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Cleaning grab bars is very easy. Grab bars should regularly be cleaned to maintain a new appearance and a sanitary environment. Follow these steps to clean and maintain the appearance of stainless steel grab bars:

Removing Dirt & Grime: All surfaces should be washed with a mild dish-washing liquid soap or powdered detergent, ammonia, and warm water. Use a soft cloth. The material should then be rinsed with clear water and wiped with a damp sponge and dried.
Removing Smears & Fingerprints: Use Arcal 20, Lac-O-Nu, Lumin Wash, O’Cedar Cream Polish or Stainless Shine. Rub the surface with a cloth as directed on the package.
Removing Rust: If you need to remove rust from grab bars, please read our removing rust on grab bars instructions.

Note regarding cleaning agents that should not be utilized on stainless steel grab bars:

The use of severe chemicals, such as muriatic acid or other caustic chemicals, may cause permanent damage to all stainless steel grab bar surfaces. Muriatic acid (for cleaning masonry) or similar hydrochloric acid-type cleaners must immediately be neutralized and scrubbed off with clean water if splashed, sprayed, spilled or otherwise in contact with a stainless steel component

Under no circumstances should the following agents be used on stainless steel grab bars:

Abrasive powders or scouring pads.
Toilet bowl cleaners.
Ceramic tile cleaners.
Solutions containing aggressive acid, such as Lime-A-Way, Soft Scrub, Tilex, etc.

Stainless steel material (type #301/304) is rust resistant, but not impervious to rusting. In most applications, stainless steel grab bars will not rust or stain even after many years of service.

However, if not properly cared for, stainless steel grab bars may slightly rust or stain over time, even though

How do you prevent grab bars from rusting?

If you want to prevent rust from forming on grab bars, be sure to prevent your grab bars from coming in contact with any of the following elements:

Concentrated chlorine (such as urine spray).
Corrosive elements (such as acidic cleaners). No bleach!
Water with high iron content or iron materials (like steel wool).

Grab bars require regular maintenance to keep the stainless steel clean and free of contaminants.

When installing grab bars, make sure you use stainless steel screws, and, more importantly, use silicone underneath and even on the screws to ensure the wall penetrations remain waterproof.

How do you remove rust from a grab bar?

If you spot rust on your grab bars, it is important to remove it as soon as possible. Irreversible pitting will develop under rust that remains on stainless for any period of time. Follow these steps:

Apply a mild abrasive cleaner such as Bon Ami, Ajax or their equivalent with a wet cotton cloth on the impacted area
Rub in the direction of the grain finish until the rust is gone.
Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
Stains which resist the above treatment may require scouring in the direction of the grain with stainless steel wool and a mild abrasive cleaner in creamy paste form. If scraping is required, use stainless steel pads, sponges, wood or plastic tools.

Grab bars are available in many material types including:

Stainless Steel grab bars are the most frequently used grab bars, with 95% market share. They are waterproof, fully rust resistant, and very durable.
Plastic grab bars generally have a steel or aluminum tubing core for support, but are coated in a plastic or slip resistant material.
Aluminum grab bars have an aluminum core. These types of grab bars are rarely used but are available depending on preference.
Brass grab bars are a higher end material type, mainly selected for aesthetic purposes.
Wood grab bars are typically made from real teak wood. Teak grab bars are water and humidity resistant, elegant, and durable. Teak wood grab bars are not nearly as popular as a result of the higher price point.

What is the most popular grab bar material?

Although grab bars are available in a variety of materials and finishes, most are made from stainless steel. Stainless steel is the most popular grab bar material choice for the following reasons:

Full water contact: The material will not rust or corrode over time when exposed to high humidity or direct water contact (when properly cared for). This is the reason why most shower grab bars and bathroom grab bars are stainless steel.
Low Cost: No other material compares to the life cycle costing of stainless steel, which takes into account not only the initial cost but subsequent maintenance, repair and replacement.
Vandalism resistant: The material is extremely hard, strong, and will stand up well to vandalism and high use.
Classic beauty: Stainless steel adds a clean, modern, upscale design to any installation.

How are grab bars fabricated?

Technically speaking, grab bars are made of type #304 stainless steel 18-gauge hollow tubing in various tubing diameters. The material contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel (and is referred to as 18-8 stainless). Grab bar flanges are also made of #304 stainless steel. Each grab bar comes in a protective plastic bag to prevent scrapes during transit.

Straight (non-bended) stainless steel tubes in various diameters are run through a metal tube bending machine. The machine will bend and precisely cut the tube based on the grab bar length specified. The stainless steel flange is then welded to the tubing with a continuous concealed bead and then ground smooth and polished.

Grab bars are safety grab brails that provide critical handhold grips to enhance stability and promote slip prevention.

What are grab bars used for?

Grab bars help maintain balance to prevent slips and falls, ease fatigue while standing, support some weight while maneuvering, or to have something to grab onto in case of a slip or fall.

Grab bars are generally installed in and around the following areas:

Showers
Baths / Bathtubs
Toilets
Bathrooms
Bedrooms
Stairs

The most popular places to place grab bars are in bathtubs, showers, and toilets to allow a safe step in and out and to allow extra support that may be needed to comfortably get up and down. Grab bars can be used for any area that requires an extra handhold for additional support.

Who uses grab bars?

Grab bars are used by people of all ages and abilities that can benefit from extra support and stability while maneuvering around the shower, bathtub, toilet, bathroom, or any other area where physical stability is of issue.

Grab bars are primarily installed for and used by the following people:

Seniors and the elderly
People with physical and mental handicaps
People with special needs
Patients recovering from injuries.

Grab bars are beneficial for all ages and abilities, however, they are especially important for anyone who needs a little extra help in the bathroom. If you feel that you or your loved one may need grab bars, you should err on the side of safety.

Why are grab bars important?

A simple grab bar, when properly placed, can prevent a slip or fall that has the potential to lead to months of rehab.

People that use grab bars feel much more secure living independently. Grab bars provide the following benefits:

Reduce the risk of falling in the tub or shower.
Help steady oneself getting in or out of the shower or tub.
Assist in raising or lowering oneself from a seated position.
Provides you and your loved ones peace of mind every time you step into the shower or tub.

Grab bars help people live in homes safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or physical ability level.

Why you should buy a grab bar?

If you or a loved one has noticed a decrease in balance or strength, a grab bar may be just the thing to help you do everyday in a safe and reliable way. Grab bars can help to reduce the risk of falling in the tub or shower, help you to get into and out of the bathtub or shower and assist you in safely lowering and raising yourself from a seated position. Grab bars are an easy way to add a sturdy surface to hold onto to assist with sit to stand, balance or safe transfers or general safety.

Are grab bars necessary?

Grab bars are only necessary in certain circumstances.

Commercial: For commercial applications such as public restrooms, grab bars are required by ADA law and local building codes.
Residential: For private residential applications such as home bathrooms, grab bars are only necessary if the person using the restroom requires extra assistance. There are no laws mandating grab bar installation in privately owned homes.

Bottom line, grab bars are inexpensive, fairly easy to install, prevent injuries, and save lives.