“Stainless steel has a unique quality, It can self-repair! Stainless steel has a naturally occurring layer that forms

on the surface by oxidization. This film is very thin (only a few atoms thick), inert and invisible. If the surface is

accidentally scratched this protective coating automatically repairs itself. This layer is what makes it corrosion free.”  Ideal for beach homes and boats!  If you spend a little extra time looking,  marine-grade stainless steel cabinet hardware can be found.

Stainless steel is also extremely easy to take care of; simply wipe with a  damp sponge  or soft  cloth,  using water with a very small amount of gentle detergent or vinegar added.   Regular cleaning will avoid any stubborn dirt from building up. In fact, unlike other materials,  it is impossible to wear out stainless steel by excessive cleaning.  (exactly why health care facilities choose stainless steel)

 A few words of caution! 

• Don’t use steel or wire wool as they can leave tiny fragments behind which can tarnish the surface.
• Don’t use bleach, chlorides or acid-based cleaning products which can discolor the surface. (actually you shouldn’t use bleach on any hardware)
• Baking soda can be used as a cleaning agent, but make sure to wipe in the direction of the grain, and to immediately rinse and dry
• Don’t allow food items like lemon juice, vinegar, ketchup, salt, mustard, salad dressing or mayonnaise to remain on the surface for long. They can bleach the surface causing white spots.
• Don’t use hard abrasive scouring powders or creams as they may scratch your hardware
• Don’t wipe across the grain as it may spoil the finish.

Here are a few more interesting decorative  hardware  creations, all with stainless steel.  These might give you some ideas of how to use stainless,  but with a little imagination and design for more than just a modern beach house look. Getting creative, we found these fun handles from Sugatsune that are very marine looking – trunk handles. Wouldn’t these be a fun accessory for a nautical themed kitchen? For the true sailing or yachting fan, we even found these stainless steel nautical cleats at Jamestown Distributors .  Try thinking outside the box and use actual nautical cleats like these for cabinet pulls! From Sugatsune, an interesting marine grade handle, totally nautical!  Simple, but will make a statement.

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Have fun!  We would love to see how your have chosen to complete your beach house kitchen design.

About Caron White: Caron’s  whole life has been spent around the water, and living on the beach.  A coastal, seaside lifestyle has always been her passion.  More than anything, she loves to share it!  Creator of a new original coastal home lifestyle retail website.  She can also be found at her Everything Coastal Blog