If the image above makes you cringe, you’re not alone. Rust prevention for steel drums requires a little special care, but it is possible to keep them looking pretty amazing for years to come. We’ve focused previous blog posts on statistics and things you can store in steel drums, so today we’re doing something a little different and talking about how you can keep them looking great and working as intended for many years.

Steel Drum Functionality

Outward appearance isn’t the only reason you should take care with the storage and maintenance of your steel drums. Rust effectively compromises the structural stability of steel drums, making them weak. Weakness in a steel drum limits the functionality and creates a hazard if you need to store anything corrosive or any type of chemical compound.

Four Tips to Prevent Rust

Stainless steel is the least likely type of steel to rust, but it does happen. Here are four great tips on how to care for and store stainless steel drums to prevent damage and rust:

• 1.The Right Material – You need to understand the differences between the types of steel and make the right choice from the very beginning. The best choice for steel drums is stainless steel; it’s the most durable and contains about 8% nickel for stability.
• 2.Buy New Stainless Steel Drums – Used drums may be a better deal financially, but you never know how they were cared for before you get them. Refurbishing companies may not always follow the MSM checklist for quality refurbishing standards.
• 3.Understanding Why Things Rust – As we said earlier, it’s less likely that a stainless steel drum will rust, but it isn’t entirely impossible either. They are, after all, metal. Chromium oxide is the magical ingredient that helps protect stainless steel from rust. Chromium oxide acts as a protective layer that protects against rust. When it is exposed to harsh environments, takes damage, or is cleaned using the wrong cleaning agents, it can lead to rust.
• 4.Clean them Regularly and Carefully – Use water to rinse away dust, dirt, or other things that can scratch the surface. Wash the drum using a soft sponge and mild soap. Never use harsh chemicals or steel wool because they will damage the chromium oxide finish and allow oxidation of the steel – which is rust.

Keep your stainless steel drums looking amazing by storing them in a dry, cool location. Clean them regularly, and always store them inside when possible. Remember, rust not only looks bad, it also compromises the stability and reliability of the drums. Give us a call if you’d like to discuss purchasing steel drums or any of our drum accessories.