"Silicone's easier to manage, and like you said, doesn't get brittle or gross as quickly."
Totally agree with this. Switched to silicone guards myself after a similar porcelain disaster—metal guards chipped the bowl pretty badly. Plus, silicone is way gentler on surfaces and easier to clean without harsh chemicals. If you're looking for something eco-friendly, there are even recycled silicone options now. I've had mine for over a year, and they're still holding up great... definitely worth checking out if durability and sustainability matter to you.
Silicone definitely has its perks, but just wanted to toss out another perspective here. I've tried silicone guards before, and while they're gentle and easy to clean, they sometimes slip around a bit more than I'd like. Maybe it's just the brand I had, but it was kind of annoying to constantly adjust them.
I ended up switching to cork-based guards instead—surprisingly durable, naturally antimicrobial, and eco-friendly too. They stay put better in my experience, and cleaning hasn't been an issue either (just a quick wipe-down usually does the trick). They're biodegradable as well, which is a nice bonus if sustainability's important to you.
Not knocking silicone at all—just thought I'd share another option that's worked well for me. Might be worth considering if you're open to alternatives...
Totally agree about silicone slipping around—had the same issue myself. Cork sounds interesting, hadn't thought of that. I've actually been using a rubber-based guard lately. It grips the surface really well, doesn't budge much at all, and cleaning's pretty straightforward too. Only downside is it's not as eco-friendly as cork...might give cork a shot next time mine needs replacing. Thanks for the tip!
"Only downside is it's not as eco-friendly as cork...might give cork a shot next time mine needs replacing."
Fair point about the eco-friendliness, but honestly, cork can be hit or miss in wet environments. I've seen it degrade pretty quickly if moisture gets trapped underneath. Rubber-based guards might not win any green awards, but they're reliable when you're dealing with constant water exposure. If you're set on cork, just make sure it's sealed properly—otherwise, you might end up back at square one sooner than you'd like.
Good points about cork vs rubber. I've been thinking about this too since my bathroom tends to stay pretty humid. Last thing I want is mold or rot sneaking in under there. If someone does go with cork, how often would you recommend checking or resealing it? I'm still new to home maintenance and trying to avoid any more surprise plumbing disasters...
