Stainless steel door hardware can become stained due to a damaged chrome oxide layer. Identifying the source of the stains is crucial for effective treatment. In almost all cases, we recommend using our stainless steel cleaner/polisher. You can find this in our maintenance category.
Causes of stains on door hardware
Typical stainless steel stains (Not always immediately visible)
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Also called metal contamination. Iron particles from carbon steel, deposited on stainless steel during production or assembly, only stain the surface later. Fortunately, these stains are easy to remove with a few simple steps. See the step-by-step plan for standard cleaning below.
Typical stainless steel stains on door fittings like the one above are easily removed with a stainless steel cleaner.
External Causes (Most Common)
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Hard, lime-rich water: Dried drops of hard water leave a white deposit.
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Flash rust: External iron particles (from dust, grinding, etc.) land on the stainless steel and start to rust.
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Fingerprints/grease: Fingerprints remain clearly visible on stainless steel door fittings.
Step-by-step plan: Cleaning stainless steel door fittings
Follow these steps from gentle to intensive to get and keep your door fittings perfectly clean.
Step 1: Standard cleaning
Standard cleaning is ideal for fingerprints and light dirt on your door fittings. Follow the short step-by-step instructions below to clean your door fittings.
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Cleaning: Use a pH-neutral, mild detergent and lukewarm water with a soft cloth. Follow the brushing direction of the stainless steel.
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Wipe: Wipe with clean water to remove all soap residue.
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Drying: Immediately dry the door fitting completely with a clean, dry cloth to prevent water stains (especially with hard water).
Caution: Do not use abrasives, scouring pads, steel wool, or chlorinated products. These can damage the protective coating.
Step 2: Remove rust and stubborn stains
If superficial cleaning isn't sufficient, you'll need to address more specific issues. To remove surface rust, it's best to use a specialized stainless steel cleaner. Let it sit briefly and then immediately rinse the hardware with clean water to prevent further damage. For greasy stains or heavy fingerprints, you can also use a stainless steel cleaner.
Step 3: Maintain and Protect
After successfully cleaning your stainless steel door hardware, it's important to protect it from future stains. Apply a specialized stainless steel cleaner/polisher, such as Lavuzo Stainless Steel Cleaner/Polisher. This product has a dual action: it not only removes dirt from the door hardware but also leaves a protective layer on the metal. Rub the product with a clean cloth in the direction of the stainless steel grain. This protective layer makes your door hardware less susceptible to fingerprints, moisture, and dirt. This allows you to enjoy your stainless steel door hardware for longer!