Caring Tips for Stainless Steel Products

Do you know that even stainless steel can be rusty? 

Stainless steel can and does rust because it’s actually 'stainless' not 'stainfree', and it depends on the types of the stainless steel (Eg: SS302/SS303/ SS316/ SS304)

Generally, over time and if not maintained correctly, rust can and will develop on stainless steel as well. 

Factors Affecting Rust on Stainless Steel
Various factors can affect the ability of stainless steel to resist corrosion. 

1. The environment where the metal is used can amplify the chances of stainless steel rusting. Environments with chlorine like swimming pools are highly corrosive. Also, environments with salty water can accelerate corrosion on stainless steel. In short, when the metal in contact with some corrosive substances, such as salt, ie: Drinks or water containing salt may affects the bottle in rusty. 

❤ There will be dust and impurities in the new vacuum flask. If it is filled with water overnight without washing, the dust may contain corrosive substance and contact with oxygen, which will also cause rust. The correct way is to wash the vacuum flask first before used it and never soak it in salt water!
            

If the water quality nearby seaside areas is not filtered cleanly, the tap water will also contain a relatively high sodium (salt) content. Unless you buy 316 stainless steel, mostly 304 stainless steel on the market will get rusty.

2. Maintenance will have an effect on the metals ability to resist rust. The chromium in stainless steel reacts with oxygen in the air to produce a protective chromium oxide layer across the surface. Although very thin, this layer is what protects the metal from corrosion. This layer can be destroyed by harsh environments or mechanical damage such as scratches however, if cleaned properly and in a suitable environment, the protective layer will form again restoring the protective properties.

❤ Don't use brush to clean the vacuum flask, use a cloth instead. Once the chromium coating on the surface is damaged, the iron inside will be exposed to oxygen and it will rust.