I opened my dishwasher one day and caught my reflection in a rack wire that had gone from silver to a sad brown. The coating was flaking off like sunburn. I had no idea dishwasher racks needed maintenance until mine started rusting.

The good news: you can fix it without buying a new dishwasher.

Why Racks Look Gross

The rubber coating on dishwasher racks wears off over time, especially where plates and bowls rub against it. Once the wire is exposed, rust spots form and spread fast. Hard water makes it worse.

If your racks have rust, the flaking coating is also ending up on your dishes. That is the part that finally got me off the couch.

Clean Them Properly

Pull the racks out and rinse them in the sink with warm water and dish soap. Use a soft sponge. Scrub gently to remove food gunk without damaging more coating.

For rust spots, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse and dry completely. This removes loose rust and stops it from spreading under the coating.

Patch the Bare Spots

For exposed wire, you can buy dishwasher rack repair paint or use appliance touch-up enamel. Paint over the bare spots to seal the wire and prevent more rust.

I patched the worst spots on my racks with a small bottle of appliance paint. It took 10 minutes and looked fine. The rust has not come back in six months.

Prevent Future Damage

Load plates so they do not scrape the coating, and skip the harsh dishwasher cleaner tablets that can eat the rubber over time. A monthly vinegar rinse in an empty dishwasher is gentler.

Also check the filter and spray arms while you are in there. A clean dishwasher cleans better, and a clean interior means less gunk ends up on the racks.

When to Replace

If the rust has eaten through the wire or the rack is literally falling apart, replacement racks cost $50 to $100. Compare that to a new dishwasher at $500 and the math is easy. I replaced one rack and my machine is good for years more.