Australia’s Finest Stainless | britex.com.au
Care and Maintenance
TPWD Installation Guide | QID 1.2 | Rev 1 | 13 Feb 2023
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Stainless steel products should be kept clean at all times. The secret to stainless steel’s
ability to maintain a high quality finish and promises of a long life expectancy is the
invisible chromium-oxide film that sits on the surface and protects the steel beneath. To
maintain this film it is essential that the surface remains clean and in constant contact with
oxygen. If this film is penetrated (either by abrasion or chemically) and dirt, liquid, grime
contaminants embed themselves in these micro chasms for an extended period of time,
the chromiumoxide film will not be able to regenerate and the steel below will eventually
become damaged and discoloured.
What we recommend for general cleaning and maintenance:
Cleaning Materials:
• A soft cloth
• A soft-bristled brush
• A natural or artificial sponge
Cleaning Solutions:
• Hand washing soap / soft water solution
• Mild soap / soft water solution
• White vinegar / soft water solution
It is recommended that general cleaning of stainless steel surfaces be carried out weekly,
or as soon as a build up of surface media has been observed. To clean, simply wash
stainless steel surfaces with, warm, diluted, mild soapy water using a cloth or soft bristled
brush. Once all dirt, oil and grime is removed, rinse thoroughly with clean water and wipe
dry
Do NOT – use a metal brush or steel wool to clean stainless steel. Ever. These tools will
scratch the surface as well as potentially leave behind steel fragments that can go rusty
and cause the stainless to discolour. Using these materials will void the warranty.
Do NOT – use scourers of any kind that have previously been used on ordinary steel.
Microscopic steel fibers transferred onto stainless steel can cause considerable damage to
the surface and will void the warranty.
Do NOT – use abrasive cleaning brushes, pads or agents on highly polished finishes
Do NOT use harsh cleaners that contain powerful acidic or alkaline chemicals such as
hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide that will damage the surface. Any water coming
into contact with stainless steel, particularly cleaning solutions, should have zero chloride
content as even minute amounts can cause damage. Using these cleaners will void any
product warranty.
Do NOT – use chlorinated sanitizers, cleansers or bleach of any kind. Using these substances
will void the warranty. Despite some cleaners displaying the text, ‘Suitable for Toilets and
Urinals’ this is more likely in reference to ceramic/vitreous China products and use of these
cleaners can damage stainless steel and will void the warranty.
Do NOT – use brick cleaning liquids that contain hydrochloric acid anywhere near stainless. If
cement needs to be removed from stainless (before it sets), a mixture of hot water and 25%
vinegar or 10% phosphoric acid can be effective. Once cleaned, the surface should then be
neutralised with dilute ammonia or sodium bicarbonate then rinsed and dried.
