Stainless steel should be kept clean at all times. If maintained, stainless steel surfaces will retain their new, clean, polished appearance indefinitely. It is a misnomer that stainless steel is stainless, not stain free.

For instance, architectural building components are subject to road salt spray at ground level and deposits from polluted urban air at higher levels. Finger marks, deposits from tobacco smoke, stains from hard water or food left to dry on counter tops… all detract from the original attractive appearance of stainless steel applications. Indeed as do chemical deposits from swimming pool water. Inappropriate design and poor fabrication methods can also necessitate the need for more regular maintenance.