Final answer:
To clean an Alto-Sham, alkaline-based cleaners containing sodium hydroxide or specialty metal cleaners with lactic, citric, or phosphoric acids are suitable for stainless steel, while thiourea is used for silver items.
Step-by-step explanation:
To clean an Alto-Sham, which is often made of stainless steel, cleaners that contain alkaline agents like sodium hydroxide are typically recommended. These cleaners are effective at dissolving fats, oils, and protein-based substances, which are commonly found on cooking equipment. For stainless steel surfaces, it is also common to use specialty metal cleaners that can contain citric, lactic, or phosphoric acid as part of their formula, combined with surfactants and sometimes a solvent like mineral spirits for more effective cleaning.
For silver items that may be part of the Alto-Sham or for utensils used within it, cleaning agents such as thiourea in combination with acids like hydrochloric or sulfuric acid can remove tarnish such as silver sulfide. It's important to note that the cleaning agent chosen should be suitable for the specific material of the Alto-Sham and its components and that the manufacturer's instructions, as well as safety guidelines, should always be followed when using chemical cleaners.