Product Protection
Your heater has been produced from highly weather resistant materials and only requires minimum cleaning and maintenance. Cleaning must be performed when the heater is cold. Your patio heater will last longer if it is cleaned and maintained properly. It is very important that the air required for the combustion process is not blocked going to the burner. Orifices, burner venturis, vents, and other openings must be kept free of dirt and spider webs.
Stainless steel does not "rust," however varying atmospheric conditions; areas with acid rain, beach and ocean areas with heavy misty conditions may leave brown deposits on the heater. This is to be expected of any stainless steel product used outdoors.
We recommend washing the outer stainless steel components such as the post and decorative cover and perforated material around the lighting instructions with a mild detergent solution and immediately wiping it clean with a dry soft cloth. The stainless steel can be expected to darken and discolor around the heater head and pan as it sustains extreme temperatures. This is normal and to be expected with any outdoor gas heating or cooking appliance.
Never use a cleaning agent that is flammable or corrosive. Never spray any cleaning product on the emitter grid or burner area. If you purchased a powder-coated model, treat it just like you would any other piece of fine outdoor patio furniture. Wash all painted parts of the heater with a soapy solution and protect it with a coat of automobile car wax a couple of times per year or as required dependent upon your local weather and climate conditions.
If you need to touch up a painted heater only paint the post and base portions. Never paint the emitter grid, lighting instructions, valve or control knob area, or the LP cylinder.
The burner ports must also be kept clear so that the burner burns evenly and the flow of gas is not restricted. If the heater is not performing adequately it will be necessary to check the burner and burner venturi. In a salt air or ocean environment, corrosion and rust occurs at a far greater rate than in non-ocean areas. You will need to more frequently check for corrosion and replace parts as required.
The best protection for the critical heater head is a cover that has been specifically designed for your heater. A stainless steel protective cleaner such as PGS Stainless Steel Cleaner will help protect the finish of all stainless steel components.