How to Clean Stainless Steel Hardware

Maintaining the shine, quality and longevity of your stainless steel hardware requires some basic maintenance and upkeep. Whether you have stainless steel hardware installed on your boat or in your backyard, it’s important to clean and protect your hardware. Everything from stainless steel tubing, sailboat hardware and turnbuckles to snap fasteners and grommets needs regular cleaning and maintenance.

Every metal surface on your boat is exposed to saltwater and the elements: rigging, swage joints, hinges, turnbuckles, shackles and sliders, running lights, engines and more. All that metal needs to be regularly cleaned and protected. Likewise, the stainless steel hardware in your wire-hung canopy or shade sail in your backyard also needs to be maintained. This blog will recommend some top-notch metal cleaning products that we stock here at Sailrite.

Iosso^® Metal Polish

We recommend Iosso Metal Polish (#646311) for cleaning your stainless steel hardware. It removes oxidation, tarnish, surface rust, water spots, and tars and oils, leaving a protective coating with a high, glossy shine. In addition to stainless steel, Iosso Metal Polish also protects aluminum, brass, copper, chrome, porcelain, fiberglass, plexiglass and a variety of other common metals. Just one coat of this low-cost metal polish protects your hardware pieces for months.

How to Use Iosso Metal Polish: Apply a small amount of the polish to the metal surface using a clean, soft cloth or a buffing wheel. Rub the surface lightly while spreading the paste around, then buff the metal surface with a clean cloth while the paste is still moist. If the item might come into contact with food, wash it with soap and water after polishing and before using.

Boeshield^® Rust Remover & Corrosion Protection

This two-step cleaner and protectant process is another great choice for keeping your stainless steel in good shape so it lasts as long as possible. First, Rust Free spray (#90114) removes rust and stains from stainless steel, cast iron, chrome, fiberglass and more. It’s nontoxic, biodegradable and nonflammable.

Then, finish with T-9 Rust & Corrosion Protection (#86700) aerosol spray, which delivers long-term metal protection and lubrication. The unique formula penetrates deep crevices, displaces moisture, and dissolves minor rust and corrosion. It leaves behind a waxy, waterproof finish that is not tacky so it won’t attract dirt or dust.

How to Use Boeshield Products: Apply Rust-Free liberally onto metal surface, thoroughly wetting it. Let the product soak for 30 seconds to 3 minutes, then wipe dry with a clean cloth. If you have heavy rust, repeat the process and scrub the metal surface with a scour pad if necessary. Finish up with an application of T-9 spray. For a heavy coating, spray T-9 onto the stainless steel surface and allow it to dry. For a light coating, spray and wipe off.

Tips for Maintaining Your Stainless Steel

1. Hose off marine hardware with fresh water to remove salt and help prevent corrosion.

2. Saltwater boaters should clean their stainless steel hardware more often than freshwater boaters.

3. Keep bleach away from the hardware. If you are cleaning your marine canvas with a bleach/water solution, try to avoid getting the solution on your stainless steel hardware.

We hope this blog has been helpful in understanding how to clean and protect your stainless steel hardware components. If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to our customer service staff via email, phone or through the online chat function on our website. Or post your questions in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!