Low fired earthenware, such as terra cotta, is softer, and more likely to deteriorate when exposed to earth or sea water, but even earthenware can last for generations. Porcelain can last forever, if we can keep from knocking it off a shelf.
Yes, porcelain is biodegradable, but not in the sense that you may think. For an item like porcelain to break down, it does not require the presence of moisture, microorganisms, oxygen, and a suitable environment. Instead, it needs harsh weather conditions because that is the only thing that can wear it out.
In addition, both LVT and hardwood fade and degrade over the years, whereas porcelain is resistant to stains, scratches and fading color. Not only is porcelain a breeze to clean, but it's made from natural ingredients. Porcelain tile has a 60+ year life expectancy, so you definitely get your money's worth.
Depending on use, a good toilet may last you 50 years. Most toilets are made of porcelain, which lasts a long time. Certain components within the toilet may need to be repaired or replaced more frequently, however. Most of these can and should be replaced without replacing the whole toilet.
Porcelain is a highly durable material for dental restorations, but it is not entirely indestructible. Stains will not penetrate the surface of quality porcelain restorations unless the porcelain has been damaged by: Highly abrasive toothpastes that wear away the outer glaze of the porcelain.
As the porcelain gets older it becomes etched from years of cleaning and loses its smooth finish. The deposits collect in these etchings and build up. An acid and water solution can dissolve these minerals, then wash the surface and let it dry.
Because toilets are made of glazed porcelain, removing mold from them is usually pretty easy. A word of caution – NEVER use bleach to clean mold. Please read that post if you are considering a bleach cleaner in your toilet. Also, never use a pumice stone to scrub the inside of your toilet.
On average, most toilets will have a lifespan of between 10 and 15 years, even with regular use. The lifespan may vary depending on the toilet model and the wear and tear it experiences over the years. Most toilets will start to give you warning signs indicating the time for replacement is near.
'While generally safe with straight porcelain and fireclay, chlorine bleach can oxidize the iron of an enamelled fixture to create terrible rust stains.
In the case of less durable materials such as porcelain, fiberglass, wood and glass, these materials will eventually break down and erode if exposed to drastic temperature shifts over long periods of time. These usually will manifest as cracks, material stripping or warping.
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.
Low porosity also makes porcelain toilets highly resistant to moisture infiltration and subsequent damage. Considering all of the above characteristics, it's no surprise that porcelain toilets can last an average of 15 to 30 years.
Porcelain veneers can last up to 15 to 20 years, but only with proper care. In order to get the most use out of your restoration, you need to follow some basic oral care guidelines. Brush your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, preferably a prescription-strength variety that's formulated for veneers.
Porcelain tiles are also very chemically resistant to degradation. This basically means that they will not wear away or dissolve if exposed to harsh chemicals like bleach or acidic lemon juice. It also means that trace amounts of its material will not get carried away on things that have touched it.
The average toilet lasts between 15 to 30 years, depending on how often it is used and how well it is maintained. If you bought a high-quality toilet and maintained it diligently, your toilet could last 50 years.
You may need to have your toilet serviced or replaced so it will work more efficiently and use less water. Is your toilet at least 25 years old? Then it's time to replace it with one that can conserve water and save money on your water bill. Federal guidelines require toilets to use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush.
Toilets can last for up to 50 years under average conditions. However, this doesn't mean that you won't need to spend money maintaining it throughout its useful life. Furthermore, there are many factors that could cause your toilet to fail in less than 50 years.
Use an antifungal surface cleaner (such as Clorox Antifungal, available on Amazon) and a sponge or cloth to wipe mold off of non-porous surfaces like tile and porcelain. Follow up with a scrub brush on any stubborn areas, and thoroughly rinse with water.
These growths are known as biofilms or 'microbial slime' and are most noticeable in bathrooms and kitchens. If not dealt with at their onset some biofilms can grow into certain materials and become a permanent feature. What are biofilms? Biofilms contain bacteria and fungi that have grown and multiplied on a surface.
This is because too much exposure to strong vinegar could strip away the finish on your porcelain. This will leave it more liable to damage and looking a bit worse for wear. But as long as you use it properly it's a great way to cut through dirt and grime.
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.
If you have a polished porcelain tile, then you have to re-polish it like you would if it were a natural granite because it is such a dense material. If you have a glazed ceramic tile, then you can't polish it. If you have damaged the glaze, there isn't much you can do other than replace that tile.