Porcelain is extremely durable. There are many porcelain sinks still in use that are 50 to 100 years old. The porcelain material used to make sinks has glass and metal mixed in with the clay to give it extra strength and resistance to heat and chemicals. However, porcelain sinks can chip and are susceptible to stains.
Porcelain sinks have an average lifespan of 20–25 years. While all materials take on wear and tear over time, porcelain sinks can be refinished to keep them looking brand new and gorgeous for decades.
If you opt for a classic white porcelain farmhouse sink, it's very likely to get stained, and it will require regular cleaning to keep it sparkling. Scrubbing the sink with baking soda will help remove sauce stains, yet this mild abrasive won't scratch the surface.
Porcelain sinks scratches more easily than stainless sinks. As it is a brittle material the porcelain sinks can be chip or crack easily. Stains can be easily develop on porcelain sinks this means you have to use bleach and cleaners more frequently to keep your sink area clean.
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.
Harsh scrubbing can damage porcelain, so your first line of attack should be the least abrasive. For white porcelain only, bleach can be used to remove stains; never use chlorine bleach in colored or vintage porcelain, as it can damage the finish.
Coffee stains Scrub away coffee stains with a damp washcloth dipped in baking soda [source: Porcelain Enamel Institute]. Rust stains Borax is great for getting rid of many stains on porcelain, including rust. Create a paste from ¼ cup of lemon juice and 1 cup of borax.
Stainless steel is easily workable and has a long service life that will retain its clean finish look, with little to no maintenance costs. Additionally, due to the special high chromium and nickel-alloyed grades, it can resist scaling and retain strength at extreme temperatures better than porcelain.
Affordability & Durability Of Porcelain
It's recommended that people use silicone pads or a stainless steel rack to help protect it. Letting acidic substances sit and allowing foods to cake can stain the material, so ensure you give it a rinse after each use.
A baking soda and vinegar solution is perfect for cleaning a porcelain sink and removing stains. Make a paste out of the two ingredients and use a soft-bristled brush (such as an old toothbrush) or cloth and your finger, to apply and scrub the stained area.
A stainless steel sink is the most durable and low-maintenance kitchen sink as they are resistant to heat, stains, and scratches. What's more, they are also some of the most versatile sinks coming in a variety of styles and sizes meaning they fit in most kitchens easily no matter the size or style.
The biggest difference between the two materials is their level of heat-resistance. Porcelain withstands heat well and is unaffected by direct sunlight, while quartz surfaces can warp or become discolored over time.
Thermal Stress
Considering porcelain is usually layered on metal (which conducts heat), the sink loses heat rapidly and can become very cold—even when the room isn't cold. Therefore, hot water getting into contact with cold porcelain creates temperature stress that can cause cracks on the sink's surface.
Porcelain is considered the hardest clay available today and it starts out as... ceramic. It is heated in a kiln at an extremely high temperature (higher than ceramic), so it is less porous and dense. Porcelain is very strong with a smooth finish.
We're not saying stainless steel sinks are going out of style; they're similar to white kitchens - a.k.a. "always in style." But, based on some of our customers' recent choices, those that choose to pass on stainless sink options seem to prefer innovative alternatives that add a little more color to their kitchen ...
The brown stain is from a large amount of iron in your water. It is closely related to simple rust that you see on metal, which is iron oxide. Your water probably comes from groundwater that filtered through rocks containing iron-rich minerals on its way to the well.
Many homeowners ask if Magic Erasers® can be used on porcelain or if they will damage ceramic tile. The good news is that they can be safely used on ceramic tiles and porcelain, so you have nothing to worry about if you plan on using them this way.
Glazed Porcelain: Keeping your glazed porcelain sink in shape couldn't be simpler. Use Soft Scrub with Bleach Cleanser or Soft Scrub with Bleach Cleaner Gel to free your sink of soap scum, dirt, and stains.
Is Comet safe to use on Corian, Formica, porcelain, fiberglass and stainless steel. Yes. Comet Cleansers, Comet Soft Cleanser and Comet Bathroom Sprays are all safe to use on these surfaces.
Porcelain is extremely durable. There are many porcelain sinks still in use that are 50 to 100 years old. The porcelain material used to make sinks has glass and metal mixed in with the clay to give it extra strength and resistance to heat and chemicals. However, porcelain sinks can chip and are susceptible to stains.
Porcelain is made from baked clay
To make regular porcelain, the whole mixture is baked at 1300-1400 degrees. Porcelain enamel is made when the porcelain is melted together with a stronger metal. This makes porcelain enamel cookware both light and strong, with low porosity, so it is naturally non-stick.
Though popular for being gentler alternatives to harsh chemical cleaners, baking soda, Borax, and even salt can harm the finish of your porcelain fixtures. As gentle as they are, these compounds are still abrasive and will scratch your finish, especially with regular use.
Baking Soda, Lemon, and Vinegar: The All-Natural Approach
Baking soda creates a soft scrub that can tackle minor stains in a sink without marring the porcelain.
For white porcelain only, bleach can be used to remove stains; never use chlorine bleach in colored or vintage porcelain, as it can damage the finish. For both white and colored porcelain, liquid oxygen bleach—such as hydrogen peroxide—is a good alternative.