While stainless steel is an alloy of chromium and iron helping it to combat stains, it is still susceptible to staining from everyday acid based household cleaners.
If acid is spilled on your stainless steel sink or appliance, it is important you rinse it off immediately. When acid comes into contact with stainless steel, a chemical reaction occurs. The damage and possible corrosion (if the acid is left on for long enough) caused by this chemical reaction is irreversible.
At this point the damage may already be done, but the stain left behind can still be treated and removed. In order to remove the stains, you will only need a few inexpensive items; gloves, a mask, water, baking soda, ammonia, a soft towel, a spray bottle and a bowl. Warning: Before you begin the process, make sure you have on your mask and gloves to protect yourself from exposure to the chemical. The steps below will remove the acid stain:
- Fill the spray bottle with water and spray on the surface of the stain to clean it off.
- Add the same amount of both water and baking soda to the bowl, (the amount of this mixture you will need is dependent on how big the stain is).
- Mix the water and baking soda together until they form a paste, (if the surface of the stain is rough, add some water to the mixture to thin it out so that it can get in between the cracks).
- After you mix the substances together to find the right consistency, apply it to the stain.
- If baking soda does not eliminate the stain completely, soak the area in ammonia.
- After you have done this, thoroughly rinse off the area with just water. Warning: Mixing ammonia with chemicals in other cleaning products can create deadly fumes.
- Dry off the surface with a soft towel to prevent scratches.
To eliminate other stainless steel streaks, fingerprints and stains caused by nonacid substances, visit our website to purchase stainless steel cleaner.
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