Stainless Steel & Electropolished Stainless Steel

Stainless steel

Stainless steel (Inox) is a robust iron alloy resistant to corrosion due to a protective chromium and nickel oxide layer. Electropolishing further enhances this resistance and provides an ultra-smooth, lustrous finish. 

What is Electropolishing? 

Electropolishing is an electrochemical process that removes a thin layer of metal from the stainless steel surface. This process offers several benefits: 

• Enhanced Corrosion Resistance: Creates an ultra-smooth, passive chromium-rich layer, significantly improving resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, especially crucial in environments with chloride exposure (e.g., coastal or swimming pool areas). 

• Smoother Surface: Eliminates microscopic imperfections, resulting in a surface less likely to trap dirt, bacteria, and contaminants, making cleaning easier. 

• Improved Aesthetics: Imparts a bright, mirror-like finish. 

• Reduced Friction: The smoother surface can also reduce friction. 

Difference with Standard Stainless Steel Maintenance: 

Electropolishing enhances corrosion resistance, offering increased protection against environmental factors like salt. However, regular cleaning is still essential to maintain appearance and prevent surface contamination. Abrasive cleaning methods should be avoided to preserve the smooth surface. Chlorides (salt) remain a significant threat and can cause pitting corrosion over time if not properly maintained, even on electropolished surfaces. 

General Maintenance: 

• Clean regularly with water and mild soap to minimize surface contamination. The frequency depends heavily on the environment – daily rinsing may be needed in direct coastal spray, while quarterly cleaning might suffice in inland areas. 

• Use soft cloths or sponges to prevent scratching the surface, whether it's standard or electropolished. 

• Clean more frequently in coastal, industrial, or swimming pool areas due to higher exposure to chlorides or pollutants. 

• We offer specialized stainless steel protectors and cleaners suitable for both standard and electropolished stainless steel, designed for proactive care and easy cleaning. 

Regular Cleaning: 

• Clean 1-4 times per year in normal environments, much more often (potentially weekly or monthly, depending on proximity) in coastal/industrial/pool areas. 

• Wipe with a soft cloth or sponge dampened with soapy water, ideally following the grain if visible (less pronounced on electropolished). 

• Rinse thoroughly with clean warm water to remove all soap residue. 

• Dry immediately with a clean, absorbent cloth to prevent water spots on both standard and electropolished finishes. 

Deep Cleaning: 

• For light contamination/fingerprints between regular cleaning, use our STAINLESS STEEL CLEANER or a standard glass cleaner. These are safe for electropolished surfaces as well. 

• For stubborn issues, airborne rust (iron particles settling from the air), or external contamination, use our STAINLESS STEEL HEAVY DUTY CLEANER (a polishing paste with stronger acid). This product is primarily intended for restoring standard stainless steel finishes and addressing minor scratches. Apply sparingly to a soft cloth and rub gently in the direction of the grain. 

• Important: Use STAINLESS STEEL HEAVY DUTY CLEANER with extreme caution on electropolished surfaces. Test in an inconspicuous area first, as the polishing action might subtly alter the highly reflective finish over time with repeated or aggressive use. It is primarily a restorative product for standard finishes, not routine maintenance for electropolished. 

• Crucially, never use steel wool, steel brushes, or any cleaning materials containing steel or iron particles. This will cause rust contamination ("tea staining"). 

• Avoid abrasive cleaners, chloride solutions, and strong acid-based cleaning products not specifically formulated for stainless steel. 

Royal Botania Stainless Steel Care Products: 

• STAINLESS STEEL PROTECTOR: A light oil applied after cleaning. Cleans and leaves a protective film to help prevent fingerprints and minor contamination from adhering to both standard and electropolished surfaces. Use regularly with a soft cloth after cleaning. 

• STAINLESS STEEL CLEANER: A soap-based solution with light acid for everyday or frequent maintenance. Removes light contamination and fingerprints from both standard and electropolished stainless steel. Use as needed between deeper cleaning sessions. 

• STAINLESS STEEL HEAVY DUTY CLEANER: A polishing paste with stronger acid. Use for more significant issues like stubborn contamination, airborne rust ("tea staining"), and minor scratches. Primarily for standard stainless steel. Use very cautiously and sparingly on electropolished surfaces, testing first, as it has a polishing effect. 

Important Notes for Stainless Steel (Including Electropolished): 

• Be highly vigilant about chlorides (salt) from coastal air or swimming pool water. Clean much more frequently in these environments. Rinsing with fresh water frequently is a simple, effective preventative measure. 

• Always use soft cloths or sponges to maintain the surface finish of both standard and electropolished stainless steel. 

• Avoid strong bleaches and chloride-based cleaners on all stainless steel. 

• Regularly inspect for signs of "tea staining" (surface rust from airborne particles) or corrosion, especially in challenging climates. Addressing issues early makes them easier to resolve.