Choose the Best Low Maintenance Kitchen Sinks for Effortless Cleaning
Is scrubbing and cleaning the kitchen sink one of your least favorite chores? Who has time for daily scrubbing sessions just to keep their sink looking clean? Fortunately, there are plenty of low maintenance kitchen sinks on the market that make cleaning fast and painless.
We’ll look at the most durable materials, best styles for easy cleaning, top features to look for, and tips for keeping any sink sparkling with little effort.
Low Maintenance Kitchen Sink Materials
The material your kitchen sink is made from plays a big role in how easy it will be to clean and maintain. Here are some of the best options for low maintenance:
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Stainless Steel Sinks
Stainless steel is a popular choice because it is durable, affordable, and resists stains and bacteria growth. The smooth, nonporous surface also makes stainless steel sinks easy to wipe clean. Just be sure to choose a thicker gauge steel, like 16 gauge, for maximum durability.
While stainless steel is susceptible to scratches over time, many new finishes like brushed nickel and matte black help hide small scuffs. Some negative points are that stainless steel can dent if heavy items are dropped in it, and it tends to be noisy.
Porcelain Sinks
Porcelain sinks offer an extremely glossy and nonporous surface that easily wipes clean after use. The glasslike finish hides small scratches well. Porcelain resists stains, is bacteria resistant, and remains beautiful over time.
Just be cautious about dropping heavy items in a porcelain sink as the material can chip or crack. Higher quality porcelain tends to be more durable and stain resistant.
Granite Composite Sinks
For incredible durability, granite composite is hard to beat. This material is a blend of granite particulates and acrylic resin that creates a flexible, strong, and easy to clean sink.
Granite composite withstands heat up to 536°F, resists scratches, stains, and bacterial growth. The only downsides are the high price point and tendency to dull over time.
Low Maintenance Kitchen Sink Styles
Certain kitchen sink installations and designs also make cleaning a breeze. Here are some ideal styles for low maintenance:
Undermount Sinks
Undermount sinks provide a smooth transition from countertop to sink basin, making it easy to wipe away crumbs, drips, and spills. Without a lip or rim in the way, you can simply brush debris right into the basin.
Just be sure to regularly clean and disinfect the sink perimeter to prevent buildup of grime where the sink meets the counter.
Double Bowl Sinks
Double bowl sinks are great for multitasking and keeping prep and cleanup stations separate. Look for a low divide design which allows large pots or baking sheets to soak in one side.
The divider also helps prevent splashes and overspray between bowls. Just be sure to regularly disinfect the sink divider to prevent bacteria growth in this moist area.
Key Low Maintenance Features
Along with material and style, certain sink features make maintenance a breeze. Here are some to look for:
Slope and Pitch
Having an angled sink bottom that slopes gently toward the drain prevents standing water in your sink. A 2-5 degree downward pitch is ideal. This slope speeds up draining and eliminates pools where bacteria or mold can grow.
Rear-Set Drain Placement
A drain set toward the rear of the sink is preferable to one in the middle. Rear drains allow you to sweep all debris directly into the drain without anything getting caught mid-sink.
Accessories
accession items like bottom sink grids, drain covers and strainers can make cleanup much easier. Grids and drain covers prevent debris from getting stuck in drains. Strainers catch all the food bits so they don’t clog plumbing.
Keeping Your Low Maintenance Sink Sparkling
To keep any kitchen sink in top shape, be sure to follow these maintenance tips:
- Wipe sink dry after each use to prevent mineral deposits and water spots.
- Clean sink weekly with a non-abrasive cleaner like Bon Ami Powder Cleanser.
- Disinfect sink perimeter and beneath bottom grid 1-2 times per month.
- Avoid abrasive scouring pads which can damage sink finishes over time.
For extra shine, occasionally rub your sink with a paste of baking soda and water. Rinse well and buff dry. The baking soda gently polishes without scratching.
Smart Pairings for Low Maintenance
Choosing faucet and countertop materials that complement your sink can help it maintain its good looks with minimal effort. Here are some pairings to consider:
- Match metal sink finishes - e.g. stainless steel sink with stainless faucet.
- Pair porcelain sinks with stone counters like quartz or granite.
- Choose acrylic-based solid surface counters with acrylic sinks.
Consistency with materials and finishes prevents visible grime buildup over time. That means less scrubbing is required to keep your whole kitchen looking spotless!
Choosing the right low maintenance kitchen sink saves you time, effort, and frustration when it comes to cleaning. Focus on durable, easy-wipe materials, functional styles, and handy features to find your perfect sink.
With the right sink, you can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your beautiful kitchen. Ditch the daily scrub sessions and choose a sink that practically cleans itself!