Routine Cleaning

For daily or weekly upkeep, a mild cleaning routine is all that’s needed to prevent buildup.

1. Gather supplies: Use warm water, a mild non-chlorinated dish soap or commercial stainless steel cleaner, and several soft microfiber cloths.
2. Wipe with the grain: Identify the metal’s grain direction and always wipe along it to avoid scratching.
3. Wash and rinse: Wipe all surfaces with soapy water, then rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove residue.
4. Dry completely: Wipe dry with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent water spots or streaks.

Deep Cleaning and Rust Removal

For stubborn grime, rust, or hard water stains, use a stronger—but still non-abrasive—approach.

• Grease or buildup: Gently scrub with warm soapy water and a plastic scouring pad or soft nylon brush.
• Rust or discoloration:
• Commercial cleanser: Apply a mild abrasive cleaner (e.g., Bar Keepers Friend) on a damp cloth and rub gently with the grain.
• Baking soda paste: Mix baking soda with water, apply to the rusted area, let sit for about an hour, then scrub with a soft pad.
• Hard water spots: Wipe with undiluted white vinegar, rinse thoroughly, and dry immediately.
• Final rinse and dry: Always rinse away cleaning agents completely and dry all surfaces to prevent corrosion.

Disinfecting

Disinfect periodically to reduce germs—always clean first, as disinfectants work best on clean surfaces.

1. Clean, then disinfect: Remove dirt and residue before applying disinfectant.
2. Use safe products: 70% isopropyl alcohol or 3% hydrogen peroxide are both effective and stainless steel–safe.
3. Follow directions: Allow proper contact time per manufacturer instructions before wiping dry with a microfiber cloth.

Protection and Maintenance

Extend your cart’s lifespan with a few extra precautions.

• Avoid harsh chemicals: Never use chlorine-based cleaners (including bleach) or abrasive tools like steel wool, which can damage the protective stainless finish.
• Inspect casters: Clean and lubricate wheels regularly to maintain smooth, reliable movement.

Metal Wringers

1. Lubricate moving parts.
   Occasionally apply a small amount of grease to the gears of downward-pressure wringers and one drop of oil to each shaft where it enters the bushing. This reduces friction and helps prevent rust. Avoid over-lubrication—excess oil can leak into the mop bucket and contaminate the cleaning solution.
2. Avoid twisting mops.
   Twisting the mop head while wringing causes unnecessary wear to both the mop and the wringer. Modern wringers are designed to extract maximum liquid with one smooth handle operation.
3. Do not modify handles.
   Extending the wringer handle for extra leverage will not produce a drier mop. For best results, simply hold the handle down in the “squeeze” position for 2–3 seconds.
4. Match mop size to wringer.
   Use a mop head that fits your wringer properly. A mop that is too small will remain overly wet; one that is too large can overload the wringer, reducing efficiency and lifespan.

Buckets and Casters

1. Empty and dry after use.
   Never store a wet mop in the bucket. Rinse and wipe the bucket dry after each use.
2. Lubricate casters.
   Apply a drop of oil to each caster swivel bearing and axle at least quarterly. This simple step reduces friction, prevents corrosion, and ensures smooth rolling.

Deep Cleaning and Rust Removal

For stubborn grime, rust, or hard water stains, use a stronger—but still non-abrasive—approach.

• Grease or buildup: Gently scrub with warm soapy water and a plastic scouring pad or soft nylon brush.
• Rust or discoloration:
• Commercial cleanser: Apply a mild abrasive cleaner (e.g., Bar Keepers Friend) on a damp cloth and rub gently with the grain.
• Baking soda paste: Mix baking soda with water, apply to the rusted area, let sit for about an hour, then scrub with a soft pad.
• Hard water spots: Wipe with undiluted white vinegar, rinse thoroughly, and dry immediately.
• Final rinse and dry: Always rinse away cleaning agents completely and dry all surfaces to prevent corrosion.

Stainless Steel Buckets

Your stainless steel bucket is made from high-quality 304 stainless steel—uniformly drawn and completely seamless for easy cleaning and sanitizing. With regular maintenance, it can last a lifetime.

To ensure lasting performance:

• Empty contents daily, rinse with clear water, and dry or invert to drain any remaining liquid.
• Avoid letting concentrated cleaning chemicals—such as quaternaries, phenolics, or chloride compounds—sit in the bucket. As these solutions evaporate, they can become more corrosive and damage the stainless-steel surface.

If corrosion or discoloration appears:

• Use a good oil-based stainless steel cleaner or polish.
• For more persistent rust, apply an automotive rubbing compound or a Scotch-Brite™ pad (using the least abrasive option necessary).
• After cleaning, rinse thoroughly and reapply stainless steel polish to restore protection.
• Once cleaned, the 304 stainless steel will naturally reform its protective oxide film.

Additional notes:

• Rinse the bucket with clear water after each use.
• If equipped with casters, occasionally add a drop of oil to the swivel and axle.
• If autoclaving the bucket, remove casters and bumpers first by loosening the nuts that secure the caster stems and chassis assembly.