304 stainless steel is the most common form of stainless steel used around the world, largely due to its excellent corrosion resistance and value. It contains between 16 and 24 percent chromium and up to 35 percent nickel, as well as small amounts of carbon and manganese.
304 will withstand corrosion from most oxidizing acids. That durability makes 304 easy to sanitize and therefore ideal for kitchen, bathroom and food applications.
304 stainless steel does have one weakness: it is susceptible to corrosion from chloride solutions or from saline environments like the coast. Chloride ions can create localized areas of corrosion, called “pitting,” which can spread beneath protective chromium barriers to compromise internal structures.
With a little bit of care you can minimise, if not prevent this tea staining effect and get years of visual enjoyment from your stainless steel.
Tea staining can be best described as a discolouration of the surface that does not affect the structural integrity or the longevity of the material. Tea staining of stainless steel occurs most commonly in coastal areas and becomes progressively worse the closer you get to water (note that most of New Zealand is considered a coastal area). Other factors such as pollution, higher temperatures and humidity can also increase the effect.
To prevent tea staining, perform regular maintenance – wash regularly with clean fresh water, mild detergent and a cloth or soft brush. After washing rinse in clean water and wipe the surface dry with a soft absorbent cloth remembering to go with the grain on brushed stainless steel.
In general, you should wash your stainless steel every three months. Do not use abrasive cleaners or a scouring pad of any type as they may cause excessive wear and dull the finish.
Miles Nelson 304 stainless steel product(s) are warranted to be free from surface defects for the products lifetime. Subject to the requirements of regular maintenance program to avoid any tea staining. Any finish deterioration caused by exposure to adverse atmospheric conditions or occurring from the use of paints, solvents and acid cleaners is not considered a defect in the finish and as such is not covered by the warranty conditions.
Likewise the warranty does not cover damage caused by incorrect installation, accident, neglect or other factors over which Miles Nelson has no control over.
All 316 Stainless Steel 316 grade stainless has molybdenum as an additive that improves its resistance to pitting and corrosion and should be used when exposed to seaside conditions.
With a little bit of care you can minimise, if not prevent tea staining and get years of visual enjoyment from your stainless steel.
Tea staining can be described as: discolouration of the surface of stainless steel that does not affect the structural integrity or the longevity of the material. Tea staining of stainless steels occurs most commonly in coastal areas and becomes progressively worse the closer you get to water (note that most of New Zealand is considered a coastal area). Other factors such as pollution, higher temperatures and humidity can also increase the effect.
To prevent tea staining, perform regular maintenance – Wash regularly with clean fresh water, mild detergent and a cloth or soft brush. After washing rinse in clean water and wipe the surface dry with a soft absorbent cloth remembering to go with the grain on brushed stainless steel.
Generally, you should wash your stainless steel every time you wash your windows or every three months. Do not use abrasive cleaners or a scouring pad of any type as they may cause excessive wear and dull the finish