Choosing stainless steel for high-use zones, such as public bathrooms, commercial kitchens, or other heavily used areas, can be a really good idea for several reasons. In this blog we cover the unique properties of this material and the benefits from investing in it.

Corrosion Resistance and Durability

Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for environments where exposure to water, moisture, and various chemicals is common, such as busy bathrooms. This resistance helps prevent rust and degradation, ensuring the material's longevity due to its unique composition and the formation of a protective oxide layer on its surface. 

The key factors contributing to the corrosion resistance and durability are:

Chromium Content: it contains a significant amount of chromium, typically at least 10.5% by weight. Chromium is a reactive element that forms a thin, invisible, and tightly adhering oxide layer on the surface of the stainless steel. This oxide layer acts as a protective barrier against corrosive elements.

Passivation: When it is exposed to oxygen, the chromium present in the alloy reacts with the oxygen to form a passive, self-healing oxide layer. This process is known as passivation. The oxide layer is stable and prevents further corrosion by acting as a barrier between the steel and the surrounding environment. 

Thin and Dense Oxide Layer: The oxide layer formed on the surface of stainless steel is extremely thin (only a few nanometers thick) and dense. This thinness is crucial because it allows the steel to maintain its lustre and does not affect the appearance of the material. 

Stability at Different pH Levels: it is corrosion-resistant across a wide range of pH levels, making it suitable for use in various environments, including acidic and alkaline conditions. 

‍Passive Film Regeneration: In the presence of oxygen, the passive oxide layer on stainless steel can regenerate if damaged. This self-healing property is a key aspect of the corrosion resistance even if the surface is scratched or abraded, the oxide layer reforms and continues to protect the underlying steel.

Alloying Elements: In addition to chromium, stainless steel often contains other alloying elements including nickel, molybdenum, and nitrogen. These elements contribute to the overall corrosion resistance and enhance the material's performance in specific environments.

The combination of these factors ensures that stainless steel is highly resistant to rust, tarnish, and other forms of corrosion, making it a durable and reliable material for a wide range of applications – including high use commercial bathrooms and facilities.

Hygienic Properties – important especially public zones

Stainless steel is considered hygienic making it a preferred material in applications where cleanliness and sanitation are crucial - like high use public toilets. The hygienic properties of stainless steel are attributed to its composition, surface characteristics, and ease of maintenance. 

Here are key factors that contribute to the hygiene of stainless steel:

Smooth Surface Finish: Stainless steel has a smooth and non-porous surface finish which makes it difficult for bacteria, moulds, and other microorganisms to adhere to it. The absence of pores or cracks prevents the accumulation of dirt and makes it a lot easier to clean.

Ease of Cleaning: Stainless steel surfaces are easy to clean and sanitise. The smooth and non-absorbent nature of the material allows for quick and thorough cleaning, reducing the risk of bacterial contamination. 

Resistance to Harsh Chemicals: Stainless steel is resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including harsh cleaning and sanitising agents required in today’s world. This resistance ensures that the material remains intact and does not react with or absorb potentially harmful substances.

High-temperature Resistance: Stainless steel can withstand high temperatures, allowing for effective sterilisation through processes such as autoclaving or steam cleaning. 

Non-reactive Nature: Stainless steel is non-reactive with food and other substances, making it suitable for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Its inert nature ensures that it does not impart unwanted flavours or substances to the materials it comes into contact with.

Compliance with Standards: Stainless steel used in hygienic applications often complies with industry standards and regulations for public restrooms.

In summary, the smooth and non-porous surface, corrosion resistance, passivation, ease of cleaning, resistance to harsh chemicals, high-temperature resistance, durability, non-reactive nature, and compliance with standards collectively contribute to the hygienic properties of stainless steel, making it an ideal choice in environments where cleanliness is a top priority.

Some other important benefits:

• Stainless steel products have a sleek and modern appearance that can enhance the overall aesthetic of a space. It is often associated with a clean and professional look, making it suitable for both functional and visually appealing designs.
• Stainless steel requires minimal maintenance. Its resistance to staining, corrosion, and tarnishing means that regular cleaning is often sufficient to keep it in good condition. This can lead to cost savings and ease of upkeep over time. Maintenance costs are a high concern for high traffic areas, and life cycle costs are a significant focus when reviewing investments in these spaces. Stainless steel is the durable material that is replacing traditionally sourced plastic options.
• Stainless steel is a recyclable material, making it an environmentally friendly option. The recycling process for stainless steel requires less energy compared to the production of new stainless steel, contributing to sustainability efforts.
• Stainless steel is a versatile material that can be shaped and formed into various fixtures, fittings, and equipment. Its adaptability makes it suitable for a wide range of applications in high-use zones.

At Permaloo we manufacture and source all hardware required for high use bathrooms, including toilet holders, wall hand dryers, baby change tables, sinks, toilets, toilet paper holders, toilet partitions, taps and can send anything required for these zones nationwide.

Stainless steel should be chosen for high traffic public toilets because of its corrosion resistance, durability, hygienic properties, aesthetic appeal, resistance to extreme temperatures, low maintenance requirements, recyclability, fire resistance, and versatility. These qualities collectively make stainless steel a reliable and practical choice for demanding environments.