Things to Touch up Rust on Dishwasher Racks

Wire Brush or Steel Wool

• Before applying any rack-repair product, use a wire brush or steel wool to expose fresh metal below the rust. Touch-up products require a smooth surface for adhesion, and if the rust isn’t sanded down, the area will continue to corrode beneath the patch.

Liquid Plastic

• After you’ve sanded down any problem areas, apply a coat of liquid plastic to hide the damage. Appliance retailers sell bottles of liquid plastic in a variety of colors that match most dishwasher racks. If the rack’s finish has faded or discolored with time, expect the liquid plastic to appear brighter than the surrounding area. Although the repairs will be visible, the patch stops corrosion from getting worse. Allow the racks to dry for 24 hours before operating the dishwasher. Reapply the touch-up product as needed; the results should last a year or longer.

Tine Caps

• Because the tips of dishwasher tines are especially prone to damage, use rubber or plastic caps to protect the ends. If the tips are badly blistered and swollen, snip off the tine ends before applying the caps. The covers won’t fit over bulging rust spots. To keep new caps from sliding off during the wash cycle, attach them with a dab of silicone adhesive. Most repair kits include appropriate adhesive. Use the caps on every tine, even if damage is not visible. The caps protect unblemished tines from oxidation and serve as a cushion for delicate china.

Considerations

• To prevent rust spots, don’t put knives or other sharp utensils on racks. Before using touch-up products, determine whether your dishwasher components are still under the manufacturer’s warranty. If the dishwasher is no longer under warranty and the racks have extensive corrosion, you’ll either need to replace the racks or the entire dishwasher.