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How to prolong the life of stainless steel hardware accessories

How to prolong the life of stainless steel hardware accessories

2025-06-10

    To extend the service life of stainless steel hardware accessories (such as hinges, handles, slide rails, locks, etc.), it is necessary to start from material selection, daily maintenance, use environment control and other aspects. The following are the specific measures:
 
1. Choose high-quality stainless steel material
 
- 304 or 316 stainless steel is preferred:
 
- 304 (06Cr19Ni10): Suitable for general indoor environments (such as furniture hinges, door handles).
 
- 316 (06Cr17Ni12Mo2): contains molybdenum, resistant to chlorine ion corrosion, suitable for humid, coastal or chemical environments (such as bathroom hardware, outdoor accessories).
 
- Surface process inspection:
 
- Select brushed, mirrored or coated (such as PVD coating), which is more scratch-resistant than ordinary spray paint.
 
- Salt spray test standard: ≥48 hours without rust is qualified.
 
2. Control environmental factors
 
- Moisture-proof and moisture-proof:
 
- Bathroom and kitchen hardware accessories should be kept ventilated and water stains should be wiped dry regularly.
 
- You can install a dehumidifier or use a rust inhibitor (such as WD-40).
 
- Avoid corrosive media:
 
- Stay away from strong acids, strong alkalis, bleach, seawater, etc.
 
- Chlorine-containing cleaners (such as 84 disinfectant) are prohibited during cleaning.
 
- High temperature environment:
 
- Avoid long-term contact with high temperatures (such as near the stove). High temperatures will accelerate the aging of the plating.
 
3. Proper cleaning and maintenance
 
- Daily cleaning:
 
- Wipe with a soft cloth + neutral detergent (such as detergent), and dry it immediately after washing with water.
 
- Stubborn stains: soaked in baking soda paste or white vinegar (need to be rinsed in time).
 
- Rust removal method:
 
- Slight rust spots: polish with stainless steel special cleaning paste or toothpaste.
 
- Severe rust: gently grind with fine sandpaper (more than 600 mesh), and then apply stainless steel protective oil.
 
- Regular maintenance:
 
- Apply stainless steel maintenance oil or silicone oil (such as door hinges and slides) every 3-6 months.
 
- Track accessories can regularly clean the dust and add lubricating oil (such as lithium-based grease).
 
4. Avoid mechanical damage
 
- Correct use:
 
- Avoid overloading of hinges and slides (such as drawers should not be overloaded).
 
- When opening and closing doors and windows/drawers, force is uniform to reduce impact.
 
- Anti-scratch:
 
- Do not use wire balls and hard brushes when cleaning, and use microfiber cloth instead.
 
- Avoid hardware hitting hard objects when carrying furniture.
 
5. Installation and maintenance details
 
- Precautions for installation:
 
- The hinge screw needs to be tightened but not excessive (to prevent the thread from slipping).
 
- Keep the slide rail horizontal when installed to avoid skew friction.
 
- Replace the damaged parts in time:
 
- If you find that the accessories are loose, deformed or the plating is peeled off, replace them immediately to avoid joint damage.
 
6. Special environment response
 
- Coastal areas:
 
- Choose 316 stainless steel and rinse the surface salt with fresh water every month.
 
- Industrial Zone/High Pollution Zone:
 
- Clean every week, and add a protective cover if necessary.
 
7. Common misunderstandings
 
- ❌ "Stainless steel never rusts": neglecting maintenance will still corrode.
 
- ❌ Lubrication with engine oil: easy to stick to dust, change to water-based lubricant.
 
- ❌ Mixed use of hardware: different metal contacts (such as copper + steel) may cause electrochemical corrosion.
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