The disadvantages of ceramic sinks are much smaller, but they should also be considered before buying. First, sinks made of this material are quite heavy and difficult to install them yourself. Secondly, the ceramic surface is not resistant to strong shocks. If you drop something very heavy into the sink, it may crack.
Durability: The durability of ceramic sinks and their heavy frames, make them sturdy and reliable kitchen centerpieces. Heavy duty glazing and layered clay composition makes this sink chip proof as well as resistant to many household chemicals.
Sinks made of ceramic are extremely easy to clean. Thanks to the sealed surface, dirt does not penetrate, but merely adheres to the surface. A little washing-up liquid and water - and your sink will shine again. Every now and then, take the time to freshen up the coated surface.
Cracks in ceramic sink: Assess the situation and the sink
Porcelain sinks are both beautiful and easy to clean. On the down side, it's a brittle material and easily cracked. One drop of a heavy object can leave you staring at a major chip in your porcelain.
A well maintained ceramic sink can last a lifetime, and thanks to them being easy to clean as well as heat resistant, it can look just as good as the day you bought it.
Ceramic sinks can also withstand very high temperatures so you don't need to worry about pouring boiling water on them and are resistant to chemicals so no need to worry about keeping household cleaning products away from them.
Harsh Chemicals
Stay away from bleach and harsh chemical cleaners that contain substances like hydrochloric and sulphuric acid as these can damage the finish of your brand new sink. You should also avoid using bicarbonate of soda and vinegar as these can leave marks on the ceramic 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.
First, sinks made of this material are quite heavy and difficult to install them yourself. Secondly, the ceramic surface is not resistant to strong shocks. If you drop something very heavy into the sink, it may crack. Third, it is not recommended to wash models made of this material with loose abrasives.
Hygienic - Because ceramic is not porous, bacteria is not absorbed. Cleaning is made easier by simply wiping off dirt and dust with a soft dry cloth, giving you peace of mind that your sink remains clean.
A 50% mix of water and white vinegar can be used to remove limescale deposits, ensure to rinse thoroughly after use, do not leave the vinegar in contact with the surface. A nylon scratch pad or toothbrush can be used on difficult areas. Dry the sink after use to delay future build up.
You have to remember that the aesthetic beauty of a ceramic sink is its main selling point so a little care is required in its maintenance. If you want longevity and durability combined with a sleek modern style, look no further than a granite-made composite sink.
Quartz Composite
Best for: High durability, heat-resistance, and sound dampening. If the vulnerabilities of solid surface acrylic resin or enameled kitchen sinks are concerning, then a quartz composite kitchen sink is a great option.
Stainless steel is by far the most popular option for a kitchen sink, offering a contemporary design that works well with a range of interiors. It is durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to rust and corrosion. The thickness of stainless steel is referred to as its gauge; the higher the gauge, the thinner the steel.
'The easiest kitchen sink material to maintain is going to be one made of stainless steel, copper, cast iron or enamel because they will not support microbial growth as they are not cellulose material,' says Darren Hudema, director of training and technical services at PuroClean.
Once your ceramic sink is completely clean and free of any dirt, you should seal it to protect it from stains and discoloration.
Try to avoid placing extremely hot or cold substances into your ceramic sink, or these can cause it to crack. If you do need to pour boiling water in your sink, make sure the cold tap is turned on first.
Durability - It's nearly impossible to scratch or chip fireclay, and they're much less likely to crack or scratch compared to cast iron. Because of the finish, fireclay sinks are unlikely to discolor, rust, or fade over time.
Ceramic is extremely heavy and then if you imagine it full of water as well – this kind of weight could be enough to crack your worktop if the clips don't fail beforehand. So, ceramic undermount sinks need special attention when fitting them – to make sure they're properly supported!
Tea and coffee often leave a lovely residue inside cups and inside sinks. To remove this brown residue you can use a number of products such as baking soda, cream cleaner or bar keepers friend. These products vary in how abrasive they are but all will remove stains.
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.
If you have a modern white porcelain sink, then bleach can be used sparingly to lift tough stains, but it should not be used as an everyday cleaner, or on large areas of porcelain. You should also avoid using bleach on vintage or colored porcelain, as this could cause permanent damage.
For both white and colored porcelain, liquid oxygen bleach—such as hydrogen peroxide—is a good alternative. It may take longer to work, but it's less caustic and more environmentally friendly. Pour the bleach product suited to your type of porcelain into a spray bottle.