Removing the Top Rack from the Dishwasher

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing the Top Rack

Before you begin, extend the upper rack fully and familiarize yourself with the mechanism. The dishwasher top rack rides on two slide rails—one on each side—via wheels or rollers. At the front of each rail, you’ll find end caps that prevent the rack from sliding out during normal operation. Whirlpool models commonly feature either snap-in end caps with locking tabs or twist-lock end caps that rotate to engage. Some dishwashers also include rack-height adjusters and a spray arm assembly mounted beneath the rack; handle these components gently to avoid damage when removing the top rack from the dishwasher.

To remove the rack: 

IMPORTANT: Remove dishes prior to removing the top rack from the dishwasher. 

1. To access track stops, pull the rack until it stops and clicks into place.
2. To open track stops, flip the track stop to the outside of the track.

3. After opening both track stops, slide the front wheels up and out of the slot in the track. Continue to pull the rack in the track and slide the back wheels up and out of the track. 

4. Close track stops.
5. Slide the rack tracks back into the dishwasher.

Reinstalling the Top Rack

1. Gently pull the rack tracks out of the dishwasher until they stop and click into place.
2. To open the track stops, flip the track stop to the outside of the track.

3. Place the back rack rollers on each side of the rack into the track slots and roll the rack back into the tracks. 

4. Insert front rack rollers on each side of the rack into the rack.

5. Close track stops on both sides of the rack.

6. Slide the rack back into the dishwasher.