Categories: Knowledge CentrePublished On: 19th February 2024

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Guide to Maintaining Stainless Steel

SHS Blog  Guide to Maintaining Stainless Steel

Our glass and stainless-steel railings can be the perfect addition to any home or commercial space, offering a sleek and modern aesthetic. However, to ensure your stainless-steel balustrades continue to look gorgeous all year round, regular maintenance is essential.

In this guide, we will provide you with top tips for cleaning your railings to keep them in a showroom condition regardless of the season:

Cleaning frequency:

Just like any other household cleaning task, the longer you delay it the more challenging it becomes. We recommend cleaning your glass balustrades at least once a month to prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime – of course, that doesn’t include the freezing winter months.

Equipment needed:

You don’t need much equipment to maintain and clean your railings effectively. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • A bowl of lukewarm water
  • A sponge
  • Two microfiber cloths
  • A spray bottle.
  • Glass cleaner (car windscreen wash for freezing conditions can work well)
  • A rubber squeegee.

Preventing rust on your stainless steel:

Many of our balustrade systems are constructed from stainless steel, known for its resistance to rust and tarnishing.

However, stainless steel is not entirely immune to corrosion, so it still requires general cleaning and maintenance. This also applies to our products that are made from aluminium.

Recommended cleaning methods:

  1. Routine cleaning of light soiling:
  • Use soap, detergent, or a 1% ammonia solution in warm water.
  • Apply with a clean sponge, soft cloth, or soft fibre brush.
  • Rinse with clean water and dry.
  1. Cleaning fingerprints:
  • Clean with detergent and warm water or hydrocarbon solvents.
  1. Cleaning oil and grease marks:
  • Use hydrocarbon solvents such as methylated spirit, isopropyl alcohol, or acetone.
  1. Cleaning stubborn spots, stains, and light discolouration:
  • Apply mild, non-scratching creams and polishes with a soft cloth or soft sponge.
  • Rinse off residues with clean water and dry.

 

Stainless steel maintenance:

To keep your stainless-steel balustrade looking its best follow these tips:

  • Use a microfibre cloth and warm water to remove stains and marks.
  • Dry the area with a cloth or a towel to prevent spotting.
  • Create a polished finish by buffing the area with a cloth in the direction of the grain.
  • Choose cleaning products designed for stainless steel.
  • Address discolouration due to lime deposits with a water and vinegar solution – 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water – applied with a soft brush.

Avoid using bleach solution on stainless steel as it can cause damage to the surface.

 

With regular maintenance and by following our cleaning tips, your glass and stainless-steel railing will continue to exude elegance for years to come!

To ensure the longevity of your balustrade, please let us know where the balustrade system is going to be placed and what are the typical weather conditions in your locations, that way we can offer you precise advice.

View all our railing systems.

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