Technical Information

Source: The Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA)

1. Introduction

Cleanliness and stainless steel are closely related and, in many applications, each is dependent on the other. In the handling of food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and in the use of stainless steel as a construction material (roofs, wall panels, entry ways, signs, etc.), stainless steel provides the same degree of corrosion resistance that is necessary to prevent product contamination or surface rusting. However, stainless steel performs best when clean―cleanliness is essential for maximum resistance to corrosion.

This describes various practices for cleaning stainless steel during manufacture and in use. This includes methods for removing free-iron contamination on stainless steel surfaces that may have been picked up from metalworking tools, and for removing general accumulation of dirt, grime and surface stains that occur during normal handling and exposure to the elements.

The user should keep in mind that there are few specific rules for a cleaning procedure. Accordingly, the methods discussed in this handbook are suggestions. Each manufacturer or user, after obtaining competent advice with respect to their individual requirements, should select methods appropriate to those requirements.

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