Stainless steel is one of the toughest metals used in our daily lives and is the most resistant to corrosion when it comes to exposure to the environment. This is the reason why it finds itself being used in a myriad of cases where a lot of wear and tear is expected like sitting spaces in public buses, trains, public parks, hospitals, etc. Stainless steel benches can be found in most of the public areas and nowadays, these are used in private spaces as well. One of the reasons is that they offer a modern look to your private space with unmatched ruggedness.
Being tough and rugged, however, does not mean that stainless steel will never require any care. The metal requires little maintenance however; some maintenance is warranted like once a year as there are certain contaminants which if settled on the surface can render the metal weak. These contaminants meddle with the protective layer that forms naturally over steel surfaces and makes it ineffective. This not only increases the life of the steel but also keeps it visibly aesthetic.
How to take care of your steel: The preventive way
When kept in the external environment, stainless steel performs remarkably well. Even in the rains, it does not get bad or corroded easily. Having said that, it is not just water that is present in the environment, especially after the roads undergo de-icing during the winters. The salts present in the de-icing agents can damage your stainless steel bench in the long run. If you live along the coast, then the salinity in the air will harm your steel and within 3 years you will start seeing signs of harm. The recommendation here is that you clean the surface of steel at least once a year in regular environments and twice a year if you live along the seaside. Using a solution of mild detergent in warm water will be enough to take care of any contaminants that might harm the surface. Thoroughly rinse the bench and repeat. This shall keep the stainless steel bench working for years.
What to do in a commercial or industrial setup?
Maintaining stainless steel benches can be a nightmare if they are not installed in a suitable environment. For example, it is advised not to install them in a construction environment. Cleaning acids used for stones and concrete can cause serious damage to the steel surface and it might quickly become susceptible to corrosion. Another place where stainless steel should be avoided is proximity to metal grinding and iron welding machines. Grinding and welding produce a lot of iron particles that easily clog to any surface, especially steel.
Over time these will oxidize and eventually rust, completely changing the look and functionality of the steel installation. For adhesives or oily environments, you need to clean the steel surface using alcohol regularly for longevity. It is important to take care of your steel installations and seek professional help whenever you are confused or are not sure what to do. In case you have any queries, please get in touch with us at A1 Custom Stainless & Kitchens and get the best service you can hire.