What is the most common problem with stainless steel instruments?
The most common problem with the stainless steel instruments is a stain due to a surface deposit, which appears in different colors. But once the cause is found, the problem diminishes completely. For detail please go through the H.Stone & Co recommendations for instrument cleaning.

Also go through the H.Stone & Co Checklist  for our Analysis Report about Instrument Care

What should be the composition of water for decontamination and cleaning the instruments?
Never use the drinking water for decontamination and cleaning because it may contain such material concentrations, which deteriorate the instrument.
Chloride contents must be kept as low as 100mg per liter to reduce corrosion risk.

What are the Causes and remedies of water stains and halos?
Halos are colored surface marks, which result from the presence of mineral substance or heavy metal ions in water or cleaning steams.
Water stains are almost similar phenomena but their contours are sharp. They result from residue of organic substances in water or in an excessive concentration of mineral substance such as limestone.

What are two reasons behind colored surfaces residue on the instruments?
 Some yellowish brown to dark brown residue is sometimes mistaken as rust stains on the instruments. This is common in the least accessible areas during cleaning.
These deposits can be eliminated buy energetic friction or by using non-abrasive cleaner.

What are the causes of oxidization on surgical instruments?
If the surgical instrument are soaked in concentrated acid solutions for long periods of time. In this case, the surface of the instruments gives a trusted look this comes from the formation of an oxide film in places.  

How to avoid pitting corrosion on the surgical instruments?
This is most frequent form of corrosion associated with multi colored stains and consists in the forming of holes in material. Such corrosion is caused by halogen ions (Chlorides, Iodine, bromides) working on the surface and resulting for saline solutions or other chlorides.
To prevent this type of corrosion instruments should be cleaned as soon as they have been used.

Is there any instrument cleaning recommendations established by H.Stone & Co.?
After the three decades of experience and research, H.Stone & Co. has developed the following recommendations for cleaning procedures; instruments will have a longer useful life.

STEP I
Soaking
After the instruments have been used, dip the instruments in a quality soak. Before putting make sure about blood, tissue or both debris from hardening in serrations, box joints and moving parts.

STEP II
Brush the Instrument
Instruments must be hand cleaned with some suitable solution using nylon brush.

STEP III
Cleaning
Use only quality detergents. Keep the instrument in wide-open position while cleaning.

STEP IV
Inspection
After Cleaning, the instrument must be thoroughly inspected, especially; smooth movement of instrument and sharp edges.

STEP V
Lubrication
Lubrication prevents the moving parts form jamming and keeps the instrument in efficient working condition. Lubricant used must be good water-soluble.

STEP VI
Sterilization
After cleaning and lubrication, the instrument must be dried before sterilization. Autoclave is the best method of sterilization recommendation by H.Stone & Co.