Maintaining Your Stainless
POLINOX US
Stainless steel rust and stain remover- Available in 200ml, 1 litre and 10kg containers
POLINOX C CLEANER
- Stainless steel universal cleaner and surface restorer
- Available in 200ml, 1 litre and 5 litre containers
CSG CLEANOX
- Stainless steel surface cleaner and preserver
- Available in 200ml and 1 litre containers
WHAT IS TEA STAINING?
DISCOLOURATION OF THE SURFACE OF STAINLESS STEEL THAT DOES NOT AFFECT
THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OR THE LONGEVITY OF THE MATERIAL.
Contributing factors and what can be done about them
The relationships between the contributing factors are complex. But
generally become increasingly critical closer to marine water.
Environmental
factors
Tea staining occurs most commonly within about five kilometres of the
surf and becomes progressively worse closer to the marine source.
However, wind exposure, pollution levels and higher temperatures
can create environments where tea staining might occur 20 kilometres
or more from sea water. These same factors also increase corrosion
rates of alternative materials.
Surface finish
Rough surface finishes promote tea staining: the smoother the surface,
the better. Smoother surface finishes stay cleaner between washes and
don’t have deep surface grooves where chlorides and other contaminants
can collect and cause problems.
Weld treatment.
Pickling treatments after welding are a must for good performance of
stainless steel near the coast. This chemical treatment removes the
welding oxide and rapidly restores the passive layer, which gives
stainless steel its corrosion resistance.
Wash regularly
Even smooth stainless steel finishes in coastal environments may show
tea staining if not washed regularly.
Design, fabrication and handling
Good designers will avoid crevices, such as intermittent welds and
areas where water can collect. Competent stainless steel fabricators
will avoid carbon steel contamination. Choose designers and fabricators
experienced with stainless steel.
Appropriate grade selection
Exposure of a particular grade of stainless steel to a more aggressive
environment than it can resist will contribute to tea staining.