October 06, 2023 2 Comments
Stainless steel comes in several grades of purity. All grades contain some iron, among other metals such as chromium, manganese, silicon, carbon and often nickel and molybdenum.
It is the inclusion of iron that gives rise to rust staining of the "stainless" steel. This happens when the protective layer of chromium oxide is damaged or there was not enough chromium included in the alloy.
There are over 150 grades of stainless steel and some are more prone to rust staining than others. Generally, the higher the chromium content, the less likely the steel will rust. However, given enough time, some rust will appear on most stainless steel
When the chromium in stainless steel is exposed to oxygen in the atmosphere it forms a thin and invisible layer of "chromium oxide". It is this invisible layer, which covers the entire surface, gives stainless steel its ability to resist stains and rust. But if this layer is damaged, rust will form on the surface at the location of the damage.
The before and after photos (below) are of stainless steel handrails and bollards that were covered with rust stains.
This may have been caused by contamination from mild steel during fabrication, contamination during use, or by using a low grade of stainless steel.
Application is simple: We brushed on Benz Oxy Cleanze and left it to work for 2 hours at 4 ℃. We lightly rubbed the surface with a rag and then rinsed.
Quick tip: Sometimes, to be fully effective, Oxy Cleanze may require leaving longer and may require a second application.
We hope this information is helpful and sincerely wish you great success in your soft washing business,
Benz Team
How to find answers to most soft washing questions: Simply enter a relevant "keyword" or short phrase – e.g. keyword for the above link = "how to" – into our in-site Search Engine (magnifying glass icon on the main menu).
Click here to download our Product Documentation Pack (includes Application & Dilution guides, SDS, PDS, RAMS, PPE & Mask info, COSSH, sample Contract and more)
GB (England, Scotland, Wales)
Phone: 0800 70 74 222
Online: www.benzsoftwash.co.uk
Ireland and other countries
Phone: 00353 214 622 978
Online: www.benzsoftwash.com
Lines open Monday - Friday, 9am – 5pm
Please note: The above numbers are for orders only (click here for tech support)
PS: Click here to set up your "Clean & Maintain" programme. After completing an initial soft wash treatment, put your customer on a "Clean & Maintain" ongoing maintenance programme. Your customers will enjoy a permanently clean property and you will enjoy a steady stream of repeat business.
This is clearly a win-win arrangement for you and your customers.
February 20, 2018
The client has asked me if there’s any product what would take rust out of concrete they have put down reinforced steel down on concrete and it is stained the concrete what do you recommend
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January 10, 2025 6 Comments
We've noticed erroneous assumptions being made about the legal uses of sodium hypochlorite for soft washing. A lot of misunderstanding, confusion and myths have arisen from these assumptions.
Click the link on this page to discover the truth ...
January 03, 2025
Soft washing can be carried out all year round when the temperature is not freezing or near freezing. The main thing to consider is that softwash chemicals will take longer to produce their full effect in cold conditions.
Click the link on this page to learn how to stay in business through a cold winter ...
December 27, 2024
Every week we receive a large number of questions about soft washing. And, as new contractors are coming into the soft washing business all the time, questions are often repeated.
So for your easy reference we thought it would be useful to put together some of the most frequently asked softwashing questions in this series of posts.
Click the link on this page to read the full Benz Trade Tips post ...
It's a free resource for people wanting to learn about the soft washing industry, to expand an existing business, or build a new business.
Soft washing reduces, or even eliminates, the need to use high-pressure washing.
Instead, once the build up of algae, lichen, fungus and mould – the root causes of properties looking "dirty" – has been treated, the natural "self-cleansing" of sun, rain and wind removes the surface residue through time.
By educating the cleaning trade and public about soft washing we are helping develop an industry that offers sustainable treatments to clean and maintain exterior hard surfaces.
Subscribe to our free trade tips blog to download your "Professional Soft Wash Contractors Pricing Guide".
The free guide shows you – step by step – how to easily, quickly, and accurately create softwash business quotes.
This saves you time, is a highly professional approach, and increases your chances of winning new contracts.
© 2025 Benz Softwash Ltd.
Leo
February 22, 2018
Hi Jack – Benz Oxy Cleanze is designed to remove rust stains to this would be my first choice. As always treat a small area first, with your customer’s permission, and ensure your customer is happy with the results before treating the whole area. https://www.benzsoftwash.com/products/oxycleanze-rust-oxidation-remover-gel