Dishwasher - Racks Squeaking or Sticking

If the upper or lower rack on a dishwasher seems to be squeaking, sticking or are not pulling out all the way, the most common cause is either hard water mineral build-up or a build-up of detergent residue.

Diagnosing a Squeaking or Sticking Rack on a Dishwasher

Video - Dishwasher Upper Rack Sticks

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Causes for Squeaking or Sticking Racks

Hard Water

Using a Rinse Agent can help minimize the build-up of detergent and hard water minerals on your dishes and on the interior of the dishwasher. For help using the right rinse agent, please take a look at our Dishwasher - Selecting and Using a Rinse Agent Properly article.

• Water Hardness - How to Check for Hard Water

Detergent Residue

• Dishwasher detergents can leave a white film or residue on glassware, dishes, or even the dishwasher tub itself. Soap residue can cause the wheels or rack slides to start to stick so that they don't roll properly.

• Dishwasher - White Film on Glassware, Dishware and the Interior

Pulling Out the Rack

• If the upper rack is sticking, try pulling the rack out from the center, not the side. Pulling the rack out from the side may cause the rack to bind in the slide mechanism.

Correcting Sticking Racks

If your racks are sticking or not pulling out, before considering service, try cleaning the interior of the dishwasher with one of these methods:

• Use a high quality Dishwasher Cleaner, such as Cascade® Platinum™ Dishwasher Cleaner or Finish® Dishwasher Cleaner.

• Citric Acid - Follow the instructions below (can be purchased from the local supermarket).

• 1. Pour the citric acid in the detergent cup and close the cover.

  2. Place the filmed, but otherwise clean, glassware and dishware in the dishwasher. Leave silverware and other metal items out of the dishwasher.

  3. Turn the dishwasher on and let it run through a complete cycle without detergent. The glassware, dishware and dishwasher should come out film free and sparkly.

• Vinegar Rinse - Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the dishwasher just after the detergent cup opens and let the dishwasher complete its cycle. This may be repeated several times a year if needed.

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