A damaged or rusty dishwasher rack can scratch your dishes, leave rust stains, or even cause more serious problems inside your appliance. If you live in Adelaide and your dishwasher rack needs fixing, you may be able to handle simple repairs yourself—or call in a professional for more complex issues. Here’s a complete guide.
Why Dishwasher Racks Break Down
Over time, dishwasher racks are exposed to heat, moisture, and detergents. Common problems include:
Rust spots forming where the rack coating wears off.
Broken or missing tines that no longer hold dishes securely.
Worn wheels or tracks causing the rack to stick or fall off.
Loose clips or mounts that stop the rack from sliding smoothly.
Step-by-Step: DIY Dishwasher Rack Repair
1. Repair Rust Spots
Clean the area: Scrub off rust with fine sandpaper or steel wool.
Apply rack repair paint: Available at most hardware stores, this seals the metal to prevent further rust.
Use rack tip caps: These plastic caps slide over exposed tine ends for extra protection.
2. Replace Broken Tines
Many manufacturers sell replacement tine kits.
Clip or glue-on tines can be installed easily without replacing the entire rack.
Always choose parts compatible with your dishwasher model.
3. Fix or Replace Rack Wheels
Check whether wheels are cracked, worn, or missing.
Most snap or screw into place—replacement kits are inexpensive.
Ensure the rack slides smoothly once installed.
4. Adjust or Replace Rack Tracks
If the rack is not sliding correctly, inspect the tracks and clips.
Replace broken or warped tracks with manufacturer-approved parts.
Apply a small amount of food-safe lubricant to help the rack glide.
When to Replace the Rack Completely
If your rack has extensive rust, multiple broken tines, or damaged structural bars, a full replacement is often more cost-effective. Check with your local Adelaide dishwasher repair service—they can source the right rack for your brand and model.
Why Call Us (Professional Dishwasher Repairs) in Adelaide?
While small fixes are DIY-friendly, sometimes professional help is the better option. A qualified Adelaide technician can:
Source genuine replacement racks and parts.
Inspect for deeper issues like water leaks or spray arm damage.
Provide repairs across Adelaide suburbs within a 40km radius of the Adelaide CBD.
- Ensure your dishwasher runs efficiently and safely.
FAQs
Can you repair a rusty dishwasher rack?
Yes. Sand the rust, apply dishwasher rack paint, and use tine caps to prevent further damage.
Are replacement racks available in Adelaide?
Yes. Adelaide Appliance Gallery can order genuine replacement racks for most brands.
Is it worth fixing an old dishwasher rack?
For small issues, yes. But if rust is widespread, a replacement rack or even a new dishwasher may be more cost-effective.
Need Fast & Reliable Dishwasher Repairs in Adelaide?
Don’t let a broken dishwasher rack—or any other issue—slow you down. At Adelaide Appliance Gallery, our qualified technicians provide same-day service, genuine replacement parts, and professional repairs across all major brands.
📞 Call us now on 08 8223 1146
💻 Book online today
We’ll get your dishwasher running like new—quick, affordable, and stress-free.
Conclusion
A damaged dishwasher rack doesn’t always mean it’s time for a new machine. With simple DIY repairs or a professional service call, you can extend the life of your dishwasher and keep your dishes safe. For fast and reliable dishwasher repairs in Adelaide, contact our team today—they’ll have your appliance running like new in no time.

