Unlike carbon steel, stainless steel is an iron alloy that contains a relatively high percentage of chromium. It's the inclusion of chromium that gives stainless steel its rust resistance. The chromium in stainless steel reacts with oxygen (in the air or water) to form a very thin, transparent, passive film (chromium oxide) over the surface of the steel, which limits further oxidation (rust). This passive film is formed (and repaired) very rapidly, so you don't need to worry about scraping or scrubbing it off.
However, certain things can penetrate this film and start to cause rust if left in contact with stainless steel. Here are our tips for caring for your stainless steel bowl:
Avoid deep scratches
Small scratches are mostly cosmetic, but deeper scratches can be difficult to keep clean. Avoid scratches by not using metal utensils in your bowls (or using them very gently) and staying away from highly abrasive pads.
Wash frequently
Frequent washing is an essential step, but there are a few other factors to keep in mind. Water sources in some cities contain high levels of chlorine, which can gradually penetrate the protective film on stainless steel and cause rusting. Water from wells can also include a bacteria that is capable of producing rust in stainless steel.
Use the correct soap
Use only mild detergents and steer clear of harsh chemicals or antibacterial cleaning products. Some harsh chemicals and antibacterial soaps can cause rusting in stainless steel. Halogen salts (chlorine, fluorine, bromine, iodine), some antibacterial agents (ones that contain a chemical called Triclosan), and bleach (sodium hypochlorite) or bleach-containing cleaning products can also cause rust in stainless steel. Check your detergent and make sure it doesn't contain any of these materials.
Avoid metal-on-metal contact
Avoid metal cleaning pads (like steel wool) and metal utensils. Steel wool is made from carbon steel and rusts readily. Using it on a stainless steel material can deposit what is referred to as "free iron", which isn't protected by chromium, and can quickly lead to rusting. Sustained contact between stainless steel and some other types of metal can set-up a process called Galvanic Corrosion. A wet environment is far more likely to lead to rusting than a drier climate.
How to remove rust marks
- Mix some baking soda with vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar) until you reach the consistency of a paste.
- Spread the paste over the surface of the stainless steel.
- Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes (up to a few hours if you have very stubborn rust).
- Scrub the paste over the stainless steel surface with a scratch-free scrubbing pad using a circular motion.
- Rinse the bowl thoroughly with warm water, then perform a regular soap-and-water wash followed by drying by hand.
TIP: You may want to use this in-depth cleaning process if stains or rust appear, or on a weekly or monthly basis to prevent any problems.