Stainless Steel Maintenance - Northland NL24BCG0 Série Instructions D'installation, D'utilisation Et D'entretien

Background
Stainless steel does not stain, corrode, or rust as
easily as ordinary steel, but it is not stain or corro-
sion proof. Stainless steels can discolor or corrode
if not maintained properly.
Stainless steels differ from ordinary carbon steels
by the amount of chromium present. It is this
chromium that provides an invisible protective film
on the surface called chrome-oxide. This protective
chrome-oxide film on the surface can be damaged
or contaminated, which may result in discoloration,
staining, or corrosion of the base metal.
Care & Cleaning
Routine cleaning of the stainless steel surfaces
will serve to greatly extend the life of your product
by removing contaminants. This is especially
important in coastal areas which can expose the
stainless to severe contaminants such as halide
salts, (sodium chloride).
It is strongly recommended to periodically inspect
and thoroughly clean crevices, weld points, under
gaskets, rivets, bolt heads, and any locations where
small amounts of liquid could collect, become stag-
nant, and concentrate contaminates. Additionally,
any mounting hardware that is showing signs of
corrosion should be replaced.
Frequency of cleaning will depend upon the
installation location, environmental, and usage
conditions.
Choosing a Cleaning Product
The choice of a proper cleaning product is ulti-
mately that of the consumer, and there are many
products from which to choose. Depending upon
the type of cleaning and the degree of contamina-
tion, some products are better than others.
Typically the most effective and efficient means for
routine cleaning of most stainless steel products is
to give the surfaces a brisk rubbing with a soft cloth
soaked in warm water and a gentle detergent, or
mild mixture of ammonia. Rubbing should, to the
extent possible, follow the polish lines of the steel,
and always insure thorough rinsing after cleaning.
Although some products are called "stainless steel
cleaners," some may contain abrasives which could
scratch the surface, (compromising the protective
chrome-oxide film), and some many contain chlo-
rine bleach which will dull, tarnish or discolor the
surface if not completely removed.
After the stainless surfaces have been thoroughly
cleaned, a good quality car wax may be applied to
help maintain the finish.

STAINLESS STEEL MAINTENANCE

NOTE
Stainless steel products should never be installed,
or stored in close proximity to chlorine chemicals.
Whichever cleaning product you chose, it should be
used in strict accordance with the instructions of the
cleaner manufacturer.
12