Tines are Chips, Scratches or Damaged - Dishwasher

Racks are Staining

Dishwasher racks can stain for a couple of different reasons:

• Acidic and Highly Pigmented Foods: Foods like tomato sauce, turmeric, and carrot juice can actually bond with the rack's plastic coating. Over multiple wash cycles, this could lead to permanent discoloration.
• Hard Water: If you have hard water, minerals like calcium and magnesium can leave a cloudy, white film on the racks that resists normal washing and makes them look dull.
• Rust Bleeding: If you wash items that are already prone to rusting (like non-seasoned cast iron, old graters, or potato peelers), that rusty water circulates during the cycle and can leave brown stains on the racks. Additionally, if the plastic coating on the rack itself gets nicked or cracked, the underlying metal can rust and bleed outward.

Racks are Chipped

Chipped dishwasher racks are typically caused by improper loading. Loading your dishes correctly is critical not only for wash performance but also for maximizing the longevity of your racks.

• Sliding Silverware and Utensils: Sharp objects like steak knives, potato peelers, or cheese graters can gouge or slice the vinyl coating if placed directly against the tines.
• Forced Loading: Pushing heavy or oversized items (such as thick baking sheets, cast-iron skillets, or large cutting boards) onto the tines can scrape off the protective coating.
• Impact Damage: Dropping heavy dishes or pots directly onto the rack frame exerts sudden pressure, which can puncture or crack the plastic coating.

Racks are Scratched

Scratching is purely the result of friction and weight. Loading heavy, abrasive items—like cast iron skillets, stoneware with unglazed bottoms, or large metal baking sheets—can scrape hard against the tines. Over multiple cycles, the natural vibration of the machine causes these heavy items to micro-rub against the plastic coating, gradually wearing it away and exposing the metal underneath.

Dishwasher Rack Repair Kit

A dishwasher repair kit can be used to cover chips and scratches on rack tine and is available in two colors White and Grey. 

Replacement parts can be purchased at KitchenAid Purchase Genuine Parts. 

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