Fireclay Manufactured from clay fired at an extremely high temperature, fireclay sinks are highly resistant to scratches, staining and chipping. Cleanup is easy — just dish soap on a sponge, or use a mild abrasive cleanser for tougher marks. These are the sinks I often recommend for those who want a white kitchen sink.
Because of the finish, fireclay sinks are unlikely to discolor, rust, or fade over time. Stains - Fireclay sinks are resistant to stains, but you may notice white water spots or greasy stains. Regular maintenance and cleaning will help remove these stains. Maintenance - Fireclay kitchen sinks are easy to maintain.
Stainless Steel Resists Stains and Scratches
As the name implies, stainless steel resists stains. It also resists scratches and can withstand very high heat, which makes it a great choice for most kitchens.
MaidPro recommends applying a dab of mineral oil every so often to protect against water stains. Granite composite (like my Silgranit sink) is slightly more durable and can handle cleaners such as vinegar and baking soda, as well as watered-down bleach for tough stains.
The downside is that the fireclay material can show surface scratches, especially if an object creates a hard impact. Luckily, it's easy to reduce blemishes by resting a simple sink grid at the basin.
In comparison to fireclay, porcelain sinks are made at lower temperatures and are more susceptible to stains, scratches, and chips. They do come in a variety of colors however they are recommended for bathrooms (sinks and toilets) than for kitchens.
Placing hot pots or pans directly into the sink could cause damage to the sink. and nicks in the sink from daily use. Avoid pouring boiling water into sink. Run cold water if hot liquids are poured into sink.
Unfortunately, since the material is soft, it has a tendency to hold onto stains, scuff marks, and even scratches if you're not careful. That being said, non-abrasive cleaners are the best way to clean a porcelain sink.
White or pale sinks are particularly suitable for an area with hard water, as every single chalky droplet won't be immediately apparent on the surface of a coloured sink. However, the downside is that this layer of limescale can still adhere to the sink material over time and become discoloured.
It is very sleek and stylish with a modern look. It resists very critical stains and scratches as well. It requires only low maintenance and is easy to clean.
Swap to a stainless Steel sink for an easy all-rounder
Close up of black and white marbled worktop with metal sink and mixer tap and dark grey kitchen cabinets. 'I've found that stainless steel kitchen sinks are the easiest to maintain,' says professional cleaner Sara San Angelo, The Cleaning Lady.
If you've had this curiosity, you'll be pleased to know that quartz is one of the most stain-resistant options out there, by virtue of it being nonporous.
Cause: Untreated hard water can cause white staining or spotting also known as lime scale build-up on and around your fixtures, shower doors, glassware and silverware. Hard water is caused by natural (and healthy) minerals in your water, such as calcium and magnesium.
Stainless steel is the best guard against food and drink dropped into the sink due to the material not allowing any bacteria or stains to build up. Everything is kept spotlessly clean with just a simple wipe of a damp cloth!
Porcelain Stains and Potentially Chips
If you opt for a classic white porcelain farmhouse sink, it's very likely to get stained and will require regular cleaning to keep it sparkling.
SILGRANIT sinks are fade, stain, chip and scratch-resistant, making them very easy to clean. However, like any heavy-duty kitchen fixture— they may show traces of wear over time. For a daily clean, mix water with soap and scrub gently with a sponge.
Fireclay
Manufactured from clay fired at an extremely high temperature, fireclay sinks are highly resistant to scratches, staining and chipping. Cleanup is easy — just dish soap on a sponge, or use a mild abrasive cleanser for tougher marks. These are the sinks I often recommend for those who want a white kitchen sink.
Also known as an apron front sink, a farmhouse sink is much more accommodating than other styles due to its large basin and exposed front. The exposed front eliminates the countertop separation between you and the sink, so you don't have to lean forward to use the faucet or reach the bottom of the basin.
Sinks made of ceramic are extremely easy to clean. Thanks to the sealed surface, dirt does not penetrate, but merely adheres to the surface.
The most important part is to clean your white composite sink daily and dry it after every use. This is the best way to prevent limescale and hard water stains.
Durability: Porcelain basins are generally more durable than ceramic basins, making them a good choice for high-traffic bathrooms or households with children. Maintenance: Porcelain basins require less maintenance than ceramic basins due to their non-porous surface, which is more resistant to stains and scratches.
Use a Magic Eraser to remove stains and soap scum
If you are looking to avoid using chemicals altogether or if marks are particularly rugged, then cleaning with a Magic Eraser can help achieve the perfect shine with no extra product. 'Use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to quickly scrub your porcelain sink.
Cons of Fireclay Sinks
Fireclay sinks are heavy, which means you might need additional support when installing them. Ensure your countertop and cabinets can handle the weight before making the switch. They can be pricier than other sink materials.
For harder-to-clean stains, we recommend using 50/50 water and bleach or vinegar solution or a non-abrasive cleaner. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning and dry with a soft dry cloth. You can also use a Mr. Clean® Magic Eraser®.
Fine fireclay holds its form and shape a lot better when cooling and drying after coming out of a mould. Because of this, it is used for designer high quality basins, and durable kitchen sinks. This makes it less fragile and brittle than standard ceramic, and therefore much more resistant to impact.