What can I use to repair rusted dishwasher rack?

Having a rusted dishwasher rack can be frustrating. Not only does it look unsightly, but it can also lead to rust stains on dishes and utensils. Rust forms when the metal of the rack is exposed to moisture over time. There are several methods you can use to repair a rusted dishwasher rack and stop the rust from spreading further.

Should I Replace or Repair My Rusted Dishwasher Rack?

Before deciding on a repair method, consider whether it might be better to just replace the rack altogether. Dishwasher racks are relatively inexpensive, often $50-150 for a new one. Replacing it can save you time and hassle compared to repairing heavy rust damage.

However, for minor surface rust, repair is probably your best option. Repairs properly done can extend the life of your rack for years to come.

Factors to consider when deciding between replacement or repair:

• Extent of rust damage – Surface rust is repairable, but deep rust pitting might call for replacement
• Age of dishwasher – Repairs worthwhile for newer machines, but replacement recommended for very old units
• Cost of repair vs replacement – Factor in cost of repair materials/tools vs price of new rack
• Time/effort needed for repair – Major rust takes extensive sanding/grinding, which might not be worth it

If the rust is limited to surface spots, repairing the rack yourself with some sandpaper, naval jelly, and touch-up paint is a practical solution. But for heavy damage, replacement may be your best bet.

Cleaning and Removing Rust

To repair a rusted dishwasher rack, your first step is to thoroughly clean and remove rust from the metal. This gives you a clean surface to work on for your repair.

Some methods to remove rust:

Sandpaper

Use coarse grit sandpaper (60-100 grit) to sand away surface rust. Always sand in the direction of the brush lines in the metal. Make sure to sand all areas of rust thoroughly. Wipe sanded areas with a dry cloth when finished.

Naval Jelly

Naval jelly is a metal cleaner and rust remover product. Spread a layer of naval jelly over rusted areas, allowing it to sit for 15-30 minutes before rinsing off. This helps dissolve rust and lift it from the metal.

Vinegar

Plain white vinegar is an acidic rust remover. Soak a cloth in undiluted vinegar and place over rust spots for up to an hour. Then scrub with the vinegar-dampened cloth to remove loosened rust particles.

Rust Remover Solution

Purchase a commercial rust remover product, such as Whink Rust Stain Remover or Iron Out, for a more heavy duty rust-removal option. Apply the product and let it work for the recommended time before rinsing.

Light Grinding

For heavy rust that won’t budge, use a rotary tool with a wire wheel attachment to grind away the rust. This gets down to the bare metal surface. Be cautious not to over grind.

Once you’ve removed all visible rust with your chosen cleaning method, wash the rack thoroughly with soapy water and dry it completely. Now you’re ready to inhibite and re-coat the metal.

Rust Inhibiting Treatments

To help prevent rust from recurring, you need to treat the metal with a rust inhibiter after cleaning. This adds a protective barrier against moisture and future rust formation.

Some good rust inhibitor options:

Naval Jelly

As mentioned, naval jelly removes rust but also leaves behind a protective coating to retard rust. After cleaning with naval jelly, just wipe over the surface again without rinsing.

Rust Converter

Brush on a rust converter product like Loctite Naval Jelly Rust Converter or Rust-Oleum Rust Reformer. This chemically converts existing rust into an inert protective layer while also preventing new rust.

Phosphoric Acid

Wiping over the metal with a phosphoric acid solution etches it to help resist rust development. Many hardware stores sell phosphoric acid products for this rust inhibitive effect.

WD-40

While not its main purpose, a coat of WD-40 provides mild rust resistance. It displaces moisture and forms a thin protective film.

Ideally, apply 2-3 thin coats of your chosen rust inhibitor, allowing it to dry in between coats. This ensures complete coverage.

Refinishing and Protective Coatings

For the best long-term rust prevention on a dishwasher rack repair, you need to refinish the metal with protective paint or coating after inhibiting rust. This gives a durable barrier and also renews the appearance.

Some good options for refinishing include:

Spray Paint

Quality spray paint formulated for metals gives a nice looking finish and excellent rust prevention. Clean the surface fully before painting. Allow inhibitor treatments to dry before spraying.

Epoxy Paint

Two-part epoxy paints provide very tough, protective coverage for metals. Dip or brush epoxy paint over the rack for the most heavy duty coating.

Rubber Coating

Apply a rubberized undercoating, such as Plasti Dip, in several coats to get a flexible protective finish. This can help prevent rust from forming underneath.

