DIY Cleaning Methods for Dish drying rack

What You’ll Need:

• Lemon juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
 
• Table salt (regular granulated salt works best)
 
• A soft sponge or cloth
 
• An old toothbrush (for tight corners and crevices)
 
• Warm water
 
• A dry towel or microfiber cloth

How to Use Lemon Juice and Salt on a Dish Drying Rack

• Remove everything from the rack. Take off any trays, utensil holders, or mats. Give the rack a quick shake over the sink to get rid of loose crumbs or debris.
 
• Mix your scrub. Sprinkle a generous layer of salt directly onto the rack, focusing on areas with visible buildup or water spots. Squeeze lemon juice over the salt until it’s damp but not soupy. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive, while the lemon juice helps loosen mineral deposits and leaves a fresh scent.
 
• Scrub away. Use your sponge or cloth to work the lemon-salt mixture into the rack, paying extra attention to corners and joints where grime likes to hide. For stubborn spots or tight spaces, use an old toothbrush to get in there and give it a good scrub.
 
• Let it sit (optional). If you’re dealing with tough buildup, let the lemon and salt sit on the surface for about 5–10 minutes before scrubbing again. This gives the acid in the lemon a little more time to work on mineral deposits.
 
• Rinse thoroughly. Use warm water to rinse off all the salt and lemon residue. Make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies so nothing is left behind that could cause stickiness or attract more grime.
 
• Dry completely. Wipe the rack down with a towel or microfiber cloth, or let it air dry. Make sure it’s totally dry before putting it back together to help prevent future buildup.

Tips for Best Results

• Check the material. Most metal and plastic racks can handle this method, but if your rack is painted or coated, test a small spot first to make sure the lemon juice doesn’t affect the finish.
 
• Don’t forget the tray. If your rack has a drip tray, give it the same treatment—salt, lemon, scrub, rinse, and dry.
 
• Repeat as needed. For racks that see a lot of use, a monthly scrub can help keep buildup in check.

How to Soak a Dish Drying Rack in a Bleach Solution

What You’ll Need:

• Dish drying rack (plastic, metal, or coated wire)
• Household bleach (unscented, regular strength)
• Large sink, bathtub, or plastic bin (big enough to submerge the rack)
• Measuring cup
• Rubber gloves
• Old towel or drying mat
• Soft brush or sponge
• Dish soap

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Clear the rack. Remove any dishes, utensils, or mats. Give the rack a quick rinse to get rid of loose crumbs or residue.

 

• Mix your bleach solution. Put on rubber gloves. In your sink or bin, mix 1 tablespoon of bleach per 1 gallon of cool water. (Don’t use hot water—bleach breaks down faster and can release fumes.)

 

• Submerge the rack. Place the rack in the solution, making sure it’s fully covered. If it floats, weigh it down with a clean plate or bowl.

 

• Let it soak. Leave the rack in the solution for 5–10 minutes. This helps loosen buildup and freshen up the surface.

 

• Scrub if needed. After soaking, use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub any stubborn spots, especially around joints and corners where gunk likes to hide.

 

• Rinse thoroughly. Remove the rack and rinse it under running water for at least a minute. Make sure all bleach residue is gone—nobody wants that on their dishes.

 

• Wash with dish soap. Give the rack a quick wash with dish soap and water to remove any lingering bleach smell or film.

 

• Dry completely. Set the rack on an old towel or drying mat. Let it air dry fully before putting it back to work. Moisture left behind can encourage buildup.

Extra Tips:

• Ventilation matters. Always work in a well-ventilated area when using bleach. Open a window or turn on a fan if you can.

 

• Check the material. Some racks (especially those with wood or certain coatings) may not play well with bleach. If you’re unsure, check the manufacturer’s care instructions first.

 

• Don’t mix bleach with other cleaners. Especially avoid mixing with ammonia or vinegar—this can create dangerous fumes.