Stainless Steel Partition Maintenance Guidelines

Commercial Stainless Steel Partitions – FREE Quote Call 877-483-9270

It would be a good idea to call a general meeting with your custodial crew and go over stainless steel partition maintenance. Stainless steel toilet partitions can be damaged if cleaned with the wrong materials. Spending a little extra money and time on properly maintaining them is the only sensible way to protect your investment in a definitively higher end commercial restroom product.

Stainless steel is made from low-carbon steel containing a minimum of 10 percent chromium. The chromium additive is what makes stainless steel so corrosion resistant. Our most popular brand of toilet partition contains 6-8 percent nickel in addition to 16-18 percent chromium. The nickel and larger percentage of chromium create a more durable surface that is also partly resistant to airborne chemicals.

However, this resistance does not mean you can neglect partition maintenance. Corrosion and discoloration will result from neglect. Also, the wrong cleaners can completely ruin your partitions.

Never use any of the following on stainless steel:

• Muriatic acid – This is a form of hydrochloric acid that is used to clean up concrete and tile installations. Make sure that you keep this away from your toilet stalls if you are using it to remove debris post-installation.

• Any type of bleach or industrial cleaner that contains chloride.

• Highly concentrated soaps should be avoided because they often look like rust when they dry.

• Tap water with a high iron content should never be used because it contributes to rust. Use distilled water instead.

• Any type of adhesive that is stuck to a partition should be immediately removed before moisture builds up under the surface and corrodes the steel.

Routine stainless steel partition maintenance can be done with warm soap and water or even a glass cleaner applied with a soft cloth. If your partitions are already discolored or partly corroded, you can usually remove this with a Scotchbrite pad and a Revere or Goddard stainless steel cleaner. Be sure to rinse the surface with water after using any type of cleaner.

Rust is a little tougher to remove. We recommend that you purchase naval jelly and apply it to the entirety of the surface. This is because naval jelly brightens stainless steel, and selectively applying it will result in bright patches contrasted by a duller background. If your partitions were ordered with a rough finish, however, this is not the best product to use.

Rougher finishes should be cleaned with a non-metallic, damp abrasive pad and a mild abrasive cleaner. You have to follow the direction of the grain and thoroughly rinse the partition surface afterward.

If you do encounter rust or discoloration that you cannot remove completely, do not overdo it to the point of ruining the finish. Clean your partitions daily with clear water to prevent the discoloration from spreading. Otherwise, discoloration will eventually pit the surface.

Stainless steel partition maintenance may require a little extra effort and money, but the results are well worth it.

Commercial Stainless Steel Partitions – FREE Quote Call 877-483-9270