It’s been confirmed that the COVID-19 coronavirus can live on a stainless steel surface for up to three days. Therefore, it’s important to properly clean stainless steel equipment regularly to ensure all bacteria and viruses are killed.
Cleaners and polishers are great for keeping your stainless steel prep surfaces looking sleek; however, they are not disinfectants strong enough to kill the virus. Furthermore, using bleach is not a recommended method as it can corrode the stainless steel surface over time.
The best method to ensure your stainless steel surface is free of bacteria and viruses is disinfecting with isopropyl alcohol (AKA, rubbing alcohol). Follow these steps to ensure your stainless steel work surfaces are thoroughly disinfected.
Step by Step Instructions for Killing Germs, Bacteria, and Viruses on Stainless Steel Surfaces
Step 1: Fill a clean, empty spray bottle with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
Step 2: Spray stainless steel surfaces with the alcohol
Step 3: Let sit for twenty minutes
Step 4: Moisten a clean cloth with isopropyl alcohol and use it to wipe down the surfaces
Step 5: Dry the stainless steel surface with a clean cloth
Download our printable guide for disinfecting stainless steel work surfaces here.
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Chase joined Central Restaurant Products in February 2016 as a Content Specialist, bringing to the role years of various foodservice experience, including front-of-house service (slingin’ chicken wings and libations with a smile on his face) and back-of-house food prep using heavy-duty commercial cooking equipment to prepare for peak dining hours at his university’s dining hall.
He puts this experience to use writing for Central’s Resource Center, website, and print catalog. ServSafe certified, he enjoys educating on food safety in the commercial setting, researching new dining room and tabletop trends, and sharing innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiencies. He also enjoys (in no specific order) long hikes with his dog, bingeing 90s sitcoms, red wine, and live music.
