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People often think that if a product is made of
stainless steel then it will be completely stain free.
However this is not the case,
Stainless Steel is not
"stain free" or
"corrosion proof." The
amount will vary depending on the conditions the product is put into, but you
can help prevent tea stains and surface
rust through regular cleaning of your
stainless steel products. Like all your other stainless steel products your stainless
steel ceiling fan will require regular cleaning.
Stainless
steel is not a magic material,
it is by and large resistant to
corrosion and Grade 316L (the
grade we use) is perfectly
suited for ceiling fans in
coastal environments. From many
years experience we find there
does seem to be a lot of
misunderstanding about stainless
steel in general, both by
customers and some sales
outlets.
"Stainless steel" will
not suffer structural corrosion
or damage that affects the
strength or usefulness of the
base metal when exposed to
normal environmental conditions.
Stainless Steels protect
themselves by forming a chromium
oxide surface layer that
prevents harmful oxidation
(rusting) of the iron that makes
up the bulk of the material.
Stainless Steels are not stain
free, corrosion proof or even
rust proof. Corrosion does
occur with stainless steel, the
difference between stainless and
normal steel is that the rate of
corrosion is much lower and not
likely to be structurally
significant. The finish
and cosmetic appearance of
Stainless Steel is very
dependent on the maintenance
regime employed.
To ensure your fan stays in good condition Hunter Pacific recommends at least seasonal
cleaning (4 times per year) of stainless steel fans and more regularly for ones that are installed in outdoor or coastal
locations. Wipe the fan with a soft damp cloth to remove dust and excess moisture. After
cleaning, dry fan with a soft dry cloth.
NOTE: You can remove the blades from your fan for easier cleaning.
Steps to removing your fan blades.
If tea stains or surface rust are already
present the you should try using new nylon
scourers* along with mild detergent
and hot water. Make sure you rub the
stainless steel in the direction of the grain to avoid damaging the finish.
Never use: [Sourced from Australian Stainless Steel Development Association]
- Steel wool scourers or any scourers which have been used for cleaning
carbon steel products
(ordinary steel products like
pots and pans) as this can allow for carbon steel
contamination and deep
in-grain rust stains that will
difficult or impossible to
remove.
- Concentrate bleach or hydrochloric acid based cleaning agents because these
chemicals will frost the surface and cause pitting in stainless steel products.
- Plastic scourers
rubbed across brushed finishes.
The Australian Stainless
Steel Development Association is a wealth of
technical information and in particular this
document deals with stainless steel in coastal
environments: http://www.assda.asn.au/images/stories/oldcontent/61529001145508815004.pdf
Please note the above
document recommends (on the last page)
cleaning between 2 and 12 times per year
for 304 grade stainless installed in
places where it is not washed by rain
(of course ceiling fans can't be
installed where they are rained upon),
and where deposits accumulate (such as
from salt laden air). Since HPI fans are
316L and not 304 we believe this
cleaning schedule could be adjusted to
between 2 and 6 times per year.
To determine the best
cleaning schedule routinely check a new
fan every month for the first six months
after installation to see if any
contamination is occurring. You can then
decide how frequently it needs
cleaning.
Click here to find out 'Why it is important to clean stainless
steel, where tea staining occurs and what are some common stainless steel
myths.
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