According to several studies and surveys, millions of people every year decide to take the big step and renovate their homes. One of the most commonly remodeled rooms is the kitchen, which shouldn’t be that surprising, considering that we spend most of our time there.
When it comes to this particular room, there are a few things considered as essential – including a fridge, an oven or a microwave, and of course – the sink. After all, you have to wash your dishes somewhere, don’t you? The sink is exactly what we will be putting our focus on today. However, with so many models available on the market, choosing the best one can be quite challenging.
That’s what we are here for. Have you considered a fireclay farmhouse sink? Due to its durability and unique style, it has been growing in popularity for the last few years, with many people considering it a perfect addition to their kitchen. There’s one more thing that won them over – that is the fact that the fireclay farmhouse sink doesn’t need any special maintenance routines.
Want to know more about it? All you have to do is keep reading then.
What Is Fireclay?
Since we understand that many people might not have heard of this material, let’s start with a short explanation.
As experts from https://www.annieandoak.com/ explain, “Fireclay is a type of ceramic that is widely used because of its durability and a high threshold for heat. It is made by mixing glaze and clay and firing it at extreme temperatures. These sinks aren’t carved but instead molded. Once the molded clay is in its desired shape and dried, porcelain enamel is applied. It is then heated in a kiln. Because of the extreme temperatures, the enamel, and the ceramic fuse, creating an ultra-strong body.”
Fireclay sinks are considered to be one of the most affordable options on the market, which means that they are a great choice for someone who needs to work around a tight budget. Additionally, they are heat resistant (you can put hot pans inside without worrying about possible damage), stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, and chip resistant.
While they might seem not to have flaws, they need love every once in a while, just like every other sink. This is why you should take care of it properly. How? Well, we’re getting into that.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
While there is not much difference between cleaning and caring for a regular sink and a fireclay one, it’s still important to do it properly. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Clean the sink frequently – if you don’t clean your sink regularly, the dirt might build-up, and you will be left with a not so pleasant view every time you enter the kitchen. Use a soft cloth and a little bit of dish soap, rub the dirt away, and rinse it with moderately warm water. Be gentle. To get rid of some more stubborn stains, use a paper towel soaked in vinegar, and leave it on the stain for the night.
- Don’t be afraid to use bleach – it is completely normal for a sink to lose its shine after a few years. After all, nothing lasts forever. However, that’s where the bleach comes into play – apply a thin layer to the surface every once in a while (preferably every few days) to bring the shine back.
- Don’t use abrasive substances – if you want your sink to last at least a few years, there is one really important thing you need to remember – be as gentle as possible. This includes avoiding using abrasive substances.
- Use wax – waxing your sink once a month will help you with keeping it clean, as well as with liquid flow – you won’t have to worry about food particles sticking to your sink. If your wax comes with an applicator, apply a thin layer of liquid wax to the basin. If it doesn’t, you can use, for example, a soft cloth – just remember to clean it properly beforehand. Don’t apply the wax when the sink is still wet – wait, it is completely dry. Also, don’t use the sink after waxing until everything is dry.
The Bottom Line
Fireclay farmhouse sinks have been gaining popularity for the last few years due to many reasons, including their durability, looks, and how easy it is to maintain them. While other types of sinks might require you to follow a regular routine in order to keep them looking great, all a fireclay farmhouse sink needs is a gentle cleaning here and there. They also rarely get damaged, which is another plus.
This type of sink is a great addition to any kitchen, so if you are looking for the perfect productive and organized home, you should definitely consider it. Good luck!
