Stainless Steel Balustrades and handrails Maintenance & Guidence

       Stainless steel is widely in use for balconies and handrails. Many apartments now have a stainless steel balustrade or stainless steel handrail. Stainless steel is known for its ability to be a clean surface that resists corrosion and rust. Dirt, dust and grime.          
       Stainless steel railings are corrosion resistant because the alloying elements in stainless form a thin, transparent “passive layer” on the surface. Although this protective passive layer is only a few atoms thick, it instantaneously reforms in the presence of oxygen from air or water, so even if the material is scratched or damaged the passive layer continues protecting the surface from corrosion. 
        however, put stainless steel at risk for corrosion, contamination and rust. Luckily, stainless steel responds well to cleaning, never wearing out from excessive cleaning, as long as certain rules are followed. 
         1. Water and a cloth. Routine cleaning can be accomplished by using warm water and a cloth. This is the least risky option for cleaning stainless steel handrails. Dry with a towel or cloth to prevent water spots. Wipe in the directions of the polish lines. 

        2. Mild detergent, (dish washing liquid) and cloth. If the stainless steel handrail exhibits corrosion marks or contamination marks, or has been a long time since last clean and for cleaning that needs more power, mild detergent and warm water can do a great job without damaging the stainless steel. Make sure you rinse the surface thoroughly to prevent staining and spotting. Dry using a towel to prevent water spots which can be caused by minerals such as calcium in water (hard water). 

         3. Glass cleaner for fingerprints. Fingerprints are one of the biggest complaints about stainless steel handrails and parts, but can be taken care by using glass cleaner. Rinse thoroughly and towel dry. There are some newer types of finishes for stainless steel that resist fingerprints. 

        4. Stainless Steel Cleaner. If the handrails have had staining or scratching, or need to polish your stainless steel balustrade, a stainless steel cleaner may be a good option. Some of these cleaners and polishes can help minimize scratching and remove stains. They also can polish stainless steel surfaces nicely. Read the directions on the stainless steel cleaner and test in an inconspicuous spot. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and towel dry. 

        5. DO NOT USE: 
        a. Chloride-containing cleansers, especially those containing hydrochloric acid or bleach. 
        b. Hypochlorite bleaches; if applied accidentally or spilt on stainless steel surfaces, should be rinsed off immediately with liberal amounts of fresh water.
        c. Muriatic acid (commonly used to clean up tile/concrete installations.)   
        d. Silver-cleaners 
        e. Scouring powers 
        f. Hard scrapers or knives 
        g. Non-stainless steel based scouring pads, cleaning wool or wire brushes. 
        h. To avoid "cross-contamination" from iron particles, ensure that cleaning utensils     have not been used for "ordinary" (i.e. carbon) steel before. 

        Using the guide above you should be able to keep the look of your stainless steel handrails and balustrades clean and looking new for years and years.