What Makes a Sink Appear Melted?

Cleaning Products

• Any harsh chemicals specifically formulated to remove hard water stains and lime scale buildup shouldn’t be used in any metal sink. When using a drain opener, ensure it's poured directly into the drain. If the drain opener is poured directly on the sink, it will tarnish the sink. Some of these cleaning products will successfully clean other surfaces such as acrylic, fiberglass and porcelain typically found in bathroom sinks and tubs.

Other Household Chemicals

• Chemicals specifically made for drains can chemically react to some sink surfaces. Chemical drain openers, which are poured into the drain and sit for up to 30 minutes to remove clogs, will create stains or a melting appearance if the sink isn’t rinsed immediately. Other household products such as paint thinners and acetone -- the active ingredient in nail polish remover -- will create a melted appearance if not rinsed from the sink immediately.

Other Sinks

• Other types of sinks will stain, but not tarnish. Corian, acrylic and plastic sinks can be cleaned with a variety of cleaners, such as bleach and lime scale and hard water removers. Corian is very durable, but acrylic and plastic sinks are susceptible to burning or melting from putting hot cookware in the sink.

Improving the Appearance

• Although a tarnished sink cannot be fixed, it can be improved and protected from future damage. In grained stainless steel sinks, use an abrasive bleach cleaner and green scrubbing pad. Scrub the sink in the same direction as the grain of the sink. Rinse the sink thoroughly. Rub a melamine foam pad on the stains to continue to remove some of the tarnish. Rinse the sink again and dry it thoroughly. Spray the entire sink with stainless steel cleaner or an oil wood polish. Using a lint-free cotton rag, wipe away the excess oil until the sink shines.