Hard water is common in around 60% of UK households – trust us, you'll soon know if your home has a hard water supply! Hard water can be a real nuisance, especially on items that come into direct contact with water – like the kitchen sink. A good way to mitigate the effects of hard water is to look for kitchen sink ideas that are less susceptible to the effects.
But first: What is hard water and why should we care? “Hard water contains a lot of calcium and magnesium, which are absorbed when rainwater flows through rocks such as limestone and chalk.” “These minerals cause limescale build-up in kitchen sinks and plumbing fixtures, resulting in milky-white deposits,” says Gabby Gardner, UK Sinks Product Manager at Franke. Over time, limescale deposits can be difficult to remove and may require special cleaning products and a lot of effort to get your sink sparkling clean again.
To prevent deposits, drying the sink regularly after use can help prevent stains caused by limescale. But you can also do yourself a favor by thinking carefully about the sink materials before purchasing. Here, we examine the best kitchen sink materials for hard water areas and weigh the pros and cons of each when it comes to dealing with limescale and other mineral deposits.
Gabby Gardner
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UK Sinks Product Manager at Franke
Gabby specializes in sinks, sink accessories and countertops and has over eight years of product management experience. She helps develop new products and recommends product range changes or expansions that meet market needs.
1. Granite composite material
(Image credit: Franke)
ADVANTAGES Granite composite sinks are made by combining crushed granite with resin. The result is a durable material that is resistant to chips, scratches and stains. Also known as solid surface or composite stone, this durable sink material is popular with those looking for more color options and seamless shapes.
Disadvantages “Like any sink material, they require some maintenance to prevent limescale buildup,” says Gabby Gardner of Franke. “Lighter colors such as white, cream or beige can be more practical in hard water areas as they help to hide the milky white limescale deposits. These are more noticeable in darker shades such as black and gray.”
Gabby recommends removing any limescale with vinegar diluted with water or a special colored sink cleaner available on Amazon.
2. Fireclay and ceramics
(Image credit: Shaws of Darwen/Sustainable Kitchens)
ADVANTAGES Known for their classic, elegant look and crisp white finish, fireclay kitchen sinks feature a glazed surface that is smooth and non-porous, making limescale deposits relatively easy to keep away.
“Fireclay creates an extremely hard and durable surface and limescale deposits should be easily removed.” “We recommend Bar Keepers Friend, available on Amazon, to remove most stains and stubborn dirt, but any proprietary limescale removal product can be used without “damaging our sinks,” says Nigel Palmer, head of communications marketing at House of Rohl.
Disadvantages Fireclay sinks are heavier and can be more expensive than other options, although savvy buyers can learn how to get a butler sink for less money. Although the glaze resists minerals from hard water well, sediment can still build up over time, especially around the drain area. In addition, you cannot use acidic descaling agents or abrasive cleaners on fireclay as these will damage the glaze.
Nigel Palmer
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Head of Communications Marketing
As Head of Communications Marketing at House of Rohl, Nigel leads the brand's marketing initiatives for its luxury kitchen and bathroom collections. With a passion for design and a career in high-end interiors spanning more than two decades, Nigel has extensive knowledge of House of Rohl's product base, including Shaws of Darwen's classic sinks.
3. Stainless steel
(Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd / David Parmiter)
ADVANTAGES Stainless steel is the most popular choice for those looking for a no-fuss, easy-to-clean sink, and that includes the limescale issues that come with hard water. Stainless steel is tough, smooth and resistant to corrosion and rust. Plus, it's generally inexpensive and comes in every size, shape, and style imaginable. Stainless steel is not immune to limescale deposits, no sink is, but its surface is incredibly easy to clean.
Disadvantages If hard water is not wiped off regularly, it can still leave gray marks and stains on the surface. Opting for a satin or brushed stainless steel finish is absolutely helpful – polished steel can be a nightmare when hard water dries on it and the limescale stains are clearly visible.
