ᐅ Durability of Dirt-Repellent Surfaces on Bathroom Ceramics

Hello everyone,

for some time now, bathroom ceramics (e.g., toilets) have often come with a dirt-repellent surface. That sounds very practical at first. Does anyone have experience with how well these surfaces perform, especially after several years? Does the dirt-repellent effect remain permanent, or does it diminish over time?

sub-xero schrieb:

That sounds very practical at first. Does anyone have experience with how well these surfaces perform, especially after several years? Does the dirt-repellent effect remain permanent, or does it diminish over time?

It sounds like it, but it isn’t really. I know the difference with this coating, often referred to as the lotus effect. It looks good right after cleaning, but fades again after a short time. In the new house, there are only "normal" surfaces left.

This actually varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some have an additional coating that wears off over time. Others use a special glaze that is naturally much smoother. In my modest experience, this lasts at least seven years in toilets and sinks. However, the extra cost for this is now negligible. For example, our toilet bowls are only available with the special glaze.

The lotus effect has been known for over 20 years, if not longer. First applied to exterior paint, and later also to sanitary fixtures among others.

Cleaning is unavoidable anyway, at least when it comes to the toilet. Whether waste slips off or not – cleaning is necessary to combat bacteria.

Other sanitary fixtures (washbasin, shower) are usually wiped dry after use.

The effect is noticeable but diminishes after several years.
We used it, and cleaning is easier and faster.

I had a toilet bowl like that in my old house. It was great for a few years, but then the coating wore off, and after that it was really bad. It became much harder to clean than uncoated ceramic. I won’t have one in my house again.