How to Clean Stainless Steel Shot

Soap and water can clean a stainless steel shot.

Stainless steel is a wonderful metal for easy cleaning. Unlike other metals, stainless steel does not rust when it’s been wet, so cleaning is often easier. Unfortunately, when a stainless steel shot is contaminated or dirty, it can ruin the jewelry or similar pieces being put into it. It is important to clean a stainless steel shot between every single use to avoid buildup of contaminates.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Water
• Pure dish soap
• Sponge or wash cloth

Instructions

1. Rinse the stainless steel shot with warm water. Add some dish soap and scrub the stainless steel shot with a sponge or wash cloth. Rinse the shot free of soap and look at the shot. If there are black or stuck-on contaminates, further cleaning is necessary.

2. Mix baking soda and water to form a semi-thick paste. Pour the baking soda and water mixture into the steel shot and run the shot through the tumbler for about two hours.

3. Rinse the shot and look for further contaminates or black spots. If there are black spots, make a second mixture and run it through again. Usually this will be enough to clean the stainless steel shot.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid citrus dish soaps, which can ruin the stainless steel shot and cause black spots.

• Use water from a water jug that is free of metal contaminates when using a stainless steel shot and tumbler. This will prevent contaminate build-up.

References

• Wire Sculpture: Daily Wire Jewelry Tip
• Lortone Inc.: Jewelry Tumbling Instructions
• Ervin Industries