“To maintain a clean, stain-free surface, we recommend using a special stainless steel sink cleaner once or twice a week, which only takes a few minutes,” says Gabby Gardner of Franke. “This cleans the surface and adds a water-repellent coating, making the sink easier to clean and looking shiny.”
4. Cast iron
(Image credit: Martin Moore/Kohler)
ADVANTAGES If you've ever had a cast iron bathtub with an enamel interior, you know how strong, durable and easy to clean a cast iron kitchen sink can be. The enamel coating is shiny and smooth and the cast iron core is highly insulating, so your dishwater stays hotter for longer.
Disadvantages There is a risk of chipping, which is why cast iron kitchen sinks are not compatible with heavy items such as cast iron pans! If the enamel chips, the exposed cast iron will certainly rust. Enamelled cast iron is also susceptible to scratches, dulling the surface and making it more susceptible to hard water stains and mineral deposits. Never use abrasive or acidic cleaners on a cast iron sink.
5. Quartz composite
(Image credit: Silestone)
ADVANTAGES Quartz composite sinks are similar to granite composite sinks, but are made from a high proportion of stone – particularly finely crushed quartz – and a lower proportion of resin. Many people choose quartz sinks that are made in the same quartz color as their countertops for a high-quality, seamlessly coordinated look. It is scratch, chip, and stain resistant, making it a good option for hard water areas.
Disadvantages As with granite composite sinks, it's best to choose lighter colors when considering quartz. This helps conceal minor hard water stains and reduces the visibility of limescale deposits. To keep quartz kitchen sinks looking flawless, we recommend using gentle limescale removers or vinegar solutions.
FAQs
How can I avoid damage caused by hard water?
Drying your kitchen sink after each use is the best way to prevent limescale stains. “This prevents water droplets from evaporating and leaving unsightly marks, keeping your sink looking clean and pristine.” “This applies to all sink materials, including stainless steel, granite and ceramic,” says Franke’s Gabby Gardner. “To avoid excessive moisture, always remove wet cleaning cloths and containers from the sink after use.” Keep a clean tea towel or microfiber cloth near the sink and dry it as you go—and teach other family members to do the same . Laborious, but effective.
One way to avoid worrying about your sink drying out all day is to invest in a water softening system on your tap water network or install a special limescale filter on the faucet above the sink in question. This also protects your kettle and other devices from limescale damage and makes your drinking water taste better.
Alternatively, you could spend a little more on your kitchen sink and look for models with a hydrophobic coating that are designed for easy maintenance and durability. These high quality coatings are applied during the manufacturing process and make the surface more resistant to water marks and stains by preventing the water from remaining on the surface for a long period of time.
“In hard water areas, sinks with hydrophobic properties are an excellent choice as they allow the water to bubble and roll off the surface, minimizing water stains and limescale and reducing the need for ongoing maintenance,” explains Gabby Gardner of Franke. which has developed a patented hydrophobic coating called F-Inox Technology.
Different brands have their own names for the technology, but if you're purchasing a kitchen sink with hydrophobic properties, look for terms like “nano-coating,” “easy-to-clean,” or “water-repellent” in the descriptions.
What is the worst kitchen sink material for hard water areas?
If you're willing to dry your sink after each use, most materials will be fine. If not, they will all fall victim to limescale and stains over time. However, there are some kitchen sink materials that we recommend you avoid if you live in an area with hard water and don't intend to dry out your sink after each use. The first would have to be natural stone kitchen sinks. Solid stone sinks such as marble and limestone are highly susceptible to stains and etching from mineral deposits. It is very likely that they will need to be resealed more frequently than in homes with a soft water supply.
And the second is unpainted natural copper sinks, which can prove to be a real challenge in hard water areas. Limescale deposits can quickly form on copper surfaces, which are very visible and leave unsightly water stains and dull polished copper surfaces. Even if it has been sealed with a protective layer, the surface will wear off over time and cleaning with abrasive agents is absolutely taboo. Avoid.
Ultimately, the best sink material for hard water areas depends on how much effort you're willing to invest and the look you want. With our guide to the top options, you can now choose the material that works best for you.
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