A balustrade can simply be defined as a decorative railing that is supported by individual baluster posts, evenly spaced and connected to each other. There are several materials that make balusters, ranging from wood, metal, glass, and stainless steel. While each has its advantages and disadvantages, many home owners and designers today prefer stainless steel balustrade to other materials. For one, stainless steel comes fully protected from corrosion thanks to a thin chromium oxide layer. Atmospheric oxygen combines the stainless steel with chromium to form a unreceptive chromium oxide layer than protects the material from further corrosion.
The other reason why most people today prefer stainless steel balustrade is because it is very easy to clean and maintain. Actually, stainless steel flourishes on frequent care and cleaning, and compared to other materials commonly used today, it is not possible to ‘wear out’ any product made from stainless steel by ‘over-cleaning’. Needless to mention therefore, cleanliness is vital for utmost resistance of stainless steel railings to corrosion. Stainless steel’s ability to be a clean surface that resists rust and corrosion is a great advantage; but, grime, dust, and dirt are the main things that would put your beautiful railings into risk for rust, contamination, and corrosion.
Here is some cleaning and maintenance tips to ensure your stainless steel balustrade remain as sparkling as new.
1. Regular routine cleaning can be achieved by using warm clean water and a piece of cloth. In fact, this is the least dangerous way of cleaning stainless steel balusters. After cleaning, you should dry with a clean piece of cloth or towel to prevent water spots, while wiping along the polish lines.
2. If your stainless steel balusters show marks of contamination or corrosion, you can use a mild dish washing detergent mixed in warm water and a piece of cloth. This can do a wonderful cleaning job without affecting the surface. You should however ensure you rinse the surface well and dry off with a clean towel or piece of cloth to prevent spotting and staining.
3. A major complaint of all stainless steel parts, railings, and especially handrails is fingerprints – these can be cleaned perfectly using a glass cleaner. As usual, you should rinse carefully and then towel dry.
4. In case your stainless steel balustrade have scratches and stains, or require some bit of polishing, your best bet could lie on a stainless steel cleaner. Some of these cleaners available in the market can help remove stubborn stains and mask scratches. Further, they are known to polish stainless steel balustrade very well. You should read the directions of use and test the cleaner on a tiny spot before cleaning the entire surface. Ensure you rinse meticulously and towel dry.
Stainless steel balustradeis uprights, made of iron and whose main work is to support railings e.g. rails found on banisters. As mentioned, balusters can be made of different materials such as concrete or wood, but stainless steel is often a guaranteed way of adding that decorative touch while being able to retain the strength and give the support necessary to hold the railing.