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by Vivian Garzon

Are White Undermount Kitchen Sinks Hard to Keep Clean?

We’re often asked if white undermount kitchen sinks are hard to keep clean. With the right material and a few simple habits, they’re no harder to look after than any other kitchen sink. Here are some tips to help you choose the right one for your kitchen.

Are White Undermount Kitchen Sinks Hard to Keep Clean?

Why Aussie Homeowners Love White Undermount Kitchen Sinks

White undermount kitchen sinks combine two design features Australians love: a clean white finish and a seamless installation. The white colour brightens the space and suits modern, Hamptons, and farmhouse kitchens. The undermount style sits beneath the benchtop, so there’s no raised rim, creating a smooth surface that looks streamlined and makes it easy to wipe crumbs directly into the sink.

Shop this beautiful gloss white undermount fireclay sink from Alma

Are White Undermount Sinks Hard to Keep Clean?

The short answer is no, not if you choose the right material and keep to simple cleaning habits. White does show marks more easily than darker finishes like black kitchen sinks, for example, but most good-quality sinks are designed to resist stains, scratches, and heat. Daily care is usually as simple as a quick rinse.

Kitchen Sink Materials Matter More Than Colour

When it comes to cleaning, the sink’s material is more important than whether it’s white or stainless steel. Here are the most common types of white undermount sinks and how they perform:

Fireclay sinks

Made from kiln-fired clay, fireclay sinks are tough, smooth, and resistant to stains. They are less porous than ceramic, so they don’t absorb liquids. They’re ideal if you want a glossy, classic white look.

This white granite kitchen sink from Alma can be installed as undermount or topmount. 

Granite composite sinks

Granite sinks are made from a mix of stone and resin, giving a matte or textured finish. White granite sinks are resistant to scratches, chipping, and heat. They’re great for busy kitchens where durability is a priority. 

Ceramic sinks

Ceramic sinks are affordable and widely available. They can stain more easily than fireclay, but regular cleaning prevents discolouration. They suit traditional or budget-friendly kitchens.

Is an Undermount Design Easier to Clean? 

Unlike topmount sinks, undermount sinks sit flush under your benchtop. This eliminates the raised lip that usually traps crumbs, water, and grime. Wiping your benchtop into the sink is easier, which means less dirt builds up around the edges.

How to Choose the Right Kitchen Sink Size and Configuration

Not every kitchen (or cook) needs the same type of sink. The right one comes down to how you actually use your space.

Single bowl sinks

If your kitchen is on the smaller side, or you’re setting up a butler’s pantry, a single bowl is usually enough. They give you good depth without taking up too much bench space. We’ve got plenty of single bowl sinks in sizes that work well for compact layouts.

Double bowl sinks

Cooking every night or feeding a family? A double bowl is often the way to go. One side for soaking or stacking, the other free for rinsing or prep. It just makes life easier, which is why our double sinks are so popular.

This undermount double bowl white granite sink also comes with a drainboard. 

Small sinks and square options

For apartments or secondary kitchens, smaller or square sinks can be a smart fit. They save space but still look neat under the bench. Check out our small sinks and square designs if that’s what you need.

Cleaning Tips for White Undermount Sinks

  • Daily rinse: A quick rinse after cooking or washing up stops stains before they set.
  • Weekly scrub: Use mild dish soap or baking soda with a soft cloth.
  • Avoid abrasives: Skip steel wool or harsh bleach. They can scratch or dull the finish.
  • Protect surfaces: Add a sink protector grid or dish rack.
  • Deep clean: For stubborn stains, try a vinegar soak or a non-abrasive cleaner designed for fireclay or granite.

White Sink vs Stainless Steel: Which is Easier to Keep Clean?

A lot of people weigh up white sinks against stainless steel, and both have their pros.

A stainless steel kitchen sink is the low-maintenance classic. It hides most stains, shrugs off heat, and is quick to wipe down. The trade-off is that it can pick up scratches and water spots over time.

White kitchen sinks give you that fresh, bright look that stainless can’t. They don’t stain easily if you keep up with regular rinsing, but you’ll want to be a bit more mindful about scratches or chips. With the right care, though, they stay looking great for years.

What to Look for When Buying White Undermount Sinks Online

When buying sinks online, look for:

  • Measurements and cut-out size – Double-check the external and internal dimensions so it drops neatly into your benchtop space.
  • Bowl depth – Think about how much you cook and clean. Deeper bowls handle pots and trays, while shallower ones are easier on your back.
  • Accessory options – Chopping boards, trays, dish racks and protector grids can add real day-to-day convenience.
  • Drain position – A rear drain can free up more storage space under the sink, which matters in smaller kitchens.
  • Overflow and plumbing compatibility – Not every sink comes with an overflow, so check what’s required for your setup.
  • Finish and colour consistency – With white sinks, make sure the tone matches your benchtop and surrounding finishes.
  • Warranty and build quality – A good warranty is a sign of confidence in the product. Fireclay and granite usually come with longer coverage.
  • These little details help you pick a sink that not only looks good but also works well in your kitchen long term.
The right undermount white sink can last you years! SHOP THE LOOK.

Shop Kitchen Sinks Online at Buildmat

Looking for more options? Explore Buildmat’s full kitchen sink range. You’ll find white undermount sinks for a bright, seamless look, single bowl and double bowl designs to match how you cook, and small sinks that work perfectly in tight spaces. If you’re after something different, there are farmhouse styles with a Hamptons feel, tap landing sinks for compact setups, and even feature round sinks for unique spaces.

White Undermount Sink FAQs

Do white undermount sinks stain easily?

Not when cleaned regularly. Coffee, tea, and wine can leave temporary marks, but these wipe away with warm water, detergent, or a baking soda paste.

Will scratches show up more on white sinks?

Minor scratches can be more visible on glossy white surfaces. Using sink protector grids or cutting boards helps prevent this.

Are chips an issue?

Fireclay and granite composite sinks are highly chip resistant. Standard ceramic is more vulnerable, especially around the edges.

Is mould an issue with undermount edges?

As long as the sink is installed and sealed properly, undermount edges won’t trap water. Regular wiping prevents mould.

Kitchen Sink Online Guides