Cleaning the stainless steel parts of a luminaire: what are the best practices?

Stainless steel is easier to clean and more suitable for disinfection than aluminium or polymers, thanks to its special surface properties. Cleaning stainless steel involves removing visible and non-visible soiling that adheres to the surface, rather than destroying micro-organisms.

But improper use of cleaning products can lead to corrosion, particularly if the product is overdosed, not rinsed thoroughly enough or at too high a temperature.

Recommendations for maintaining the stainless steel parts of your luminaire #

Glass degreasers, non-bleach detergents (washing powders, liquid detergents and soaps) and washing soda are harmless to stainless steel.

It is preferable to use commercial cleaning products (and not the active ingredients alone) as they generally contain corrosion inhibitors. Be sure to observe their optimum conditions of use.

To disinfect stainless steel, it is generally sufficient to use products with a concentration 10 to 100 times lower than for other materials.

How often should you clean the stainless steel parts of your luminaire? #

As a guide, here’s how often you should clean your luminaire’s stainless steel. This frequency should be adapted to the actual conditions of installation and use.

Operating procedure and tools #

Cleaning in the same direction as polishing. In any case, always in the same direction. Use high-pressure cleaners, with or without detergents, and/or hot water. Generally speaking, use clean tools.

Note: before taking any action, make sure that the cleaning method envisaged, in particular the use of a high-pressure cleaner or low-pressure liquid, is compatible with the IP protection rating of the luminaire (sufficient tightness).

Rinsing and drying #

Rinse with plenty of water: any cleaning product used on the stainless steel parts of the luminaire must be rinsed systematically with fresh water. Wipe with a rubber squeegee or, failing that, a clean soft cloth.

Precautionary measures #

A few precautions to follow.

Tools #

• Do not use metal brushes, pads or wool, hard brushes or nylon brushes
• Do not use abrasive pads or powders (even very fine ones)

Products #

• Do not use chlorine or bleach products: Bleach and chlorine derivatives can only be used very diluted and for limited contact times.
• Do not use hydrochloric acid, or any product with an unknown or unsuitable composition: nitric, hydrofluoric, etc.
• Do not use waxes designed to increase the shine of surfaces: they leave a film that can encourage particles to adhere to surfaces.
• Before any action is taken, it is necessary to ensure that the method of cleaning envisaged, in particular the use of a high-pressure cleaner or low-pressure liquid, is compatible with the IP protection index of the luminaire (sufficient tightness).

Remarks #

• The use of acidic products or solvents requires special precautions, both for the user and for the surrounding materials. This operation should always be followed by a thorough rinse with water.
• We cannot be held responsible for any damage resulting from a change in the composition of the product or from misuse.
• It is the user’s responsibility to check with the manufacturer that the product is suitable for use.
• Traces of oxidation do not affect the operation of the product and are not covered by the warranty.