How to Save Your Dishwasher Rack from the Westville KZN Humidity

How to Fix rusty dishwasher rack in Westville Durban

Brought to you by Smart Appliance Centre CC – Your Local Repair Partners

In Westville, we love our lush gardens and the mist rolling in from the Palmiet Nature Reserve. But let’s be honest: that KZN humidity is a nightmare for kitchen appliances. If you’ve noticed those dreaded orange spots on your dishwasher rack, you aren’t alone. Rust doesn’t just look messy; it can stain your Sunday best crockery and eventually lead to structural failure of the rack.

Why Rust Happens in Westville

The distance   to the coast and high local humidity levels mean that once the protective PVC coating on your rack is nicked by a sharp knife or heavy pot, oxidation happens fast. If left untreated, the “hard” water common in some KZN municipalities can speed up  the corrosion.

What You’ll Need

Most of these items are readily available at the Mica hardware store at Westville Village Market, or alternatively from other local hardware shops in and around Westville if you prefer to shop closer to home.

• Fine-grit sandpaper (150-220 grit) or a wire brush.

• Isopropyl alcohol or a degreaser.

• Dishwasher rack touch-up paint (make sure  it is food-safe and heat-resistant).

• Replacement vinyl tips (if the tines are badly rusted).

Step-By-Step Restoration

1. Inspection & Prep

Take out the rack entirely and inspect it under good lighting. Look specifically at the “joinery” points where tines meet the frame.

Pro Tip: If the rust has eaten more than 25% through the metal wire, it may be a structural risk. In that case, give us a call at Smart Appliance Centre CC to source a genuine manufacturer replacement.

2. Sanding Back the Oxidation

Use your sandpaper to remove every trace of loose rust. You want to see shiny metal. If you leave even a microscopic speck of orange, the humidity will trap moisture under your new coating, and the rust will return within a month.

3. Clean and Degrease

Wipe the area down thoroughly with alcohol. KZN’s humid air can carry oils and dust; the surface must be “hospital clean” for the sealant to bond correctly.

4. Apply the Protective Sealant

Apply the touch-up liquid in thin, even coats. Don’t glob it on. Most professional-grade sealants require at least 24 hours to cure. In our humid Westville climate, we recommend waiting 48 hours before running a hot cycle to ensure the bond is rock-solid.

5. Cap the Ends

If the tips of the tines are rusted, slide on vinyl replacement caps. This provides a double-barrier against the high-pressure water jets.

If your dishwasher isn’t cleaning properly or has stopped working altogether, it may be time to call in a local expert—our dishwasher services in Westville are designed to help homeowners get fast, reliable repairs without the hassle of replacing the unit unnecessarily.