Stainless steel is an extremely durable material that is easy to maintain and clean since it naturally resists corrosion, which is why stainless steel table legs are a great choice for outdoor tables. Tablebases.com sells 304 grade and 201 grade stainless steel table bases and stainless steel table legs. There’s a few different processes you can try for cleaning or refurbishing stainless steel. The best method will depend on the condition of your stainless steel table legs or appliance, the type of dirt or staining involved, and whether you want to clean the surface, polish the stainless steel, or brush the stainless steel to restore the pattern. Keep reading for more tips!
For Dirt, Debris or Hard Water Stains on Stainless Steel
A lot of stainless steel furniture and appliances have a brushed texture. This brushed texture adds visual interest and also helps minimize the appearance of scratches over time. The brushed texture is not a finish on top of the metal, it’s actually brush strokes in the metal itself. The upside to this is that there’s no finish to wear down over time, making stainless steel easy to refinish. The downside is that dirt and grime can accumulate in the grain of the stainless steel. A great way to remove dirt, minerals and other foreign debris from the grain is to use a 5% vinegar solution with a soft brush or rag. Vinegar is acidic, so it’s particularly well suited to dissolving minerals like those found in hard water. This is great for stainless steel table legs or pedestal table bases that are used outside and maybe get hit by stray water while you’re watering the garden or cleaning your patio. You can also use a dedicated stainless steel cleaning solution with a soft brush or cloth. There are dozens of different brands available at hardware and home goods stores, pick the one that fits your budget.
For Light Scratches or Marks on Stainless Steel
Since stainless steel is usually polished or brushed, rather than coated with a finish, removing light scratches or marks is just a matter of re-polishing or re-brushing the stainless steel. For polished stainless steel, you can use a stainless steel polishing compound. These are mildly abrasive pastes or solid bars that help grind off accumulated dirt and even out scratches. The instructions can vary depending on the brand of compound you select, so follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. For brushed stainless steel, you can use stainless steel cleaner along with a Scotch Brite pad or very fine grit sandpaper, and work in the same direction as the original brushed texture to remove scratches and re-brush the finish. Use steady, even motions in the direction of the existing grain and continue until the light scratches disappear or blend into the brushed finish of the stainless steel.
For Deep Scratches or Marks in Stainless Steel
Deeper scratches and marks are more difficult to remove from stainless steel, but you can follow the directions above for light scratches to help minimize the appearance of more severe nicks and dents.
Things to Avoid with Cleaning Stainless Steel
Steel wool is NOT recommended for cleaning or re-brushing stainless steel, as it can leave steel fibers in the grain of the stainless steel, which can then rust over time and cause discoloration. Also, bleach and chlorine products are not safe to use on stainless steel. Bleach can damage the anti-corrosion properties of stainless steel and cause pitting, which is permanent damage to the metal. This is why frequent cleaning is recommended for stainless steel furniture that is near swimming pools or chlorinated fountains. You can also periodically apply a product such as Fluid Film to these items to give them an added layer of protection.
