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Product Maintenance Instructions
Stainless Steel Maintenance Instructions
Stainless steel is a low-carbon steel that contains at least 10 percent chromium. The addition of chromium gives the steel its unique corrosion-resisting properties. Most Bradley accessories are fabricated from type 304 stainless steel, which contains 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel. Bradley uses it because it is extremely durable, resists corrosion, stands up to many chemicals, and is easy to fabricate.
Stainless steels are very resistant to rust, however this does not mean that they are impervious to it. Stainless steel must be kept clean and free from contaminants. Frequent cleaning with mild soap and water or glass cleaner and a cotton cloth is required. Sometimes stainless steel products will develop corrosion or discoloration due to environmental and installation conditions. The following is a list of common conditions that cause corrosion or discoloration of stainless steel and should be avoided:
- Chloride containing cleansers - this includes bleach and any bleach containing cleaners
- Muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) - commonly used to clean up after tile/concrete installation
- Concentrated soap residue - chemical additives will cause discoloration and some dried soaps actually look like rust
- Water with high iron content - can leave a rusty residue, especially if allowed to drip continuously
- Contact with iron materials - including steel wool, machining chips, and iron residue/dust from installation or cleaning of other steel products
- Trapped moisture between the product and another object - rubber mats, metal cans of soaps or cleaners
- Salts - contain chlorides
Any discoloration or corrosion should be removed as soon as possible, or permanent discoloration and pitting of the surface could occur. Usually, the product can be restored to its original condition. Most discoloration can be removed with a mild cleanser (Barkeeper's Friend, Bon Ami, etc.) or stainless steel cleaner (Revere Ware Stainless Steel Cleaner, Goddard's Stainless Steel Cleaner, etc.) and a soft cloth. The surface should then be thoroughly rinsed with clear water. With proper maintenance, stainless steel will maintain its luster and appearance indefinitely.
Mirror Maintenance Instructions
Bradley mirrors are fabricated from type 430 stainless steel frames and plate glass or an alternative reflective surface. The frame can be cared for by following the general stainless steel maintenance instructions above (be careful not to scratch the highly polished frames). Reflective surfaces can be cleaned with any standard non-abrasive glass cleaner (Windex, Sparkle, etc.) and a soft cloth. Care must be taken to avoid allowing the cleaner to run down the surface of the mirror and collect in the frame. If allowed to continue, this could lead to silver spoilage and would void the warranty on the glass.
Soap Dispenser Maintenance Instructions
Quality soap dispensers require good quality soap and periodic maintenance to properly operate. Bradley soap dispensers will provide dependable, consistent operation over the long term when the proper soap is used and when a minimal amount of periodic maintenance is performed on the valves. Soaps satisfying these basic guidelines will provide consistent flow and reduce clogs.
Soap thickness is determined by a measurement called viscosity. Soap viscosity should be between 100 cps (centerpoise) and 2500 cps for all Bradley soap dispensers. The pH (acid) level of soaps that will perform consistently should be in the range of 6.5 to 8.5. More acidic soaps (pH levels lower than 6.5) will corrode metal parts (even stainless steel!!) and degrade rubber and plastic components. Most inexpensive soaps (typically the pink lotion type) fall into this acidic category and will eventually cause valve failure and metal corrosion. PCMX or Isapropanol based antibacterial soaps (within viscosity and pH limits) will also work with Bradley dispensers. Valves must also be maintained (cleaned) to function properly. At the very minimum, hot water should be pumped through valves periodically to clear out soap residue. Ideally, valves should occasionally be soaked for 30 minutes in hot water or a soap valve cleaning solution. With proper maintenance and soap, Bradley dispensers will provide long term, trouble free operation.
My stainless steel is rusty? What do I do?
The following is a guide to help you chose a cleaning method that best fits the finish andthe product in question.
|
Cleaning method |
Applicable finishes |
Notes |
|
Naval jelly - available at hardware, marine and automotive supply stores |
Bright polished and satin finishes (mirrors, partitions and dispensers) |
Follow directions on side of bottle. Must be rinsed well with water. Tends to brighten surface so should use on entire product. This is an acid based product and safety precautions on product must be followed. Does not work as well on rougher finishes. |
|
Mild abrasives - Bon Ami, BarKeepers Friend - available at hardware, discount and grocery stores |
Satin finishes (partitions and dispensers) |
Do not use any product containing bleach or other chlorides. Put mild abrasive on soft wet cloth. Rub evenly over entire surface of affected item. Rinse well and wipe dry. |
|
Abrasive pads - Scotch Brite or other non metallic pad - available at hardware, discount and grocery stores |
Rougher finishes (peened grab bars) |
Use a mild abrasive (described above) on a damp abrasive pad. Rub in the direction of the grain. Clean entire part to ensure continuity of the finish. Rinse well with water and wipe dry. Do not use this on fine finishes as it will destroy the intended finish. |
Once the discoloration is removed and the environmental condition eliminated, the metal and finish should be as good as it was from the factory. If the environmental conditions cannot be removed (i.e., chlorine in the air in a pool locker room), the item should be cleaned often and rinsed with clear water to prevent permanent damage to the stainless steel. If items are not regularly cleaned, pits may develop and the items surface may be permanently damaged.
