Unsure of how to properly clean your steel products? Look no further. The following blog provides product recommendations and cleaning recipes suitable for the cleaning and removal of surface deposits from our products.
Cleaning Tips
When cleaning steel, here are some things you should know:
- Avoid tools and products that could damage or abrade the painted surface including but not limited to: wire brushes, steel wool, abrasives, or similar cleaning tools
- Products other than hot and cold detergents should be tested in a small and unnoticeable area before use on a larger scale
- Always read the manufacturer’s safety requirements & restrictions and follow their application recommendations in addition to any guidelines below
- Rinse thoroughly with water after cleaning to remove any excess chemicals
What To Use
HOT/COLD DETERGENT SOLUTIONS
The preferred method of cleaning would be to use a hot or cold detergent solution. A 5% solution in water of commonly used commercial (non-industrial) detergents will not cause any damage on a painted surface. We recommend using a cloth or soft bristle brush for application. And to ensure there is no leftover residue, rinse thoroughly with water after application.
CHEMICAL SOLUTIONS
Chemical solutions are great at removing Mildew and Rust Stains. But always remember to take the proper safety precautions when using chemical solutions by ensuring proper ventilation and use of PPE.
For Mildew Removal we recommend using the following solution:
- 1/3 cup dry powdered laundry detergent (ex. Tide™)
- 1 qt sodium hypochlorite 5% solution (ex. Clorox™)
- 3 quarts of water
To remove Rust Stains we recommend using the following solution:
- 1 part hydrochloric, citric or muriatic acid
- Oxalic acid solutions or acetic acid (vinegar) may be used for the same purpose
- 10 parts water
- Note: Limit contact to 5 minutes
Products to Avoid
To ensure the quality of your steel, we recommend you NEVER use the following products:
- Ketones
- Esters
- Lacquer Thinner
- Paint Remover
- Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK)
- Ethyl Acetate (A.k.a. – nail polish remover)