Porcelain and fireclay fixtures can add beauty to any room in the house, be it the kitchen, the bathroom, or even the laundry room. Fireclay is particularly popular for kitchen, bathroom and laundry room sinks, while porcelain also is desirable for lavatories, toilets and bidets.
Porcelain and fireclay are both forms of vitreous china. Porcelain fixtures are made by baking a refined mixture of clay and other minerals at a high temperature after glazing. Porcelain is naturally mildew and bacteria-resistant with a non-porous surface that is ideal for maintaining sanitation, making it a natural for lavatory sinks and toilets. Fireclay is also molded from a clay and mineral mixture, but it is fired at a higher temperature than vitreous china/porcelain which gives it greater resistance to heat. Hence its popularity for kitchen sinks.
Both porcelain and fireclay require care to prevent the finish from becoming dull, discolored or scratched. Here are some tips for caring for your fixtures.
Lavatories, Toilets & Bidets
- Rinse thoroughly and use a soft cloth to wipe the product dry after each use
- Use mild or soft abrasive cleaners, as strong abrasive cleaners will scratch and dull the surface. Products to consider include:
- Comet Bathroom Cleaner
- Fantastik Antibacterial Heavy Duty
- Formula 409 Antibacterial All Purpose
- Windex Original
- Lysol Bathroom Cleaner
- Soft Scrub Original
- Tilex Soap Scum Remover
- For rust removal, consider:
- Bon Ami
- Super Iron Out Multi-Purpose Rust Stain Remover
- Zud Multi-Purpose Cream Cleanser
- Use toilet bowl cleaners on the inside of the bowl only
- Do not use in-tank toilet cleaners as they can damage the flush valve and other working parts
- Wipe any splashes of cleaner solutions from plastic or plated surfaces immediately.
- Purchase a commercial cleaner that’s recommended for the removal of hard water deposit to remove hard water deposits that, over time, can clog toilet rim holes and trapways
Kitchen Sinks
- Rinse thoroughly and use a soft cloth to wipe the product dry after each use
- Use mild or soft abrasive cleaners, as strong abrasive cleaners will scratch and dull the surface. Products to consider include:
- Fantastik Antibacterial Heavy Duty
- Formula 409 Antibacterial All Purpose
- Soft Scrub Original
- Windex Original
- For rust removal, consider:
- Bon Ami
- Super Iron Out Multi-Purpose
- Rust Stain Remover
- Zud Multi-Purpose Cream Cleanser
- Utilize kitchen sink accessories such as bottom basin racks, wire rinse baskets, cutting boards and colanders to protect the surface of your sink.
