Walk-In cooler

[mrblotto]

We have a walk-in cooler at our business. It's about 10 years old and in need of a good cleaning. However, I'm at a loss as to how to do this properly.

The whole inside walls are a dull, textured metal. It looks like aluminum, but its not cause a magnet will stick to it. And there are marks from our hands/fingers where the oils 'oxidized' the finish, leaving dark spots that will not come out. I've tried soap and water/brush, but it doesn't even touch 'em. I'm tempted to use a little diluted vinegar, but not sure if that will make it worse......

Any ideas out there in ATOT-land?

Here's some crappy pics I took.....lol

http://www.clan-tlb.com/forum/...00/medium/100_2044.JPG

http://www.clan-tlb.com/forum/...00/medium/100_2043.JPG

last one just to show the texture. Maybe it'll give a clue to someone as to what the metal is....

http://www.clan-tlb.com/forum/...00/medium/100_2042.JPG

 

[xanis]

Some Brasso should take care of it methinks. You should be able to get it at pretty much any hardware/home improvement store.

 

[Wag]

Tongue.

 

[Sea Moose]

Originally posted by: Wag
Tongue.

Hahaha get to work maggot!

You may need to use a pressure cleaner and the right chemical.

 

[feralkid]

Originally posted by: Sea Moose

Originally posted by: Wag
Tongue.

Hahaha get to work maggot!

You may need to use a pressure cleaner and the right chemical.

Not recommended by most manufacturers.

Most suggest soap and water only.

 

[Howard]

Could be some sort of steel-bearing paint like STEEL IT or some other metallic epoxy or enamel.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Commercial degreaser works pretty well. You mentioned the walk-in was ten years old, please tell me it has been cleaned since it was installed. :shocked:

The manufacturer of the walk-in would be helpful as well.

 

[Sea Moose]

Originally posted by: Howard
Could be some sort of steel-bearing paint like STEEL IT or some other metallic epoxy or enamel.

Considering i clean that kind of equipment for a living.... nah dont worry what would i know hey.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: Sea Moose

Originally posted by: Howard
Could be some sort of steel-bearing paint like STEEL IT or some other metallic epoxy or enamel.

Considering i clean that kind of equipment for a living.... nah dont worry what would i know hey.

OK.

So, anybody with working experience here?

 

[Chaotic42]

I used to clean those when I worked at McDonald's, and we just used soap and water. The best way to prevent new spots is to clean it regularly. I know that's not much help, but regular maintenance is important.

 

[paulney]

walking fridge

 

[Sea Moose]

Well those photos arent much to go by, but chances are its beyond soap and water.

You need to use a product, but its dangerous to work with i would have to local tech come and clean it for you, then you can maintain with soap and water

Note: It may need repainting and re sealing

 

[BoomerD]

OP, is this a Chinese restaurant by any chance?

(when I delivered fish and meat as a youth, the Chinese restaurants always had the filthiest walk-in coolers...I learned quickly which ones NOT to eat in)

 

[Red Squirrel]

Would sand blasting work in a case like this? Or maybe just normal soap and water power wash?

 

[mrblotto]

Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
Commercial degreaser works pretty well. You mentioned the walk-in was ten years old, please tell me it has been cleaned since it was installed. :shocked:

The manufacturer of the walk-in would be helpful as well.

The cooler does not/never will contain any food whatsoever. It's used to store flowers for the wife's business.

I did take a look at the mfg web site. It suggested soap and water for regular cleaning (nothing for this type of spot) , but I was in there. at about 38F. for over an hour, with a bucket full of soap and water, and a brush, and it didn't touch those marks at all.......

I think they're just some sort of marks left over from fingerprints/oils and such that are found naturally on peoples hands......and they kinda oxidized their way onto the metal......

perhaps some brasso may work..... *shrugs*

 

[Sea Moose]

If you were going to repaint it, then sand blasting is ok.... as long as you follow safety guidelines.

My guess is its aluminim