Bathroom Sink Materials and Care

Bathroom sinks, regardless of the material, will remain beautiful and impressive for years if cleaned regularly and properly maintained. Regular cleaning of the sink is an important part of bathroom hygiene. With regular, thorough, and proper cleaning and maintenance, you extend the lifespan of your bathroom sink and ensure it retains its beautiful appearance.

The visible dirt on the surface of bathroom sinks comes from the lime content in tap water and the pigments it binds to, such as toothpaste, oils, or cosmetics. The best way to clean the sink is to do so regularly, for example, by rinsing and washing it lightly with a mild cleaning agent after each use. It is also a good idea to dry the sink after rinsing, as lime-rich water will leave lime stains on the sink's surface, and dirt will then adhere to these lime stains.

 

 

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Porcelain

What is porcelain?

Porcelain bathroom sinks are a classic and timeless choice for many homeowners looking to renovate their bathrooms. The ceramic material is heated at a very high temperature, so that the water leaves the mass and it becomes dense. The glass-like surface of porcelain is durable and easy to clean, but still has a soft and pleasant appearance. Although porcelain is typically white, porcelain basins can be made in any color or color pattern to complement the decor.

Maintenance of porcelain washbasin
 
Use a mild soap, such as dishwashing liquid or all-purpose cleaner, and avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the sink. Also, do not clean the porcelain basin with vinegar. Although it is useful for cleaning many other household items, its high acid content can damage the surface of the sink. Clean the porcelain sink daily to prevent soap scum, grease and dirt from accumulating on the surface of the sink, and wipe the sink dry with a soft cloth to remove limescale from the surface of the sink. Be careful not to drop heavy or sharp objects into the porcelain sink.

Pros:

•    Porcelain is a very hard and dense material
•    The surface of the sink is smooth and tight, so it does not absorb anything and is easy to clean
•    A porcelain bathroom sink is classic and timeless and will never go out of style


Cons:

•    Although porcelain is stronger than regular ceramics, it can still crack if hit by a hard object
•    Porcelain can stain when exposed to chemicals or dyes

 

 

metalli altaat

Metall

What is stainless steel?

Stainless steel is known for its antibacterial properties, easy maintenance even against limescale, and impact resistance, making it the perfect material for sinks. Stainless steel is also 100% recyclable and can be combined with most countertop materials due to its stylish color and appearance.

Maintenance of stainless steel sink

Clean it daily with mild soap and warm water and dry the entire surface with a dry, clean, soft cloth after each use. Keep the sink clean of standing water to prevent the buildup of limescale deposits that can affect the sink's appearance. To prevent rust spots from forming on the stainless steel surface due to iron particles from other objects, avoid leaving steel utensils or dishes on the sink for extended periods. Also, do not use cleaning products that contain acids, strong chemicals or abrasives.

Pros:

•    Very durable in daily use, and its surface does not discolor or crack
•    Hygienic and easy to clean and maintain
•    Fits well with modern and minimalist designs
•    100% recyclable material material

Cons:

•    The surface of the sink gets scratched little by little during use, although this has no effect on reducing the use value

Solid surface altaat

Solid surface - Stone composite

What is stone composit?

Kivikomposiitti tarjoaa saumattoman ja modernin ilmeen sekä mahdollisuuden luoda ainutlaatuisia muotoja ja malleja. Helposti puhdistettava ja kestävä kivimäinen materiaali on valmistettu luonnollisista mineraaleista ja väripigmenteistä ollen kuin "keinotekoinen kivi", jonka pinta on kiinteä ja värjätty tasaisesti kauttaaltaan.  

Solid Surface Maintenance

Most dirt can be washed away with clean water. For a deeper clean, use a mild detergent like a gentle dish soap that is safe for colored surfaces. Dry the surface with a soft, dry cloth after each use to remove any water spots or limescale. Avoid products containing abrasives, acids, or ammonia.  

Pros:

•    The sink is seamless, so it is easy to keep clean
•    Made from materials that imitate more higher-end sink materials such as stone
•    Surface scratches can be polished
•    Holds up well to daily wear

Cons:

•    The surface can be scratched
 

 

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Cement

Cement/concrete washbasins

Concrete, or cement, sinks have become very popular in recent years due to their unique features. Concrete is versatile and can be customized into many different styles and unique sinks. Concrete can be used to imitate natural stone or create a cement-look sink.

Pros:

•    Concrete sinks can be shaped and colored into almost any shape and shade
•    Concrete is durable and is not easily damaged in daily use
•    Concrete is an affordable alternative to natural stone sinks
•    Concrete is an affordable alternative to natural stone sinks

Cons:

•    Concrete is an affordable alternative to natural stone sinks
•    It is impossible to achieve a completely flawless surface on a concrete sink

terrazzo allasmateriaali

Terrazzo

Terrazzo can add a touch of luxury and elegance to your bathroom. A terrazzo sink is a real eye-catcher thanks to its unique pattern, which adds depth and character to any bathroom. Terrazzo sinks can be made from natural stone or composite materials.

