These are tried and true recommendations, used daily, and built up over years of experience presented in the form of:
Problem
- Cleaning Agent
- Comments
Routine Cleaning All finishes
- Soap or mild detergent and water (Preferably warm)
- Sponge, rinse with clean water, wipe dry if necessary. Follow polish lines.
Removing Fingerprints All finishes
- Soap and warm water or organic solvent (eg acetone, alcohol, methylated spirits
- Rinse with clean water and wipe dry. Follow polish lines.
Stubborn Stains and Discoloration All finishes.
- Mild cleaning solutions, eg. Jif, specialty stainless steel cleaners.
- Use rag, sponge or fibre brush (soft nylon or natural bristle. An old toothbrush can be useful). Rinse well with clean water and wipe dry. Follow polish lines.
Lime Deposits from Hard Water.
- Solution of one part vinegar to three parts water.
- Soak in solution then brush to loosen. Rinse well with clean water.
Oil or Grease Marks All finishes.
- Organic solvents (eg. acetone, alcohol, methylated spirits, proprietary “safety solvents”). Baked-on grease can be softened beforehand with ammonia.
- Clean after with soap and water, rinse with clean water and dry. Follow polish lines.
Rust and other Corrosion Products with Embedded or Adhering “Free Iron”.
- Rust stains can be removed by adding one part of nitric acid to nine parts of warm water. Leave for 30 to 60 minutes, then wash off with plenty of water, and flush any drains thoroughly. See also previous section on Passivating.
- Rinse well with clean water. Wear rubber gloves, mix the solution in a glass container, and be very careful with the acid. (see Precautions for acid cleaners)
Routine Cleaning of Boat Fittings.
- Frequent washing down with fresh water.
- Washing is recommended after each time the boat is used in salt water.
Cooking Pot Boiled Dry.
- Remove burnt food by soaking in hot water with detergent, baking soda or ammonia.
- Afterwards clean and polish, with a mild abrasive if necessary. See comments re steel wool.
Dark Oxide From Welding or Heat Treatment.
- “Pickling Paste” or pickling solutions given on previous page.
- Must be carefully rinsed, and use care in handling (see Precautions for acid cleaners).
Scratches on Polished (Satin) Finish.
- Slight scratches – use impregnated nylon pads. Polish with scurfs dressed with iron-free abrasives for deeper scratches. Follow polish lines. Then clean with soap or detergent as for routine cleaning.
- Do not use ordinary steel wool – iron particles can become embedded in stainless steel and cause further surface problems. Stainless steel and “Scotch-brite” scouring pads are satisfactory.