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More Aggressive Cleaners and Cleaning Procedures
Precautions:
Cleaning agents should be in full compliance with environmental regulations. They should always be prepared and used in accordance with the manufacturers material safety data sheet (MSDS).
NOTE 2:
Solvents should not be used in enclosed areas.
If wire brushes are used, these should be made of a similar grade of stainless steel. Ensure that all abrasive media used are free from sources of contamination, especially iron and chlorides
NOTE 3:
When cleaning a screen surface with any chemical preparation or abrasive medium, a trial area should be tested to assure the resulting finish matches with the original.
To avoid water marks, always use clean water (preferably warm if possible).  Drying marks may be avoided using an air blower or gently wiping with clean disposable wipes.
Rust marks or staining on stainless steels is unlikely to be the result of corrosion to the stainless steel itself.  Rust marks may be removed using non-scratching creams or alternatively using an oxalic acid solution, where iron particles have been embedded in the surface.
NOTE 4:
Special precautions are necessary with oxalic acid as it is poisonous when ingested.
Chloride-containing solutions, including hydrochloric acid-based cleaning agents and hypochlorite bleaches can cause surface staining and pitting, and should not be used in contact with stainless steel mesh.
NOTE 5:
Under no circumstances should concentrated bleaches contact stainless steel screen surfaces. Hydrochloric acid based solutions, such as silver cleaners, or building mortar removal solutions must not be used in contact with stainless steel mesh.
Hypochlorite containing bleaches must be used in the dilutions suggested in the manufacturers' instructions and contact times kept to a minimum. Thorough rinsing after use is very important. A frequent cause of staining and micro pitting of stainless steel wire mesh is splashing with undiluted bleach solutions and mortar cleaners.
Strong acids should only be used for on-site cleaning when all other methods have been proved unsatisfactory. Nitric and phosphoric acids can be used with care for cleaning and maintenance on stainless wire mesh although sulfuric and hydrochloric acids can be very corrosive and should not be used for cleaning and maintenance of stainless steel screens.  Citric acid cleaners are less potentially hazardous.
NOTE 6:
Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive chemical that is potentially explosive in concentrated form. It can cause severe skin burns, can irritate the nose and throat and cause difficulties breathing if inhaled, can burn the eyes and possibly cause blindness, and can burn holes in the stomach if swallowed.
NOTE 7:
Hydrochloric acid is a hazardous liquid which must be used with care. The acid itself is corrosive, and concentrated forms release acidic mists that are also dangerous. If the acid or mist come into contact with the skin, eyes, or internal organs, the damage can be irreversible or even fatal in severe cases
NOTE 8:
Rubber gloves should be used when handling strong acids and care taken to avoid spillage over adjacent areas.
[Technical Reference Index]     [Woven Wire Main Index]      [Stainless Steel Index]   Screen Technology Group, Inc 33008 NE Washougal River Road, Washougal WA 98671 USA   Screen Technology Group, established in 1988 With our success built on providing a level of customer service that is second to none, competent technical assistance, quality materials at competitive prices, properly package every order, always ship promptly according to schedule.   By using this website, you are agreeing that you have read and accepted the Terms of Use Agreement Copyright © 2015  Screen Technology Group, Inc.   All Rights Reserved. Last modified: August 06, 2018