Stainless steel is an inexpensive alloy that resists stains, needs little maintenance, and looks attractive. It's used to make cookware, dishes, sinks, appliances, jewelery, cutlery, watches, tools, hardware, industrial equipment, surgical instruments, food transport, storage tankers and to construct buildings. It has antibacterial properties and resists corrosion. There are many different types of stainless steel that can be used for different purposes.

Types

• There are many different types of stainless steel. More than 70% of stainless steel produced is called austenitic, or 300 series. It has at least 16% chromium and contains enough nickel or manganese to keep the structure stable in very cold as well as very hot temperatures. A small amount of carbon is added to make it stronger and harder. Ferritic stainless steel isn't as durable as austenitic, but it resists corrosion. Martensitic stainless steel don't resist corrosion as well, but they're tough, strong, and can be hardened with heat. Duplex stainless steel is a mixture of ferritic and austenitic stainless steel that are stronger than austenitic and resist corrosion more than ferritic.

History

• Stainless steel that fits today's definition wasn't developed until the early 1900's. A British laboratory researcher named Harry Brearley is known as the inventor of stainless steel. He discovered a stainless steel alloy while looking for an alloy for gun barrels that would resist erosion. The New York Times wrote about the 1913 discovery in a January, 1915 newspaper article. The alloy was used to make the London Savoy Hotel entrance canopy in 1929.

• Prevention/Solution

  • To clean a stainless steel sink or dull flatware, make a cleaner from baking soda and water. It will clean and shine without scratching. Rub marks from stainless steel appliances with used fabric softener sheets. Clean stainless steel appliances with club soda. Dry them with a soft cloth. Stainless steel teapots can be cleaned by dropping denture cleaner in a pot of warm water and letting it soak for 2 hours. Be sure to rinse completely. Make a paste from a teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide and 3 teaspoons of cream of tartar to remove water spots from stainless steel. Let it dry on the spots then wipe it a way with a wet cloth. Use distilled white vinegar to get rust stains off stainless steel and to brighten it.

  Benefits

  • Stainless steel can be recycled and reused. It has antibacterial properties that are useful in commercial kitchens and home appliances. The antibacterial properties are also beneficial in cookware, cutlery, surgical instruments, and containers that transport food. Stainless steel can be steam cleaned and sterilized. It comes in different grades and finishes that can fit whatever environment it will be in.

  Expert Insight

  • According to Consumer Report's "How to Clean Practically Everything" published in 2002, stainless steel is easy to clean and maintain. You can usually use hot water and detergent, but if that doesn't work, you can put detergent on the stain or clean it with a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol. Avoid using abrasive powders or scrub pads, as they can scratch the surface