Your older dishwasher can be repaired to like-new condition.
Dishwashers use metal wire racks to hold all of your dirty dishes and cookware for cleaning. While some models feature exposed stainless steel or aluminum racks, many dishwashers have a rubber coating over the wire of the racks. This rubber coating can become damaged over time from misuse, but there are ways to maintain and repair it.
Sand Down Blisters
Blisters in the rubber coating on your dishwasher racks occur when a tiny crack or hole allows water to become trapped between the rubber and the metal. Rust will build up inside this blister, according to Appliance 411, and the top of the blister will eventually wear off. If you are already repairing other rusty or exposed metal spots on your dishwasher racks, take the time to repair any developing blisters as well. Cut or sand off the remaining rubber over the blister, and sand down the rust itself. Sanding the rust off of any rusty spots will help the new rubber coating stick as well.
Apply New Coating
Most manufacturers make small bottles of liquid rubber coating for homeowners to use to repair their own dishwasher racks says the Industrial Rubber Goods website. These bottles contain a special quick-drying liquid rubber that is designed to match the color of your dishwasher's racks and a built-in brush for easy application. The racks should be removed, cleaned and dried before the new rubber coating is applied. Applying multiple layers of the rubber will extend its life. Steel wool or sandpaper will help you remove any flakes of rust. New rubber coatings will peel off quickly if they are applied over old rust.
Use Tine Tips
Dishwasher racks feature a number of tines, vertically aligned pieces of metal, to hold your plates and bowls in place as they are washed. The coating on the tips of these tines gets worn away easily due to constant contact with dishes. Exposed and rusty tine tips can scratch and mark your dishes, according to Appliance 411. Coating these areas with liquid rubber is often difficult because the coating runs down the tine before it can dry, or it peels off quickly during regular use. Small rubber caps are available that fit snugly over the ends of the tines and are easily replaced if they are lost during a wash cycle.
Avoid Gel Detergents
Gel dishwasher liquids may shorten the life of your rack's rubber coating says Mrs. Clean USA. These dishwashing detergents usually contain bleach. Bleach damages rubber of all kinds, making it brittle and more porous. When the rubber coating on dishwasher racks becomes brittle, the rubber easily breaks off when you are loading dishes.
Use a Water Softener
Iron and other minerals in your home's water can stain the interior of your dishwasher, including the rubber rack coating, according to Mrs. Clean USA. The bright white dish racks will slowly become dingy and yellow or reddish. Installing a water softener or running your dishwasher empty with a cup of white vinegar in the top rack regularly will help prevent this from ruining a new appliance.
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