An in-depth look at stainless steel tube cleaning and soiling

We have years of experience providing the greatest tubing products. Clients consider us to be the leading ERW steel tube supplier West Midlands has. One reason why is that our merchandise is of the highest quality. In addition, we have various sizes and shapes available. This enables us to meet the needs of every client that comes to us, even if it is a very niche application.

Frequent cleaning could be necessary

ERW steel tube supplier West MidlandsStainless steel tubes may demand that you clean them regularly. This is for the effective maintenance of their integrity. The exterior of the steel has a thin chromium oxide layer. It is meant to protect the metal against corrosion. However, numerous contaminants are able to become trapped in the passive film. Such circumstances can gravely influence the corrosion resistance characteristics.

So, you should keep an eye out for indicators of surface deterioration, corrosion, and contamination of the steel. It will help you to decide when you have to take action. You should clean to prevent corrosion and keep the lustre of the surface protected.

When it is time to clean the tubing, you should employ the finest cleaning practices. These are ones that meet industry standards for the tubes. It will ensure you get the best results and don’t inadvertently cause more problems. Speak to us if you want to work with the foremost ERW steel tube supplier West Midlands has.

How to clean them?

There are multiple methods to use to clean the tubes. This includes using ammonia solutions, mild detergent, or soap in warm water. You are free to apply these agents with a nylon sponge or a soft cloth. Afterwards, you should rinse and dry the tube. This helps with removing ordinary soiling.

Whilst cleaning stainless steel, use mild non-scratching abrasive powders. Don’t try using steel wool or normal carbon steel brushes. It could leave articles embedded on the exterior, something that can cause rusting.

Solvent cleaning

You could also try using organic solvents to dispose of any fresh stains. These are the ones that haven’t yet oxidised or decomposed. Your solvent should not contain chlorine. Examples include mineral spirits, methyl alcohol, and acetone.

One possibility would be to put smaller items in the solvents so they are completely immersed. Or, you could employ the vapour cleaning approach to manage the discharge of solvents. Give everything a wipe post-cleaning too.

Mild abrasives

With moderate soiling, as well as light staining, you are able to use a mild abrasive cleaner. You can also utilise a nylon scouring pad, soft cloth, or a soft bristle brush. In the direction of the finish, make even, long strokes. Always avoid a circular rubbing action. When you finish cleaning, you must rinse and dry-wipe to finish the job and get rid of water stains.

As for heavy soiling and more intense staining, you could use ammonia solution or hot/warm detergents. Another choice would be acidic cleaners. However, you need to be careful with these.

Passivation treatment

You may want to maximise stainless steel’s corrosion resistance and dispose of the contaminants. For this, you can try passivation treatment. Firstly, you have to cleanse the steel exterior and dispose of the pollutants. Following this, you need to put the metal inside a passivating acid bath. The nature of the treatment is going to vary. It will depend on the steel’s machinability attributes and the chromium content.

The best ERW steel tube supplier in the West Midlands

At Union Steel Tubes, we work hard to meet the highest standards with our products. Customers expect and deserve the best from us. Thanks to the effort we put in, this is what they get. Not to mention, we test every tube to ensure their quality.

So, if you want to do business with the best ERW steel tube supplier West Midlands has, please give us a call. You can tell us about your application and let us recommend tubes for you. Or you can tell us exactly what you need and we will deliver it.