Miele Dishwasher: rusting racks

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Miele dishwasher racks are rusting, it may be due to a deteriorating protective coating that exposes metal, leading to oxidation. This rust can flake off onto your dishes and inside the dishwasher. Common causes include wear and tear, scratches from utensils, and hard water deposits. Addressing this issue promptly is essential for maintaining your dishwasher's performance and the cleanliness of your dishes.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Miele Models

  • No official Miele support article specifically addressing rack rust found; general rust on cutlery due to non‑corrosion‑resistant items or salt traces is documented, but not rack corrosion. (Engineer Fix

Possible Causes

Protective coating damage on rack tines and frame

How to Identify: Visible chips, scratches, or missing coating exposing bare metal; rust spots forming at these locations

Part: Dishwasher rack (vinyl/nylon coated steel)

Normal wear and tear over time

How to Identify: Rust appears on older racks even without obvious loading damage; recurring wear spots

Part: Dishwasher rack coating

Scratches from loading/unloading and sharp utensils

How to Identify: Rust spots concentrated where sharp utensils contact tines or where heavy items are repeatedly loaded/unloaded

Part: Rack tines, coating

Hard water mineral deposits accelerating corrosion

How to Identify: White mineral buildup on racks; rust progression in hard water regions

Part: Rack surfaces

Harsh or inappropriate detergents degrading coating

How to Identify: Rust appearing after change to stronger detergents or misuse of non‑dishwasher cleaners

Part: Rack coating

DIY Solutions

Apply Vinyl/Rack Repair Coating to Exposed Metal

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: dishwasher rack repair kit (vinyl paint/coat & tine caps), wire brush or sandpaper, clean cloth
  1. Remove the rack from the dishwasher.
  2. Use a wire brush or fine sandpaper to remove surface rust and loose coating.
  3. Wipe with a damp cloth and let dry completely.
  4. Apply the dishwasher rack repair vinyl/paint to exposed metal per product instructions.
  5. Replace or install new tine caps over tines, if included.
  6. Let the coating cure fully (often 24 hrs) before reinstalling the rack.
⚠️ Safety First: Wear gloves to avoid contact with rust and chemical coatings.

Use Clear Nail Polish as Temporary Rust Barrier

Easy 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: clear nail polish or appliance touch‑up paint, clean cloth
  1. Thoroughly clean and dry small rust spots.
  2. Apply a thin coat of clear nail polish over the rusted area.
  3. Allow to dry completely before using the dishwasher.
⚠️ Safety First: Not a long‑term solution; coatings designed for dishwashers are more durable.

Clean and Remove Rust with Household Solutions

Easy 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: white vinegar or baking soda paste, soft brush or cloth
  1. Remove the rack if possible.
  2. Apply vinegar or a baking soda paste to rusted areas and let sit.
  3. Gently scrub rust off with a brush.
  4. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
  5. Follow up with protective coating if possible.
⚠️ Safety First: Wear gloves; avoid harsh abrasion that further damages coating.

Professional Repairs

Professional Rack Coating Refinishing

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

Dishwasher Rack Replacement

Estimated Cost: $50 - $250

When to Call a Professional

Rust is extensive and DIY coatings fail to adhere
Rack structural integrity is compromised (bending, broken tines)

Preventive Maintenance

  • Inspect racks monthly for coating damage or rust spots: Early rust progression
    Frequency: monthly
  • Use dishwasher detergents appropriate for water hardness and dishwasher specs: Coating degradation from harsh chemicals
    Frequency: ongoing
  • Allow dishwasher to air dry after cycles with door ajar: Excess moisture accumulation which contributes to corrosion
    Frequency: after each use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Miele Dishwasher rusting racks?
Rusting racks may result from protective coating damage, normal wear, scratches, or hard water deposits.
How do I fix Miele Dishwasher rusting racks myself?
You can apply a vinyl repair coating, use clear nail polish on small rust spots, or clean with vinegar and baking soda.
How much does it cost to fix rusting racks?
Professional rack coating refinishing costs between $100 - $300, while rack replacement ranges from $50 - $250.
When should I call a technician for rusting racks?
Consider professional help if rust damage is extensive or if DIY solutions don't resolve the issue.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Corrosion due to wear and tear on the protective coating of the racks
  • Improper loading causing scratches and damage to the rack surface
  • Use of abrasive cleaning agents that damage the protective finish

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect the racks for any visible damage. If the protective coating is compromised, consider replacing the racks with OEM parts for better durability. Ensure proper loading techniques to prevent scratching.

  2. Use a rust-inhibiting spray specifically designed for dishwasher racks to protect against further corrosion. Apply as per the manufacturer's instructions.

  3. Switch to gentler, non-abrasive cleaning agents when cleaning the dishwasher to avoid damaging the rack's coating. Regularly check and maintain the dishwasher to prevent further issues.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Miele says their dishwasher racks only last 1-2 years with r...

Community Discussions

rusty racks, prongs detaching

Consider replacing racks, possibly with third-party options.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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