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Stainless steel is naturally resistant to corrosion. While needing no additional protection or coatings, it does require cleaning or wiping down from time to time to prevent dirt building up or finger marks showing.

Indoor residential systems should be cleaned once every 6 to 12 months, or sooner if signs of dirt begin to show.

Outdoor systems will usually be ‘self-cleaning’ to a certain extent, with rainwater washing off accumulated dirt and other coatings if the surfaces are sufficiently and freely exposed.

Systems exposed to harsh chemicals, exhaust fumes and salt from sea air should be cleaned as often as every 3 months.

Although we usually advise mirror polished steel if you are within 10 miles of the coast, some people choose to use standard brushed satin steel. If you are using brushed satin by the coast, it is recommended that you clean once a month to protect against corrosion.

Brushed steel has a natural grain that will run either horizontally or vertically. For the best results, clean the steel in the same direction.

When water has been used in the cleaning or rinsing process, always wipe the surface dry to prevent watermarks forming.

Using distilled water would also prevent marks forming.

Ensure the cloth or cleaning materials are clean to avoid cross contamination that may damage the steel.

• For regular cleaning, we advise starting with warm soapy water and a cloth
• For removing brown pitting, cleaning agents containing phosphoric acid are suitable
• For scratches, a stainless steel cleaner may be required. Follow the Instructions included

• Jewellery polish that contains chemicals corrosive to stainless steel
• Any product containing chloride or chlorine bleach
• Wire wool, steel brushes or abrasive scrubbing pads

Just as you might provide regular care in maintaining the appearance of your car, similarly, it is prudent to provide regular care in maintaining the decorative appearance of aluminium balustrade parts..

Build up of soils and other grime can hold moisture to the coated surface, and this is detrimental to anodised finishes and powder coating. This build up can facilitate a corrosive condition which may lead to damage of the coating, particularly in a coastal or salt air environment.

The following guidelines should assist giving you the best ways to clean your aluminium balustrade without compromising the natural corrosion proof qualities.

Indoor residential systems should be cleaned once every 6 to 12 months, or sooner if signs of dirt begin to show.

Outdoor systems have a level of ‘self-cleaning’, with rainwater washing off accumulated dirt and other coatings. It is advised to clean the system every 3-6 months.

Systems exposed to harsh chemicals, exhaust fumes and salt from sea air should be cleaned as often as every 3 months.

For best results, clean the steel in the same direction as the natural grain of the aluminium channel.

When water has been used in the cleaning or rinsing process, always wipe the surface dry to prevent watermarks forming.

Using distilled water will also prevent marks forming. Ensure the cloth or cleaning materials are clean to avoid cross contamination that may damage the steel.

• For regular cleaning, we advise starting with warm soapy water
• You can also add a pH neutral wetting agent or detergent
• Clear with a non-abrasive fibre brush or sponge, ensuring to rinse with plenty of clean water straight after the cleaning process
• For stubborn residue, a plastic scouring pad like 3M Scotch-Brite abrasive pad together with water and a suitable pH neutral detergent may be used
• Always test in a small inconspicuous area first and clean thoroughly with water after

• Chemicals containing chloride, fluoride or sulphate additives
• Abrasive materials that can degrade and attack the oxide layer of the aluminium
• Strong solvent thinners, petrol, diesel, turps, kerosene, degreasers, pesticides, brand name lubricants or agents of unknown composition
• Additionally, avoid any building materials such as condensates, cement or plaster coming into contact with the channel