Pros:

•   Natural stone is a very hard and durable material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear
•   Terrazzo is a durable and long-lasting material that is water and stain resistant
•   Every piece of natural stone is unique with its own pattern and colour variations
•   Terrazzo sinks require little maintenance
•   They can be cleaned easily with mild soap and water

Cons:

•   A downside of terrazzo sinks is their higher price compared to more conventional materials such as ceramic or porcelain sinks, which may not fit all budgets.

•    Some natural stone materials, such as limestone, are porous, meaning they can absorb liquids and stains. This is not a problem if the sink is properly sealed.

puu kylpyhuoneallas

Wood

Wooden washbasins

Wood is becoming an increasingly popular material for those looking to incorporate natural elements into their bathrooms. Vessel sinks are a great way to showcase the grains and colors of wood, bringing warmth and beauty to a space.

Wooden sinks are treated with resins and other substances to ensure they don't absorb moisture. They feel warm to the touch and are unique due to the texture and tones of the wood.  

Pros:

•   Wooden sinks are environmentally friendly
•   Wooden sinks are unique, creating warmth and emphasizing the elements of nature.

Cons:

•    Wooden sinks must be cleaned and dried regularly
•    Abrasive materials can damage the surface, so be gentle when using cleaning product

valurauta kylpyhuoneallas

Cast iron

What is cast iron sink?

A cast iron sink creates a beautiful, old-fashioned atmosphere in the bathroom, emphasizing the appreciation of tradition. The sink consists of two layers: a heavy, durable cast iron base and a strong enamel top layer. Together, they create an impermeable, sturdy sink with a glossy finish.

Maintenance of cast iron washbasin

The glazed enamel surface is non-porous, making the sink dirt-resistant and easy to clean. Clean the sink with non-abrasive cleaning agents and avoid using abrasive cleaning tools such as steel wool, steel brushes, and abrasive sponges, which can dull or scratch the surface. Rinse the sink thoroughly after each use.

Pros:

•    Cast iron sinks are durable
•    Unique appearance, where the enamel surface layer is beautifully shiny

Cons:

•    The enamel surface of the cast iron sink can chip with rough handling
•    Cast iron is also sensitive to strong stains

kivi kylpyhuonealtaat

Stone

What is natural stone washbasin?

Stone sinks are unique pieces carved from a single block of stone. Each sink is one-of-a-kind due to natural variations, and every stone has its own distinctive characteristics and colour variations.

Depending on the type of stone, these sinks can give your bathroom an elegant, modern, or rustic look.  

Maintenance

Clean the natural stone sink regularly with a mild dish soap or stone cleaner. Dry the sink with a soft cloth after each use. Do not allow mineral deposits, such as iron, salt, lime, or soap, to accumulate in the sink. Also, do not use acidic household cleaners, wipes containing strong chemicals, or abrasives, as they will damage the stone. Be especially careful with potential stains, such as rust, which can occur if a metal object is left on the wet sink surface.  

Pros:

•    Natural stones are resistant to high temperatures, scratches and cracking
•    Each piece is unique and gives the space a natural atmosphere
•    Easy to clean
•    Add a touch of luxury and sophistication to the bathroom

Cons:

•   The surface is not as dense as some other materials and the sink requires more careful use and regular cleaning

valumarmori altaat

Cast marble = Resin

Cast marble/Resin

Cast marble washbasins are made by combining acrylic resin with natural stone, such as quartz or granite. The material is designed to offer the look and feel of natural stone but at a more affordable price. Most cast marble sinks are made as undermount sinks.

The maintenance of cast marble washbasins

Clean the sink using a damp cloth and mild detergent, such as dish soap. Stains should be removed immediately to prevent them from leaving marks. Do not use abrasive substances, as they can cause permanent damage to the product's surface (loss of shine), and the water temperature should not exceed 60°C. For cleaning lime, you can use a mild vinegar solution or ready-made descaling products.

Pros:

•    A sturdy and long-lasting surface that does not crack
•    Cast marble sinks are available in several different colors and patterns that imitate the appearance of natural stone
•    Cleaning cast marble sinks is easy
•    Wiping the sink with a mild detergent is enough to keep it clean

Cons:

•    Scratches easily and sharp objects or abrasive cleaning agents can leave marks on the surface
•    Does not tolerate high temperatures
•    The colour can fade over time, particularly when exposed to direct sunlight
•    If the sink's coating is damaged, it requires care, otherwise the underlying material may be scratched or damaged

 

With regular and proper cleaning and maintenance, you extend the lifespan of your sink and ensure good hygiene.