How do you guys clean stainless steel boxes?

[maximus96]

I bought the 41” SS Kobalt box from Lowes this past weekend (for the wonderful price of $650!) I was somewhat disappointed that it did not have the peel-off plastic wrap to protect the SS besides the standard giant plastic bag. The SS is in good shape except a few minor spots here and there. What do you guys use to clean SS and to keep it looking clean?

Also, I can’t peel off the giant advertisement sticker on the inside of the top lid. They used super sticky glue or something because I can't peel off more than ½” long strips at a time. I have goo gone but i don’t think it will work until I get rid of all the printed material first. Any ideas?

[Uncle Buck]

I bought the 41” SS Kobalt box from Lowes this past weekend (for the wonderful price of $650!) I was somewhat disappointed that it did not have the peel-off plastic wrap to protect the SS besides the standard giant plastic bag. The SS is in good shape except a few minor spots here and there. What do you guys use to clean SS and to keep it looking clean?

Also, I can’t peel off the giant advertisement sticker on the inside of the top lid. They used super sticky glue or something because I can only peel off more than ½” long strips at a time. I have goo gone but in don’t think it will work until I get rid of all the printed material first. Any ideas?

How about Laquer thinner? Or possibly mineral spirits? :headscrat

[PoorOwner]

Just soak it with goo gone and it should come off. I removed my ugly safety label. What, you mean you don't want to see the features everytime you open the top lid? :D

For cleaning off finger prints.. I use a glass cleaner called invisible glass.

[Brandon_Lutz]

Get a hair dryer or heat gun and heat up the label. She'll peel right off after that.

As far as stainless steel cleaning, I use good ole windex and a paper towl. :)

[Uncle Buck]

I have never seriously cleaned any of my boxes!

[Stuey]

I too would recommend a heat gun.

Also, as for spots or plain grease, I'd say Windex or dish soap.

[rsanter]

they make stainless cleaner like used for the stainless grilles and appliances. works well

I also say heat gun/hair drier to get the sticker off

bob

[Moose-LandTran]

I use WD-40 and a cloth to clean just about everything. tools and tool boxes etc..

except when cleaning parts, then it's diesel/degreaser/brake cleaner/etc..

[maximus96]

I didn't know wd40 was a cleaning agent. I thought it was only for lube

[Hip2u77]

I didn't know wd40 was a cleaning agent. I thought it was only for lube

yeah, check out their website. It's useful for a lot more things than most realize. (The name actually means it was the 40th attempt at making a "Water Displacement" product.

[wilbilt]

they make stainless cleaner like used for the stainless grilles and appliances. works well


In the schools, the custodians use an acid-based cleaner on stainless bathroom fixtures. It smells very similar to auto-body metal conditioner.

[ZRX61]

I didn't know wd40 was a cleaning agent. I thought it was only for lube
It's mostly Stoddard Solvent. I never use the stuff since I discovered AeroKroil :)

[Moose-LandTran]

In the schools, the custodians use an acid-based cleaner on stainless bathroom fixtures. It smells very similar to auto-body metal conditioner.

More commonly known as Kitchen Sink Cleaner. Ask the wife if in doubt.


WD-40 is very good for cleaning things. i use it on my tools because it cleans them and leaves a non-greasing protective coating so they never rust. i also use it on things like the plastic handles on my Snap-on screwdrivers. keeps they clean and shiny, like new. works perfect every time. also good for removing the sticky residue left by stickers and the like. a true "multi-purpose" product.

[l_bilyk]

Goo gone works good for cleaning stainless steel. Sp does kitchen appliance cleaner.

As for the sticker, use a heat gun. It should come right off

[Kevin54]

I didn't know wd40 was a cleaning agent. I thought it was only for lube

Better read the rattlecan or jug. It cleans quite a bit of stuff. Great for removing road tar:thumbup:

[PoorOwner]

The heatgun just make a gooey mess on mine..
there are pretty much two things I find will work;
if goo gone (citrus stuff) has no effect, it's another kind of adhesive and ammonia should dissolve it.

[WolverineCoatings]

Almost any organic 'paint type' solvent will take that sticky residue off... I'd use MEK (Methyl Ethyl Keytone) since it has the best balance of agressive attack and volatility (doesn't evaporate too quickly like Acetone).

[billymade]

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2007/12/clean-stainless.html
according to the above testing this was the best cleaner:
http://www.weiman.com/products/steel/cleaner.php
http://www.amazon.com/Weiman-Stainless-Steel-Cleaner-Polish/dp/B000BQRPCY

http://www.weiman.com/images/prod_kitchen_3.jpg

[Moose-LandTran]

Brake cleaner?

the stuff we have at work is potent. the fumes are evil and it cuts through ungodly grease in second. removes stick residue with ease. dunno if you'll get stuff this evil though.

[Merkava_4]

maximus96, what are you trying to get off of the stainless steel? If it's just finger prints, lacquer thinner should do nicely; however, don't ever use lacquer thinner on a painted box. ;)

[Ducroix]

yeah, check out their website. It's useful for a lot more things than most realize. (The name actually means it was the 40th attempt at making a "Water Displacement" product.

