Make your stainless steel hardware last longer

Invest in a stainless steel Deurklinkhaak and you'll want it to look good for years. Stainless steel is durable and stands up to wind and weather, but it still needs a little care.

Outdoors it has to deal with rain, salt and exhaust fumes; indoors mainly with fingerprints and cooking vapours. Fortunately, good maintenance only takes a moment.

WHY STAINLESS STEEL STILL NEEDS CARE

Stainless steel has a thin protective layer of chromium oxide. As long as it stays intact, the material won't rust. That layer can, however, be affected by:

• Flash rust — iron particles in the air (for example from grinding work or along railway lines)
• Salt and chlorine — coastal air, road salt or aggressive cleaning products
• Harsh polishes — limescale remover, bleach or scouring pads

HOW TO KEEP IT LOOKING GOOD

Wiping it with a cloth now and then is enough for everyday care. Wipe away fingerprints and dust with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Always dry the surface afterwards with a clean, dry cloth — this prevents limescale marks from tap water.

More dirt? Use lukewarm water with a few drops of mild soap. For stubborn deposits, or if you live near the coast, you can use a stainless steel cleaner that protects the surface every few months.

TIP

With brushed stainless steel, always rub along the direction of the brushed grain. Circular movements can leave small scratches across the grain, making the surface look dull.

WHAT NOT TO USE

Don't use abrasive products or tools that damage the finish:

• Steel wool or scouring pads — deep scratches and iron particles that can rust themselves
• Silver or copper polish — too aggressive for stainless steel
• Chlorine or bleach — breaks down the protective layer