend its service life. When cleaning the surface of stainless steel, care must be taken not to scratch the surface. Avoid using detergents containing bleaching ingredients and abrasives, steel wool, grinding tools, etc. To remove the detergent, rinse the surface with clean water at the end of washing. If there is dust or easily removable dirt on the surface of stainless steel, it can be washed with soap, weak detergent or warm water. For trademarks and films on the surface of stainless steel, use warm water and weak detergent to wash, and for adhesive components, use alcohol or organic solvents (ether, benzene) to scrub. Grease, oil, and lubricating oil pollution on the surface of stainless steel should be wiped clean with a soft cloth, and then cleaned with neutral detergent or ammonia solution or special detergent. If there is bleach and various acids attached to the surface of stainless steel, rinse with water immediately, then soak with ammonia solution or neutral carbonated soda water solution, and wash with neutral detergent or warm water. Rainbow patterns on the surface of stainless steel are caused by excessive use of detergents or oils. They can be washed away with warm water and neutral detergent. Rust caused by dirt on the surface of stainless steel can be washed with 10% nitric acid or abrasive detergent, or with special detergents. As long as we use the correct maintenance methods, we can extend the service life of stainless steel and keep it clean, bright and gorgeous.