Here is the list of 2000+ uses for WD-40
http://www.wd40.com/files/pdf/wd-40_2042538679.pdf

[ZRX61]

maximus96, what are you trying to get off of the stainless steel? If it's just finger prints, lacquer thinner should do nicely; however, don't ever use lacquer thinner on a painted box. ;)
Depends what it's painted with ;)

[Mr. Welsh]

I've always heard that "Barkeeper's Friend" powder is wonderful for cleaning SS. I haven't had a chance to use it yet. I've seen it for sale in some grocery stores.

[Fedwrench]

WD40 is also good for removing decals and adhesive residue. Spray it on, let soak a few minutes, and rub off with a shop towel.

The guys I used to work with that had the bar b que looking stainless tool chests used foamy aerosol glass cleaner on their grilles, I mean boxes with great results.:thumbup:

[M3Pilot]

Try club soda or seltzer water. If you're not pleased with the results you can add a splash of gin & a twist of lime & have a nice drink.

[maximus96]

thanks for the response. the major thing i want to get rid of is the big advertisement sticker on the top lid. i had some success with the heat gun after trying it for a few minutes. i will try to spend more time at it in the next couple of days. it left sticky residue but i have goo gone and lacquer thinner for that.

the other thing i wanted to get rid of was random smudges that was already there when i opened the box. i have windex and invisible glass to try on it...

thanks again.

[Merkava_4]

i have windex and invisible glass to try on it...

I'd advise you to stay away from the cleaners! They're corrosive!

[maximus96]

I'd advise you to stay away from the cleaners! They're corrosive!

hmm, there are a few other members who recommended cleaners...

[Merkava_4]

hmm, there are a few other members who recommended cleaners...

That's them ... this is me. :D

[PoorOwner]

I checked with Stoner, manufacturer of invisible glass and they told me it is safe to use on stainless!! Believe or not stainless can be stained or discolored with the wrong stuff, but invisible glass definitely works ok for me so far with a MF towel

[Brandon_Lutz]

Windex is safe on stainless as well. I've used it for years to clean my stainless ovens with no issue. I also use it to clean the sink and other stainless items in the house.

[RickP330]

I'd advise you to stay away from the cleaners! They're corrosive!

No joke, I've cleaned lots of stuff with Fantastick when it's really dirty, the next day they are rusting. I just rub a little 3&1 oil I have in an old can in my box on them and they are fine after that.
RP

[maximus96]

what is 3&1 oil?

[ImportTuner]

what is 3&1 oil?

The container says 3 in 1 Oil .... great general lubricant for around the house ...

[maximus96]

The container says 3 in 1 Oil .... great general lubricant for around the house ...

is it better than WD40? or is it for completely different applications?

[ImportTuner]

is it better than WD40? or is it for completely different applications?

Totally different application; WD40 is not a oil (water dispersant) where 3 in 1 is an oil ... good to have around the house for things like locks, hinges, etc ..

[cb450r]

I do some pinstriping and I have found that PPG DX 330 wax and grease remover works great for cleaning finger prints on stainless. I also use a 50/50 mix of denatured alcohol and bottled water in a spray bottle to clean with. For sticky residue just use some low odor mineral spirits! It works great.

[Moose-LandTran]

Totally different application; WD40 is not a oil (water dispersant) where 3 in 1 is an oil ... good to have around the house for things like locks, hinges, etc ..

I believe WD-40 is an oil suspended in a solvent.

[billymade]

http://www.3inone.com/files/images/3oz-8oz-92314687.jpg
http://www.3inone.com/products/multi-purpose/
FAQ's about 3 in 1 oil: http://www.3inone.com/faqs/

[maximus96]

Should I also use this 3-in-1 oil to lube the ball bearing rails? I was in the process of lubing the rails with white lithium grease but have not got to all the drawers. What is the best lube to use in order to get a smooth glide out of the rails?

thanks

[billymade]

Oh, no.... here comes the sexual innuendo! AAAAhhh, here comes the comments!:lol_hitti

[Merkava_4]

I believe WD-40 is an oil suspended in a solvent.

Damn skippy! And it would be perfect for wiping down a stainless steel toolbox. End of thread.

[Ye Moderne Locksmitherie]

Maximus...

WD-40 is a great loosener-upperer, but it is a terrible lubricant. The sliperiness only lasts until it dries.. a few days... then whatever you used it on enters frictionville.

As a locksmith, I will only use it to wash out crud..... but then I re-lubricate.

Silicone is slightly better.... it has lubricating qualities, but they do not last more than a month or two before you need to reapply.

Different situations call for different lubricating qualities.....

But I have found that no much how I WANT to use them, Ductape and WD40 are definitely more a product of habit, than they are the best product for the job!

I ought to have invested in those two items.

The Ductape Advisory Board should meet with the folks that bring us WD-40, and come up with a fathers day clamshell package that contains both products together!

:}

[russlaferrera]

I'd advise you to stay away from the cleaners! They're corrosive!

True.....but after using them....You apply....Snap-On tool box wax!

[maximus96]

can you apply wax to stainless steel?