As time passes since the COVID-19 outbreak was declared an international emergency, so has evidence evolved and guidelines update.

For example, updated guidelines now say that surface transmission is unlikely and very low risk. Of course, it’s still important to continue washing your hands as one would have before and keeping surfaces clean if not just to prevent transmission of other infectious diseases.

Sanitise surfaces in common spaces such a retail stores and in the office / workplace are still common practise - oftentimes the by habit as well as because it has come to be expected and psychologically eases the mind of patrons.

For home, guidelines now state that the use of disinfectants is unnecessary unless someone in your home is sick or someone who is positive for COVID-19 has been in your house within the last 24 hours.

Our own advice for sanitising Stainless Steel products remains the same as before; use simple soap and water to clean and sanitise your Stainless Steel kitchen and bathroom products!

REGULAR SOAP

Even in everyday circumstances, we recommend cleaning your sinks, kitchen taps, and bathroom taps and accessory fittings by simply wiping down metal surfaces with a damp cloth and soapy water. Finish off by drying with a clean dry towel. This will keep your products looking beautiful for years and prevent the build-up of dirt and lime scale.

For protection against viruses we recommend the same. Soap and water are still considered by most authorities on the subject to be your first line of defence to remove the virus from both yourself and surfaces.

Soap works by so effectively because it’s able to break the virus’s exterior coat in smaller pieces, damaging the virus particle as well as making it soluble enough to be washed away. What’s important to remember here is to give the surface a proper soap lather and allow 20 seconds for it to do its work properly. Warm water helps dissolve the outer membrane of the virus a little quicker.

CLEANING PRODUCTS TO AVOID

Our stainless steel sinks are made of premium chrome-nickel steel while most of our mixers are chrome plated. Both are resistant to stains, rust and corrosion. If you choose to wash your stainless steel products with anything other than regular or liquid soap, here are a list of chemicals and cleaning tools that should be AVOIDED particularly on Stainless Steel, as they can cause pitting and corrosion over time:

1. Chlorine
2. Bleaches containing hypochlorite. Although sodium hypochlorite is very effective at killing the virus, it is not recommended for use on Stainless Steel.
3. Silver dip cleaners
4. Foods like citrus fruit juice, salt, vinegar, mustard, pickles and mayonnaise, left on the surface for prolonged periods
5. Strong acids like photo developing liquids or denture cleanser
6. Steel wool pads

SANITISERS & FOGGERS

A number of sanitisers and disinfectant foggers contain chemicals such as chlorine.  These chemicals will cause Stainless Steel, as well as chrome plated products such as your taps to tarnish and rust, and the use of these will void the validity of your product Warranty.  

Where the use of these products are necessary, always remember to clean with soap before disinfection to further reduce the risk of spreading infection.

Any non-porous surface should stay wet with the disinfectant for at least 10 minutes before wiping with a clean towel to allow the sanitiser to work affectively.

After sanitising, we strongly recommend using a solution of dishwashing liquid and water to clean the products and surfaces after sanitising to remove the residue. This must include cleaning of the underside of your sink bowls where foggers have been utilised, in order to prevent the sanitiser damaging your Stainless Steel.

Franke Inox Cream can also be used to remove residue off the surfaces after sanitising, but this requires a more intense cleaning process.

To find out more about cleaning your Franke products visit https://www.franke.com/za/en/ks/expertise/how-to-clean.html#.