How do I maintain my sink of stainless steel?
Cleaning and Maintenance of Stainless Steel Surfaces
EICO’s stainless steel sinks for kitchen and bathroom are made of 18/10 stainless steel (AISI 304 certified top-quality steel).
It is an environmentally friendly and easy-to-clean material, ideal for areas where high standards of hygiene are required.
Stainless steel is characterized by an oxide film that protects the surface and makes the product rust-resistant. This film acts as a natural barrier, protecting against attacks from corrosive gases, liquids, or particles.
However, stainless steel is not completely immune to corrosion, contrary to common belief. If the protective film on the steel surface is damaged, the protection can be drastically reduced, and rust spots or various deposits may form. Therefore, special techniques are used when processing the steel to ensure complete protection during all normal working processes.
Primary causes of corrosion:
- Ferrous materials (flash rust) left on wet surfaces, typically from tools used for cleaning, such as scouring pads.
- Lime scale. Lime deposits can weaken the steel alloy.
- Salts and dry residues of evaporated liquids.
- Cleaning agents containing chloride or ammonia that are not completely rinsed off.
Cleaning and maintenance:
To avoid corrosion problems, it is very important that the user cleans the stainless steel surface properly, using appropriate products to ensure that rust protection is maintained.
For daily cleaning, regular dish soap is recommended. Use a dish brush or a soft cloth if needed. Thorough cleaning can be done with a suitable stainless steel cleaner.
Ensure that the cleaner does not contain chlorides, ammonia, or similar substances. Always rinse with clean water.
Do not use scouring pads with metal surfaces or similar tools, as they may leave microscopic particles that adhere to the stainless steel surface (flash rust).