How do I clean the stainless steel tank and accessories?

Stainless steel is easy to clean, washing with soap or mild detergent and warm water followed by a clear water rinse typically being adequate. Where stainless steel has become extremely dirty with signs of surface discolouration (perhaps following a period of neglect or misuse) then the following alternative methods of cleaning can be used.

Requirement	Suggested Method	Comments
Routine cleaning of light soiling	Soap, detergent or dilute (1%) ammonia solution in warm water. Apply with a clean sponge, soft cloth or soft-fibre brush then rinse in clean water and dry.	Satisfactory on most surfaces
Fingerprints	Detergent and warm water, alternatively, hydrocarbon solvent	Proprietary spray-applied polishes available to clean and minimise remarking.
Oil and grease marks	Hydrocarbon solvents (methylated spirit, isopropyl alcohol or acetone)	Alkaline formulations are also available with surfactant e.g. ‘D7’ Polish.
Stubborn spots, stains & light discolouration. Water marking. Light rust staining	mild, non-scratching creams and polishes. Apply with soft cloth or soft sponge and rinse off residues with clean water and dry	Avoid cleaning pastes with abrasive additions. Suitable cream cleansers are available with soft calcium carbonate additions. Do not use chloride solutions.
Localised rust stains caused by carbon steel contamination	Proprietary gels, or 10% phosphoric acid solution (followed by ammonia and water rinses), or oxalic solution (followed by water rinse).	Small areas may be treated with a rubbing block comprising fine abrasive in a hard rubber or plastic filler. Carbon steel wool should notbe used, nor should pads that have previously been used on carbon steel.
Adherent hard water scales	10-15 volume % solution of prosphoric acid. Use warm, neutralise with dilute ammonia solution, rinse with clean water and dry. Alternatively soak in a 25% vinegar solution and use a nylon brush to remove deposits	Proprietary formulations available with surfactant additions. Take special care when using hydrochloric acid based mortar removers.
Heavy discolouration	a) Non-scratching cream or polish, or b) Nylon-type pad	a) Creams are suitable for most finishes, but only use on bright polished surfaces. Some slight scratching can be left. b) Use on brushed and polished finishes along the grain.
Badly neglected surfaces with accumulated grime deposits	A fine, abrasive paste as used for car body refinishing, rinsed clean to remove all paste material and dried.	May brighten dull finishes. To avoid a patchy appearance, the whole surface may need to be treated.