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A dishwasher rack is a functional kitchen appliance that helps you store dishes inside your dishwasher. Due to frequent exposure to water, one of the racks can become rusty and break. When this happens, you’ll likely think of how to interchange them. But are dishwasher racks interchangeable?
Dishwasher racks are interchangeable. However, interchanging them depends on the model and style of the dishwasher because they’re not universal. If they’re the same models, you can interchange them. But if they’re not, you’ll get a new one to replace them.
All dishwasher racks aren’t the same. For instance, the top dishwasher rack is usually smaller because it is for lightweight kitchen utensils, while the bottom is larger. So, when you want to interchange them, it’s always best to check for the models and sizes that fit. Let’s delve right into knowing how you can interchange your dishwasher racks.
Are Upper Dishwasher Racks Interchangeable?
You can interchange your upper dishwasher racks with the bottom. But doing this depends on the model and style of the dishwasher. While the top is suitable for lightweight kitchen utensils like mugs, spoons, plates, and other smaller items, you can only use the bottom dishwasher rack for large utensils like pots, pans, and kettles.
Similarly, some dishwashers function in a way that each rack has a different function. For instance, the heating element in some dishwashers is at the bottom dishwasher rack. If this is the case with your dishwasher, then replacing the upper dishwasher rack with the bottom may not be possible.
Although your upper dishwasher rack may not be interchangeable, you can replace it with a new one. Now! Don’t panic. It’s not as difficult as it seems. Here are the steps to successfully replace your upper dishwasher rack
How To Replace The Upper Dishwasher Rack
- Open the dishwasher and open the stops on the upper rack to remove the upper rack. To open the rack stops, use a screwdriver to unscrew them.
- Get your new upper dishwasher rack and fix the positioning clips to the sides of the dishwasher racks. These positioning clips make the dishwasher rack stable and prevent it from moving while in use.
- Put the rack back inside the dishwasher and put back the rack stops, then screw in the nuts to keep it in place.
- If the problem with your upper dishwasher rack stops working because of a faulty positioning clip, you only have to replace them and not replace the entire dishwasher rack.
- Remove the dishwasher rack from the dishwasher.
- Replace the clips with new ones, and put them back in the dishwasher.
Learn More: Can You Install Dishwasher Without Countertop?
Are Bottom Dishwasher Racks Interchangeable?
The bottom dishwashers are easy to replace because they’re large, and you can use them for any kitchen utensil, small or big. If your upper dishwasher rack is the same size as the lower, you can quickly interchange them. But if the size doesn’t match, you’ll have to replace the lower with a new rack.
If your dishwasher has a heating element and it’s in the bottom rack, replacing it may seem slightly challenging but don’t worry. Here’s how to replace the bottom dishwasher rack.
How to replace the bottom dishwasher rack:
- Open the dishwasher and remove the heating element(if there’s any). To remove the heating element,
- Put on gloves to protect your hands.
- Pull off the connecting wires.
- Once the wires are disconnected, pull out the heating element and set it aside.
- Remove the lower dishwasher rack.
- Get your new bottom dishwasher rack and fix the positioning clips.
- Put the rack back inside the dishwasher and put back the rack stops, then screw in the nuts to keep it in place.
Learn More: Can You Use a Plunger on a Dishwasher?
Wrap up
There you have it! The simple and easy DIY steps to replacing your dishwasher rack without stress and hassle. If your dishwasher racks are the same model, go ahead and interchange. If they’re not, get a new one and replace quickly as possible.
