Perlick · Maintenance
Clean + Protect Perlick Stainless Steel Surfaces
Perlick stainless is commercial-grade — meaning it survives properly, but the wrong cleaner can etch or discolor it permanently.
By Reed · Updated November 10, 2026
What you need
- Soft cloth or plastic scouring pad
- Alkaline (non-chloride) stainless cleaner
- Soap and water
Step by step
Choose non-abrasive tools
Soft cloths or PLASTIC scouring pads. No steel wool, no Scotch-Brite green pads (abrasive). Microfiber is best for fingerprint-prone exterior.
Use alkaline or non-chloride cleaners
Common options: Barkeepers Friend (oxalic — fine for occasional use), Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner, Flitz. Confirm 'chloride-free' on the label.
Clean in the direction of the grain
Stainless has a visible grain. Wipe parallel to it, not across. This prevents micro-scratches that show up in reflected light.
Rinse and dry completely
Any cleaner residue left on the surface traps moisture. Rinse with clean water, then dry with a lint-free cloth.
See page 8 of Use & Care for model-specific notes
Each Perlick model has model-specific finish care in the Use & Care guide. Consult it for anything beyond routine wipe-downs.
Common mistakes
- Using glass cleaner (contains ammonia). Ammonia dulls the finish and etches over time. Dedicated stainless cleaner or plain soap + water only.
- Steel wool on 'stuck-on' stains. Steel wool embeds particles that rust later. Plastic scouring pad or a wooden scraper is the right tool.
Hands-on tips
- Pool chemical splash or overspray is a hidden killer — Perlick in pool-cabana installs needs extra rinse frequency.
- A thin wipe of mineral oil (not food oil) after cleaning prevents fingerprint smudges on exterior stainless.
Questions people ask
What if I've already used bleach on my Perlick?
Rinse immediately and thoroughly with clean water, then dry. One-time exposure usually doesn't cause lasting damage; repeated exposure is where chloride stress corrosion appears as pinhole pits.
Can I pressure-wash the exterior?
Low-pressure yes; high-pressure no (seal damage risk). Treat it like a kitchen countertop, not a deck.
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