Many people prefer metal dish racks to plastic alternatives, and stainless steel is the most popular material used in them. Steel appliances, on the other hand, are always prone to rust. Dish racks endure a rigorous cycle of wear and tear over their lifetime, and the steel used in them isn’t always of high quality and can rust easily. In this article, we’ll look at why dish racks rust and how we can prevent it.
The science of rust formation on over the sink dish rack occurs due to natural compounds in the air. Iron and iron alloys (steel) rust as a result of the chemical reaction known as oxidation. When iron is exposed to moisture or oxygen, it oxidizes. During this chemical process, iron is converted to iron oxide. Iron oxide has a reddish, flaky appearance that deteriorates over time and if left unattended, the iron oxide will spread thus endangering the iron’s physical integrity.
Ways to Prevent Dish Racks from Rusting
While you may be tempted to buy that 3 tier dish rack you saw in your friend’s kitchen, you should always learn the specifications. That’s because not all racks are made equal, and each has its own unique pros and cons. Steel is used by the majority of manufacturers, but quality varies.
- Know What You are Buying
Budget racks are usually made of low-quality steel that is prone to rust.
Manufacturers combine flimsy steel wires with a protective plastic coating for durability, resulting in a dish rack that lasts only a year or two and prevents rust unless the plastic is damaged.
The majority of quality dish racks are made with 204 and 304 stainless steel components, which provide good corrosion resistance and toughness. Although they are expensive, they will last for many years and will not rust.
- Clean and Dry Regularly
Because a dish rack’s sole purpose is to dry and store dishes, it gets filthy quickly. They also collect dirt and grease from the kitchen air. To keep your best drying rack from rusting, keep it clean and dry. If your dish rack has small rust spots, gently dry the area and wrap it with electrical tape to keep the rust from spreading. If rust has formed on the corners of the dish rack or has begun to corrode the metal, it may be time to replace your dish rack.
- Baking Soda Treatment
If you are looking for an easy alternative to clean and preserve your best stainless steel rack then, Baking soda can be used to clean your dish rack. Simply combine 1 tablespoon baking soda with 2 cups of fresh cold or hot water. It should be thoroughly dissolved. Apply the baking soda solution to the rack bars. You can rub it with an old toothbrush if you prefer.
The treatment is also effective on rust-stain areas that have already rusted over time. If the rack bars are rust-stained in this condition, use a non-abrasive brush to gently rub in on the effective areas of the stainless steel bars. It will not harm the stainless steel grains.
Conclusion
Dishwashing is a necessary part of life, but how much you have to wash depends on a number of factors, including your lifestyle, family size, and whether or not you have roommates. Unless your strategy is to use a dish rack until it’s so filthy that you have to throw it out, cleaning is necessary on a regular basis, regardless of the model. Dish racks with a lot of corners and crevices require a thorough scrub more frequently—perhaps once a month at the very least—and are also more difficult to clean. Cleaning- only brushes are ideal for dealing with these difficult-to-reach areas. A little vinegar and water should do the trick for hard-water stains.
