Stainless Steel Cleaner

Ingredients

Ingredient	INCI / Description	% w/w	Function	Addition Order
Deionized water	Aqua	81.0	Solvent	1
Isopropanol (99%)	Isopropyl alcohol	8.0	Fast-evaporating solvent, degreasing	2
Nonionic surfactant (C12–15, 7 EO)	C12-15 pareth-7	2.5	Cleaning surfactant	3
Sodium citrate	Sodium citrate	1.5	Mild builder, chelation	4
Light mineral oil	Mineral oil	3.0	Polishing film, fingerprint resistance	5
Dimethicone emulsion (35%)	Dimethicone	2.0	Gloss enhancer, protective film	6
Acetic acid (glacial)	Acetic acid	0.5	pH adjustment	7
Colorant	CI 19140	0.005	Aesthetic	8
Fragrance	Fragrance (parfum)	0.2	Sensory	9
Total		~100

Addition Order & Process

Procedure: Mix water and isopropanol. Add nonionic surfactant and sodium citrate with stirring. Emulsify mineral oil and dimethicone emulsion using high-shear mixing (1,000–1,500 rpm) for 10 min; a stable milky emulsion should form. Adjust pH to 7.5–8.5 with acetic acid. Add colorant and fragrance with gentle mixing.

Formulation Notes

Stainless steel surfaces in commercial and domestic kitchens require cleaning products that remove fingerprints, water spots, and light grease without damaging the passive chromium oxide layer that provides corrosion resistance. This formulation uses a mildly alkaline surfactant system combined with isopropanol for rapid evaporation and a light mineral oil or silicone emulsion for fingerprint resistance.

Formulation Card FC-8.5-M: Stainless Steel Cleaner

Properties: pH 7.5–8.5 (as is); appearance opaque white emulsion; viscosity 50–150 cP. Safety: Mild irritant; flammable due to isopropanol content (flash point ~23°C). Keep away from ignition sources. Do not use on floors—slip hazard from oil film.

Notes: The mineral oil and dimethicone combination deposits a micro-thin hydrophobic film that reduces fingerprint adhesion and imparts a uniform “grain-aligned” appearance to brushed stainless steel. This film is non-greasy to the touch due to the low dimethicone concentration. For food-contact stainless steel surfaces, the product must be applied to a cloth and then wiped onto the surface; direct spray onto food-prep areas is not recommended unless followed by a potable water rinse. The formulation is compatible with 304 and 316 grade stainless steels; testing on a small inconspicuous area is recommended for specialty finishes.