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With your exterior railing project, you're going to receive a cleaning and maintenance kit. The content of this kit are this: CitriSurf, the instructions, as well as a Scotch-Brite® pad. Now as part of your routine maintenance, you're going to want to look for any signs of discoloration at all. Then you want to use this to spot clean the system as needed.
How-To Guide: How to Prevent Rust on a Stainless Steel Railing System
Railing systems under the Clearview® brand are manufactured from marine grade 316 stainless steel. Unlike other metals, stainless steel is an affordable solution that resists rust and discoloration. In the presence of oxygen, the chemical composition of stainless steel creates a passive layer that resists corrosion from salty air (on bleaches), chlorides (in swimming pools), or other harsh environments. However, since stainless steel is not completely immune to corrosion, periodic cleaning is recommended to maintain the system and prevent contaminants from building up. Corrosion can also be corrected in the early stages by using a passivation solution. DO NOT USE chloride cleaners, hypochlorite bleaches, muriatic acid, silver cleaners, scouring powders, steel wool, wire brushes, abrasive cleaning pads, and cleaning pads with rust that will harm the stainless steel railing system.
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Initial Care (Immediately After Installation)
Passivate the stainless steel surface with a solution included in the AGS - Stainless Steel Cleaning & Maintenance Kit to bring the surface condition of the stainless steel to its optimal state.
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Long Term Care (Periodically As Needed)
Periodically passivate the stainless steel surface with a solution included in the AGS - Stainless Steel Cleaning & Maintenance Kit for preventative maintenance purposes. Then rinse the stainless steel surface with clean water to remove chlorides, which helps maintain the system.
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Short Term Care (Periodically As Needed)
Choose a mild household soap and use clean, warm water to remove fingerprints and smudges. Use the AGS - Stainless Steel Cleaner after as needed after rinsing off the passivation solution and drying the surface.
Tools Needed:
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Rub Along Finish
Rub a non-abrasive Scotch-Brite® pad, which is included in the AGS - Stainless Steel Cleaning & Maintenance Kit, along a stainless steel post in the direction of the finish. Rub a non-abrasive Scotch-Brite® pad in a circular motion on a stainless steel top rail. DO NOT USE steel wool or steel brushes for cleaning because they will leave scratches on a stainless steel railing system.
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Apply Passivation Solution
Apply a small amount of passivation solution to a towel and wipe any discolored areas to recondition the surface of the stainless steel railing system. This passivation solution is included in the AGS - Stainless Steel Cleaning & Maintenance Kit.
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Wait for Passivation
Wait for 10-30 minutes while the passivation solution penetrates the surface of the stainless steel railing system. If you don't wait for 10-30 minutes, you might have to apply the solution several times. In direct sunlight and hot environments, it may be necessary to periodically mist or sprinkle the surface lightly with water to prevent the passivation solution from drying.
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Remove Passivation Solution
Rinse off the passivation solution with pure water and immediately wipe the surface of the stainless steel railing system dry with a clean towel in the durection of the brushed finish. A hot air blower could be used afterward to accelerate the drying process.
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Apply the Cleaner
Apply a small amount of stainless steel cleaner to a clean towel and wipe in the direction of the finish. AGS - Stainless Steel Cleaner restores a protective layer in intergranular crevices to prevent chlorides from initiating corrosion.