Stainless Steel Grill Polishing in Los Angeles

Stainless steel resists rust because of a very thin layer of chromium oxide on its surface, called the passive layer. As long as that layer is intact and clean, the steel stays bright. When salt, chlorides, iron particles or grease sit on the surface and hold moisture against it, the layer breaks down in spots and you get rust bloom and the brown discoloration known as tea staining.

In LA, the usual culprits are salt air within a few miles of the ocean, sprinkler overspray with hard water, chlorine from nearby pools, grease and smoke residue around the hood, and steel wool or the wrong cleaner used during a home cleaning. Lower grades of stainless (often used on cheaper grills and on some door and drawer fronts) stain faster than 304 grade.

• Brown or orange speckling on the hood, especially on the side facing the ocean
• Rust bloom around knobs, screws and handles
• A dull, cloudy haze that doesn't come off with a wipe
• Streaks or water spots from sprinklers
• Dark discoloration on the hood above the burners
• Doors and drawers that look noticeably worse than the grill

Polishing removes staining, light surface rust and haze, and it brings back an even finish. It can't remove deep pitting (small holes where corrosion has eaten into the metal), dents or warping, or the permanent blue and gold heat tint that forms on stainless exposed to very high heat. Pitted areas usually look much better after polishing, and much less noticeable, but they won't disappear. If the inside of the grill is also in rough shape, grill restoration handles both.

Polishing is also included at a basic level in every grill cleaning. This service goes further, for grills and kitchens where the stainless has gone past what a wipe-down fixes.

Salt film builds up fast in beach cities. For grills within a few miles of the ocean, a polish every six months, or rinsing and drying the exterior with fresh water every few weeks between visits, makes a big difference in how the stainless ages. A maintenance plan can include polishing on every visit. The salt air guide has more on coastal care.