The type of environment wherein the stainless steel mesh screen will be installed also contributes in damaging the materials property such as around an indoor pool because of different factors involved – chlorine, heat and humidity. Under this condition, the material will undergo surface discoloration and it must be maintained and cleaned in a regular basis. It is better to have a regular maintenance cleaning than to do it when the material has been damaged unfavorably.
There are many commercial solutions available in the market to be used in cleaning stainless steel but must be used carefully and under the manufacturer’s instruction. Failure to do so may result in the stainless steel screen’s degradation, discoloration and even corrosion. Do not used acidic solutions that are normally used in cleaning the outer surfaces of materials such as stone and bricks. These solutions are not ideal for any metal and that includes stainless steel. If the metal is exposed in any way, remove the acidic solution right away and wash the surface of the screen thoroughly using clean water.
The cleaning frequency varies in application and environment. It is ideal to go by visual inspection and if it looks dirty then it should be cleaned in order to return it to the original state.
When cleaning stainless steel, it highly recommended that it should be properly positioned horizontally before any cleaning can begin, and this is because of the open area. It is not advisable to clean the screen while it is still attached to its structure and it is considered unsafe. It is not only inefficient, cleaning it that way could damage the material that is attached to the screen such as painted surfaces, wood trim, fabrics, drywall and flooring. It is also damaging in an environment where there are animals, vegetation and aquatic animal especially of the solution used contains chemicals.
After the screen is separated from the structure, it should be easier to clean. In the most basic process, mild detergent and warm water is enough. Just soak the screen for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly. If dirt has accumulated on the screen, use a nylon brush with soft bristle to scrub the dirt away. In cases of rust or surface discoloration, it is best to find another alternative as cleaning agent.