Skolnik

Contrary to popular belief, stainless steel is susceptible to rusting. While more passivethen carbon steel, the introduction of chromium affects corrosivity. With 12–30%chromium, an invisible passive film covers the stainless surface and acts as a shieldagainst rust. However, there are 3 things that can break down this passive layer andreduce the resistance to corrosion. Mechanical Abrasion — anything that will scratch thesteel‘s surface will open the steel to areas of rust penetration. Products such as steelpads, wire brushes and metal scrapers are tools that cut through the protective layer.Hard Water — leaves deposits (or spots) that will break down the passive layer ofprotection and facilitate rusting. Also, deposits from food preparation and service canbreak down the protective layer. Chlorides — household and industrial cleaners use activechlorides. These chlorides attack the passive layer and increase corrosion. For bestperformance: 1) use and store stainless drums in clean, dry work areas, 2) use properhandling tools, 3) when cleaning, go with the grain of the steel, 4) use alkaline rather thenchloride cleansers, 5) rinse drums with treated (soft) water, 6) never use hydrochloricacid on stainless, and 7) regularly re-passivate and monitor the surface areas to insurecorrosion resistance.