How to remove Acid stains from stainless steel

Stainless steel is often supposed as one of the surfaces which can never get a stain, since it is apparent from its name, but even stainless steel can get stains on it from acid. Stainless steel is often used in numerous objects around the house. Often people have kitchen and bathroom sink made of stainless steel which can easily be exposed to acid.

Sometimes, while cleaning the drains or even objects that have impossible marks on them, we often use acid based cleaners or even acid, while forgetting that they are the very reason that may cause more harm to the stainless steel surface. This is because stainless steel is an alloy which may be resistant to rust but is still vulnerable to acid.

Acid based cleaners and acid itself, if spilled on the stainless steel surface react to the surface i.e. they cause a chemical reaction which cannot reverse. This reaction also leaves very ugly looking acid stains on the surface of the stainless steel. It is best to get rid of the acid on the surface of the stainless steel so that the chemical reaction doesn’t damage the stainless steel deeply.

The quickest way of getting rid of the acid is to rinse it off. This causes minimal damage and the stain left behind can be easily cleaned. If, however, the acid has been left on the surface for too long, it may cause corrosion, leaving deep cracks. They cannot be fixed but the acid stains left on them can be removed by the following methods.

Method 1

Things that you will require:

·      Water

·      An empty bowl

·      A spray bottle

·      A cleaning towel

·      Gloves

·      Mask

·      Baking soda and ammonia

Steps that you will need to take:

1.   In order to protect yourself from the strong chemicals used in this method, start by wearing the gloves and the mask.

2.   Clean the area on the stainless steel that has been stained by the acid by pouring water on it. For your own convenience it is recommended that the spray bottle is used to spray water on the stain.

3.   Next, take the empty bowl and add equal amounts of water and baking soda. The equal amounts needs to be according to the stained area. The two must be mixed till they form a paste. If the surface of the stainless steel is rough, add water to the paste so that it is thin enough to reach in through the cracks.

4.   Apply the mixture to the stained surface of the stainless steel. If you see no change in the color of the stain repeat step two. Now add ammonia to water instead of the baking soda. And apply to the surface.

5.   After the acid stain has been completely removed from your stainless steel sink etc., use the cleaning towel to remove all the chemicals. This can be done by dipping the cleaning towel into water and cleaning the surface.

Warning

·      The chemicals used in this method are strong; therefore it is important to be careful not to spill them. Take maximum precaution while using ammonia.

Method 2

Things that you will require:

·      An empty bowl

·      Liquid dishwasher

·      Baking soda

·      Cleaning towel

Steps that you will need to take:

1.   Add equal amounts of baking soda and the liquid dishwasher into a bowl and make a paste.

2.   Dip the cleaning towel into the paste and apply to the stainless steel surface that has been stained by the acid.

3.   Keep applying the paste and scrub thoroughly. This will be enough to take out a fresh acid stain from your stainless steel sink etc.

Method 3

Things that you will require:

·      Olive oil

·      Vinegar

·      Soft cloth or cleaning towels

Steps that you will need to take:

1.   Dip the soft cloth into vinegar and apply to the stainless steel surface stained by the acid.

2.   Gently rub in clockwise strokes till the stain vanishes.

3.   If you feel there is still a little bit of the stain left wipe the surface clean with a clean towel and apply olive oil. Scrub till the stain vanishes.