Clear Coat

A clear coat spray lacquer or sealer gives a protective finish while maintaining the metal’s appearance. Clear enamel spray paint works nicely for this.

Be sure to prep and clean the surface fully before applying your chosen refinishing product. Follow directions for proper application and drying time.

Additional Tips for Preventing Rust on a Dishwasher Rack

Besides properly repairing and refinishing a rusted dishwasher rack, there are some other tips that can help keep rust at bay in the future:

– Allow the dishwasher to fully dry between cycles – don’t close it up with standing water inside

– occasional wipe racks down with white vinegar to prevent buildup

– Use a rinse aid like Jet Dry to minimize water spots

– Keep rubber bumpers along edges intact – replace if missing or cracked

– Regularly inspect under rack for new rust spots and treat quickly

– Hand wash immediately if acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus have spilled

– Pull rack all the way out and check under lip for hidden rust

– Lubricate rollers/wheels so rack slides smoothly in and out

– Don’t overload rack in a way that blocks water spray reaching all surfaces

With proper care, your repaired dishwasher rack can stay free of rust for many more years of reliable service. But if the rust returns despite your best efforts, replacing the rack may be your only option.

When to Call a Professional for Dishwasher Rack Repair

While DIY solutions can often renew a rusty dishwasher rack, it some cases calling in a professional may be advisable. Here are times you may want to have an appliance repair technician handle the rust repair:

– If the rust damage is extremely severe with deep pitting or holes in the metal
– For an embedded rack that is difficult to remove and work on yourself
– If you try DIY methods without success in fully removing rust
– If you do not feel comfortable using tools like sanders or grinders
– For an older dishwasher that may need full replacement of the rack

Professionals have commercial grade tools and rust removal products not available to consumers. They can assess if the rack can be saved or needs replacement. Costs often start around $200-300 for in-home service.

While not difficult, properly repairing dishwasher rack rust does require time and effort. For homeowners short on time or not inclined to DIY repairs, bringing in an appliance pro can be worthwhile to extend the life of your dishwasher. But for most cases of surface rust, with some elbow grease you can likely renew your rack yourself.

Products to Use for DIY Dishwasher Rack Rust Repair

If you want to undertake dishwasher rack rust removal and repair yourself, have these products on hand:

For Cleaning/Removing Rust

• Sandpaper – both coarse (60-100 grit) and fine (220+ grit) sheets
• Steel wool scrubbing pads (fine grade)
• Naval jelly – available at hardware stores
• Vinegar – for mild acid rust removal
• Commercial rust removers – Whink, Iron Out, etc
• Dremel tool with wire brush attachment (for heavy rust)

For Rust Inhibiting

• Naval jelly
• Phosphoric acid solution
• Rust converter spray
• WD-40

For Refinishing

• Quality spray paint for metal
• Epoxy paint
• Plasti Dip rubber coating
• Clear coat enamel

Having these supplies for cleaning, inhibiting rust, and refinishing will allow you to successfully renew a rusted dishwasher rack through DIY methods. Be sure to follow all safety guidelines when using caustic or abrasive products. With some time and elbow grease, you can often remove rust and extend the life of your dishwasher rack.

Table Comparing Dishwasher Rack Rust Repair Options

Repair Option	Process	Pros	Cons
Sandpaper	Sand rusted areas with coarse 60-100 grit sandpaper	Inexpensive Removes surface rust well	Labor intensive Hard to sand tight areas
Naval Jelly	Apply naval jelly rust remover gel, let sit 15-30 minutes, rinse off	Clings to vertical surfaces Also leaves protective coating	Hazardous fumes Not as effective for heavy rust
Vinegar	Soak cloth in undiluted vinegar, place on rust 1 hour	Non-toxic Readily available Inexpensive	Not as potent as other acids May require multiple applications
Wire Wheel	Use rotary tool with wire wheel to grind rust	Quickly removes heavy rust Gets down to bare metal	Potential to remove too much metal Creates rough surface texture

Conclusion

Repairing a rusted dishwasher rack is often preferable to fully replacing the rack, especially if it just has minor surface rust. With some elbow grease and the right DIY rust removal products, you can likely extend the life of your rack for just a fraction of replacement cost. Make sure to thoroughly remove all rust, treat with a rust inhibitor, and refinish with protective coating for the best results. Or call in an appliance repair pro for very severe rust damage or if DIY efforts are unsuccessful. With the right methods, that rusty rack can be renewed to keep dishes and glassware sparkling for years to come.