Stainless Steel Mesh, Screen Cleaning Procedures
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INTRODUCTION
Cleanliness and stainless steel wire cloth screens are closely related and, in many applications, each is dependent upon the other. In the handling of chemicals, cosmetics, food products and pharmaceuticals, stainless steel provides the degree of corrosion resistance that is necessary to prevent product contamination or surface rusting. However, stainless steel wire mesh performs best when clean as cleanliness is essential for maximum resistance to corrosion.  This includes methods for removing free-iron contamination on stainless steel screening surfaces that may have been picked up from metalworking tools or welding processes; and for removing general accumulation of dirt, grime and surface stains that occur during normal handling and exposure to the elements.
NOTE 1:
The environment at the screens installation can also provide detrimental conditions such as a indoor swimming pool where heat, humidity and chlorine are combined.   Conditions of this nature typically result in surface discoloration of stainless steel screens, therefore maintenance on a more frequent basis may be required.
A multitude of commercial solutions which are available for various uses, when used in accordance to the manufacturers instructions, are usually safe although if used incorrectly may result in discoloration or corrosion on stainless steel screens. Acidic solutions utilized for cleaning of exterior surfaces such as brick or stone masonry must not be allowed to contact any metals including stainless steel screens.  In the event screens are exposed, the acidic solution must be removed immediately and then followed up by thoroughly flushing the screen surfaces with clean water.
The actual required frequency of cleaning is dependent on the individual application.  The best policy is to clean the screening when it is dirty in order to restore the original appearance.
BASIC CLEANING PROCEDURE
Due to the high percentage of open area, stainless steel screens should always be cleaned in the horizontal position.  Attempting to clean the screens while attached to the structure is not a safe practice and is never recommended.
Aside from the inefficiency due to cleaning fluid waste, the high probability of damaging the adjoining materials in the structure including, but not limited to wood trim, drywall, painted surfaces, fabrics and flooring may prove to be quite expensive.
The additional threat to nearby exterior vegetation, aquatic and animal life is also extremely dangerous, especially when chemical cleaning additives are utilized.
Once removed from the building structure, stainless steel screens are relatively easy to clean. Typically a short soak in a shallow pool of a mild detergent combined with warm water and then followed with a clean rinse is adequate for most applications. When necessary, a gentle scrub with a soft bristle nylon brush while in the detergent solution will enhance the cleaning process.
In the event stainless steel screening is extremely dirty, showing signs of discoloration or surface rust, (usually after long periods of neglect) alternative cleaning methods should be considered.
For Detailed information on alternate, more aggressive methods of cleaning stainless steel screening and heavier wire mesh specifications please continue to next page.
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