How to Maintain Your Dishwasher Rack Out Of Rusting
Most dishwasher racks are coated in a layer of vinyl that protects the metal beneath from rusting. If the vinyl develops nicks and tears, however, it leaves the metal rack vulnerable to rust. Dishwasher manufacturers and appliance parts stores sell vinyl repair kits to fix the problem and prevent rust. Far less costly than a new rack, the fix kits are easy to use and readily available in various colors, so it is possible to fit the fixes to the original color of the rack.
Remove the rack out of the dishwasher. Depending upon the model you have, the rack may simply lift out of its path, or it may have locking tabs in the front of the track that you have to push forward or backward. If the tabs are modest, you may require a screwdriver to use pressure and release them.
Locate any places on the rack where you are able to see rust starting to shape . Scrub the rust off with steel wool.
Locate any places where the vinyl is ruined. Fit a wire brush onto a rotary tool, and use it to eliminate the damaged vinyl. Scrape the spot clean till you can see the metal skeleton of the rack.
Look for places on the rack where the vinyl seems to be blistering or bubbling up. Run your fingers along the rack to make it easier to discover these bubbles. The vinyl on dishwasher racks blisters like this when the metal underneath begins to rust, so utilize the rotary tool to remove the vinyl as well as the rust out of these regions. This stops the damage from worsening or spreading.
Paint the stripped regions with fresh liquid vinyl in the bottle in the vinyl repair kit, which should include its own brush. If necessary, put new tips on the tines to cover any bare borders. If your kit does not include replacement tips, you can purchase them separately at an appliance parts store or from the manufacturer.
Permit the new vinyl to dry. Refit the rack onto its path and push it back in the dishwasher.