How To Maintain Stainless Steel Kitchen Equipment Easily
Post Date: 2019-07-10
Stainless steel is a durable and easy-to-clean material. Because of this, many of us often think that regular maintenance and routine checks of stainless steel kitchen equipment is not needed as often, but this is, unfortunately, a wrong assumption – stainless steel is not an entirely maintenance-free material. Without proper care, it is also subjected to wear and tear, which can ultimately result in big messes that can end up affecting your business.
Listed below are some handy tips in caring for stainless steel kitchen equipment. Follow them closely and you will understand how to maintain them with ease!
What is stainless steel?
For starters, steel is a composite of iron and carbon, with each element like chromium and nickel at different percentages. It is not the same as galvanized steel, which is plain steel overlaid with a layer of zinc on the surface.
For stainless steel, the chromium and nickel blend with the steel to form an invisible sheath that gives it its signature cryogenic toughness and great sleek look.
What can damage stainless steel equipment?
Due to these properties, stainless steel coverings are popular for overlaying food preparation and commercial cooking equipment in Singapore.
However, as mentioned, the layer is not entirely indestructible. You can damage stainless steel through mechanical abrasions such as scrubbing using scrapers, steel wool, or wire brushes. Other possible ways of destroying stainless steel also include exposure to hard water for prolonged periods and exposure to chlorides, which can be found in water and cleaning agents.
Caring for stainless steel equipment
1. View the manual
Before you begin to do anything else, you first have to read the manual and follow the steps provided for cleaning and maintenance.
If you do not have one, check the manufacturer’s website. Chances are, you will find an e-manual for the specific appliance. Alternatively, consult with Singapore’s leading kitchen equipment suppliers on where you can get such a manual.
2. Apply the right cleaning agents
The best cleaning agents for stainless steel surfaces are alkaline, non-chlorinated detergents. However, if your stainless steel equipment has scratches on its surface, these are still considered harsh so if you have no choice but to use them for cleaning, make sure to you thoroughly rinse afterwards with soft water.
3. Use the proper cleaning tools and techniques
Use sponges, soft cloths, or plastic scouring pads for cleaning. Avoid using scrapers, wire brushes, or any other abrasive tools on your stainless steel equipment. When cleaning, take care to scrub or wipe along the grain so as to minimise chances of destructive abrasion.
4. Treat your water
Depending on where it’s coming from, your water supply may be soft or hard. Hard water usually contains many mineral deposits and when used on stainless steel surfaces, the minerals are deposited onto the surface and over time, they break down the surface.
You can choose to treat your water by using a filter recommended by kitchen equipment suppliers. If that’s not possible, ensure that surfaces are thoroughly dried after a wash.
Knowing how to care for your stainless steel equipment or any other machinery you have is important. But sometimes, even the basics are just not enough. Schedule regular maintenance exercises by a professional instead and include all your kitchen equipment. Proper care from time to time is necessary to make sure your equipment is at its best condition!
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