Care and Maintenance of Alpro Stainless Steel Handles
IntroductionStainless steels are selected in applications where their inherent corrosion resistance, strength and aesthetic appeal are required. However, dependent on the service conditions, stainless steels will stain and discolour due to surface deposits and so cannot be assumed to be completely maintenance free. In order to achieve maximum corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal, the surface of the stainless steel must be kept clean. Provided the grade of stainless steel and the surface finish are correctly selected, and cleaning schedules carried out on a regular basis, good performance and long service life will result. Factors Affecting MaintenanceSurface contamination and the formation of deposits must be prevented. These deposits may be minute particles of iron or rust from other sources used on the building of new premises and not removed until after the stainless steel items have been fixed. Industrial and even naturally occurring atmospheric conditions can produce deposits, which can be equally corrosive, e.g. salt deposits from marine conditions. Working environments can also provide aggressive conditions such as heat and humidity, in swimming pool buildings. These conditions can result in surface discoloration of stainless steels and so maintenance on a more frequent basis may be required. Modern processes use many cleaners, sterilizers and bleaches for hygienic purposes. Proprietary solutions, when used in accordance with makers' instructions, should be safe but if used incorrectly (e.g. warm or concentrated), may cause discolouration or corrosion on stainless steels. Strong acid solutions are sometimes used to clean masonry and tiling of buildings. These acids should never be used where contact with metals, including stainless steel is possible, but if this happens, the acid solution must be removed immediately, followed by dilution and rinsing with clean water. Maintenance ProgrammeWith care taken during fabrication and installation, cleaning before "hand-over" should not present any problems. More attention may be required if the installation period has been prolonged or hand-over delayed. Where surface contamination is suspected, immediate cleaning after site fixing should avoid problems later. Food handling, pharmaceutical, aerospace and certain nuclear applications required extremely high levels of cleanliness applicable to each industry. The frequency of cleaning is dependent on the application; a simple rule is; This may vary from once to four times a year for external applications, but may be daily for items in "hygienic" applications. Recommendations on cleaning frequencies in architectural applications are shown in Table 2. Cleaning MethodsStainless steel is easy to clean. Washing with soap or mild detergent and warm water followed by a clear water rise is usually quite adequate for domestic and architectural equipment. Where stainless steel has become extremely dirty with signs of surface discolouration perhaps following periods of neglect, or misuse) alternative methods of cleaning can be used, as outlined in the Table 1 Care and Maintenance of Alpro Coated & Anodised HandlesFor the maintenance of coated handles, a mild solution of warm water and appropriate detergent is suggested. All surfaces of the handle should be cleaned, using a soft cloth or brush and dried thoroughly. Again a frequency of every three to six months is suggested. Satin anodised door furniture, should be wiped over with a damp cloth and thoroughly dried, a wipe lover with wax polish is then suggested to ensure ongoing aesthetics. Never use metal cleaning agents on aluminium anodised furniture. Acknowledgements References Architects Guide to Stainless Steel
PLEASE NOTE: before commencing any tasks ensure that you have received the appropriate health and safety literature from the supplier and that you fully understand it. If in any doubt please seek advice. The advice provided is given in good faith but without responsibility.
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