the third rack on top won't slide smoothly, it feels like it's catching or grinding on something.

— asked by Jordan

Quick answer: The glide rails for the top (utensil) rack are probably clogged with hard water scale, food gunk, or a small piece of broken plastic from a utensil that's fallen into the track.

Diagnosis

The glide rails for the top (utensil) rack are probably clogged with hard water scale, food gunk, or a small piece of broken plastic from a utensil that's fallen into the track.

How to Fix It

Remove the top rack by lifting it up and out. Look at the two plastic glide rails on the inside top of the tub. Wipe them clean with a damp cloth. Then, inspect the wheels on the sides of the rack itself. Spin each one and look for debris wrapped around the axles or cracks in the wheels. Clean them with an old toothbrush and some warm vinegar if there's scale buildup.

If That Didn't Work

The rack might be slightly bent from overloading. Compare it to the shape of the glide rails—it should sit perfectly flat. If it's warped, you can sometimes gently bend it back by applying pressure in the opposite direction, but go slow; the plastic can snap.

Heads Up

Don't force it or yank it out. You can derail the wheels from the track, which is a pain to reassemble. Also, don't lubricate the tracks with kitchen oil or spray lubricant—it'll attract more grime. If they need lubrication, use a tiny amount of food-grade silicone spray on a cloth, then wipe the rail, not the rack wheels.

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