Stainless Steel
Maintenance Instructions
(31k)
Quality soap dispensers require good quality soap and periodic maintenance to properly operate. Bradley soap dispensers will provide dependable, consistent operation over the long term when soap with reasonable viscosity and pH levels are used and when a minimal amount of periodic maintenance is performed on the valves.
Soap thickness is determined by a measurement called viscosity. Soap viscosity should be between 100 cps (centerpoise) and 2500 cps for all Bradley soap dispensers. Thinner soaps are perceived by the users as being "watered down" so users tend to take more than they need, resulting in waste. Thick soaps flow slower and inhibit the "flushing" action of the valves, which allows the soap to congeal in the valve and cause clogs.
The pH (acid) level of the soap should be in the range of 6.5 to 8.5. More acidic soaps (pH levels lower than 6.5) will corrode metal parts (even stainless steel!!) and degrade rubber and plastic components. They will also cause skin irritation. Most inexpensive soaps (typically the pink lotion type) fall into this acidic category and will eventually cause valve failure and metal corrosion. Base soaps (pH levels higher than 8.5) will cause swelling or degradation of rubber and plastic parts and skin irritation.
Generally, any quality soap meeting the viscosity and pH guidelines above will work well with Bradley soap dispensers. PCMX or Isapropanol based antibacterial soaps (within viscosity and pH limits) will also work with Bradley dispensers. Soaps satisfying these basic guidelines will provide consistent flow and reduce clogs. Valves must also be maintained (cleaned) to function properly (see our Soap Dispenser Maintenance section for more details).
Valves must also be maintained (cleaned) to function properly. At the very minimum, hot water should be pumped through valves periodically to clear out soap residue. Ideally, valves should occasionally be soaked for 30 minutes in hot water or a soap valve cleaning solution. The valve should be pumped at least 20 times while it is soaking to clear any clogs. The soap reservoir should also be flushed with hot water. In cases of extreme clogging, the valve should be disassembled and the parts should be soaked in hot water or cleaning solution to restore proper functioning.
Most soap dispenser problems are caused by soap that is too thick or corrosive, or by a lack of maintenance. Many soaps come in concentrate form which must be diluted with water. Often, the soap is improperly diluted or used straight out of the bottle, which causes clogging and valve failure. If proper soap is being used, valves that have never been cleaned are usually the source of dispensing problems. Bradley has entered into an agreement with Champion Brand Products (a division of Lochrie and Associates, Inc.) to provide additional customer service for purchasers of our dispensers regarding soap issues. They are very helpful and can get to the bottom of almost any soap dispenser related problem. They also sell an excellent "Bradley approved" soap. Champion Brand Products can be reached at 1-800-344-5301 and on the internet at www.championbrandproducts.com/bradley.html.
With proper maintenance and soap, Bradley dispensers will provide long term, trouble free operation.
Soap Recommendations (22k)
Folded Paper Towel Recommendations
The types and dimensions of the paper towels listed above are Bradley's recommended specifications for
optimum performance of our Paper Towel Dispensers. Papers outside of these
suggested parameters may reduce the overall effectiveness of the unit. We also recommend using Paper Towels
of a quality level mid-grade or above, as lower grade Paper Towels have a
tendency to be very thin and to rip easily.
Folded Paper Towel
Recommendations
(264k)
The production of tempered glass consists of taking ordinary glass and heating it to a temperature near its softening point (1200° F). The glass is then quickly cooled to about 400-600° F. The production of tempered glass creates compression on the surface and tension in the center of the glass. The tempered glass process will make the glass four times stronger than ordinary glass and greatly increases resistance to thermal and impact stresses. Tempered glass also offers protection from the sharp shards that ordinary glass produces when broken. However, tempered glass because of its transformation will have slight flaws and distortion marks. All tempered products are sold on an "as is" basis. Specifiers should be notified that laminated glass mirrors provide higher quality reflectivity than tempered mirrors.