We manufacture stainless steel mirror finished bar tables for hotels restaurants and bars. The question we hear most from buyers concerns maintenance. How do we prevent the mirror finish from looking dull or scratched with daily use? Over the last 3 years we have been collecting feedback from our hospitality clients. Most problems are due to simple cleaning errors, not material defects. This is what we tell our buyers to tell their cleaning crew.
Daily cleaning: What works and what harms the surface
The mirror finish is a #8 polished surface that looks like a mirror but shows fingerprints and water spots easily . The proper cleaning method is simple. Use a soft microfiber cloth with warm water and a mild dish soap. Wipe the surface lightly and dry immediately with a clean, dry cloth to avoid water spots. The cardinal rule: Don't use scouring powders, steel wool or abrasive pads. These leave fine scratches that permanently dull the mirror effect. Do not use bleach, strong acids or alkaline cleaners as they can corrode the surface and cause discoloration. One hotel buyer told us their housekeeper used a stainless steel scrubber on their bar table. In under a week under the lights, the scratches were showing. That table had to be taken off-site to get re-polished.
Handling Fingerprints and Stubborn Stains
Fingerprints are the most common complaint on mirror finish tables. These are usually wiped with warm water and a soft cloth. To remove tough spots such as dried-on syrup or water marks, dilute with white vinegar . Place it on the cloth, not on the table. Wipe off with a damp cloth. Wash off immediately with clean water. A special stainless steel cleaner can be used to bring back the shine . For grease marks . One restaurant manager we work with has a spray bottle of diluted vinegar and a stack of microfiber cloths behind the bar. His staff cleans the tables after each shift. He said his tables with a mirror finish still look new after two years of service.
Scratches: What to Do
Scuff marks are a thing. If you have minor scratches, using a stainless steel polishing compound with a soft cloth can help to reduce their appearance . Deep scratches need professional re-polishing. We advise you to check the protective film on new tables. Some buyers leave it on for weeks, but the adhesive can wear out and be hard to remove .
We send our stainless steel mirror finished bar tables with a care card to cover these points. Bulk Order Includes Maintenance Guide. Ask for a sample finish plate. Use your regular cleaner and see how it holds up. Then determine whether the maintenance routine works for your operation.
