Why stainless steel can still rust
Stainless steel is a popular material because of its hygienic properties and long lifespan. Another reason for its popularity is the name itself. Stainless suggests that it cannot rust. Unfortunately, that’s not completely true. Stainless steel can rust, and in this article we explain how that happens—so you can prevent it.
How rust can form on stainless steel
Stainless steel is a popular material and widely used because it is strong, durable, and easy to keep clean. It is mainly made of iron. To protect the iron, it is combined with other metals like chromium, nickel, and sometimes molybdenum. This creates a protective layer that keeps out moisture and air, making the material resistant to rust.
However, this protective layer only works well if enough oxygen can reach it. If the surface becomes dirty, oxygen can no longer reach the layer, and rust may still form. That’s why it’s important that stainless steel can “breathe,” and why regular cleaning matters.
Cleaning stainless steel
To remove dirt or rust from stainless steel, it is best to use a special stainless steel cleaner. You might hear the tip to use oil, but this is not a good idea. Oil makes the surface greasy rather than clean, and dust and dirt will stick even more easily. For example, cleaning a stainless steel keychain with olive oil may leave greasy stains in your pocket, on doors, or on other items it touches. A proper stainless steel cleaner removes dirt without leaving a greasy layer.
How often you need to clean depends on how much dirt or moisture the product is exposed to. Keep an eye on it and clean when needed.
Lightly magnetic stainless steel
There are different types of stainless steel. At CombiCraft, we often use type 304 V2A. This alloy contains 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel. This combination makes the material easy to shape, which allows us to offer various keychain models. Some products made with this type of stainless steel, such as key rings, may respond slightly to magnets and are therefore lightly magnetic.
Is stainless steel the right choice?
Whether stainless steel is the right choice depends on your needs. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a clean appearance, high hygiene standards, strength, and recyclability. In the food and pharmaceutical industries, stainless steel is widely used because it’s easy to sterilize and doesn’t release substances.
If water resistance is your top priority, plastic may also be a good choice. It’s strong, water-resistant, lightweight, and more affordable than stainless steel.
If you’re unsure which material suits your needs best, feel free to contact our customer support team for advice.
