'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.
Granite composite farmhouse sinks are among the toughest out there, resistant to scratches and stains. While quartz composite farmhouse sinks are available, they are not considered quite as durable.
Porcelain, ceramic and fireclay kitchen sinks have extremely low water absorption characteristics (making them easy to keep clean on a regular basis).
Compared to most sinks, ceramic farmhouse sinks do not require a complicated cleaning routine. Simply use mild dish soap and a non-abrasive soft sponge to scrub all over the sink. Rinse with lukewarm water and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
One of the drawbacks of choosing a farmhouse sink is the installation process. Depending on how your kitchen is set up, you may have to alter the size and design of your countertops before the farmhouse sink installation. Farmhouse sinks are much deeper and wider than classic kitchen sinks.
In conclusion, if you would like a cost effective coloured sink you might want to look into the granite sink ranges. If you are looking for an easy to clean, premium material you would want to look into a fine fireclay sink. We hope that gives you an insight into the features and benefits of each type of material.
Stainless steel sinks are very low maintenance; they are corrosion and rust resistant, and as long as they are cared for properly and wiped down after every use, they should not stain. Find out more about how to clean a stainless steel sink by reading our guide with handy tips and tricks from our experts.
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.
1. Stainless Steel. When choosing your kitchen sink, you pretty much can't go wrong with stainless steel. This top kitchen sink material is extremely durable and able to withstand heavy drops from pots and pans while also resisting scratches from sharp knives and utensils.
A simple mild solution of baking soda + vinegar or eco dish soap + water is all you need. Wipe surfaces clean with a soft brush, sponge or cloth. Keep the sink free of standing water to prevent buildup from the mineral deposit. A mild vinegar + water solution can be used to clean any mineral deposits.
Size. If you are concerned about wasting water, look for a farmhouse sink that has a smaller capacity. The depth of the traditional farmhouse sink is great for washing big items, but it means to fill it you'll need a lot more water than for a typical sink.
A good place to start when looking for the right size is with the most popular sizes for farmhouse sinks, small, medium, and large. Or the most common, either a 30″ or 33″ single bowl.
Timeless: Think farmhouse sinks in porcelain, soapstone sinks (integrated into the counter, or not), and surprisingly, concrete (subtle colors akin to soapstone or slate). Copper is a timeless material for pantries and bars.
Unlike the common stainless steel sinks, much care is needed on matte black sinks and this includes regular cleaning. Simple regular cleaning goes a long way in reducing the amount of effort in combating soap buildup and calcium deposits.
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.
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.
Translation: mixing vinegar and baking soda into a paste is a really great way to tackle particularly tough and stubborn hard water stains. If you find that vinegar alone isn't quite getting all the hard water spots out, make a vinegar and baking soda paste and scrub. Those stains never stood a chance.
Keep the Sink Dry – Keep your sink dry in between uses. Turn off the faucet and repair any leaks (even small ones) to keep liquids from sitting in the sink and staining the basin. and sponge to remove any grime from the sink once a day. bleach on the towels to dampen them.
The best color for a sink could be traditional white, multi-colored through to a statement black, including metallic finishes in silver, gold, and bronze. There is a huge selection of sink colors and shades to harmonize and blend with your existing bathroom, kitchen, and washroom color schemes.
In conclusion, while stainless steel sinks are durable and resistant to corrosion, they can become stained if pots or dishes are left sitting in the sink for too long. By following these tips and practicing regular maintenance, you can keep your stainless steel sink looking clean and stain-free for years to come.
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.
Pros: Non-porous and resistant to acid, alkali, and scratches; relatively chip-resistant; durable, especially compared to other sink materials. Cons: Limited sizes and colors; not “friendly” on dropped dishes; susceptible to stains without proper care; can crack or chip over time; expensive.
While other sink materials, including porcelain and enameled cast iron, are prone to staining, scratching and chipping, a fireclay farmhouse sink is resistant to everyday wear and tear. It's also non-porous and less prone to staining.