Dishwasher Basket Improvement
Intro: Dishwasher Basket Improvement
We have an apartment size dishwasher which has a utensil basket which is not sturdy and readily gets holes in the bottom so we have to load it knife points up to protect it. Since this guideline was not always followed, our current basket is holey and we have to load it in a very specific way-still knife points up in order not to damage it further, but also we have to put items with large bottoms such as steak knives in first to plug the holes. We are on our 2nd replacement basket, at least, and were unable for a very long time to find a source for a new basket. Although we have recently found a source the basket has been on order for almost 2 months. So, my husband suggested the following temporary fix. (It also may be a good way to protect the new basket before it gets damaged!)
STEP 1: Materials
The materials I used:
- the holey basket,
- a tape measure,
- new plastic pot scrubber sheets (Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scour Pads in this case),
- scissors,
- a felt pen, and
- a shish kebab skewer
STEP 2: Measure
Take a measurement of the inside of the utensil basket compartment which in this instance is 1 3/8 inches.
So, after getting the measurement you mark the pot scrubber with the felt pen.
STEP 3: Cut
Cut the pot scrubber as per your measurements.
My Mum used to sell these great scissors in her office supply store and we called them 'the penny cutting scissors' because they can actually cut pennies-why you would want to cut pennies is another consideration…but judging from the stylized 'A' on them these scissors seem to be Acme (really) brand scissors made in the USA. Other scissors work, of course.
STEP 4: Insert the Scrubber Pieces With Skewers
Insert the pieces of pot scrubber in the basket and secure them in place with the shish kebab skewer.
After making and placing a few pieces I realized that the compartments in the middle were larger than the outside compartments so I made larger ones to fit.
We had thought of sewing the pot scrubber pieces into the basket but it will be necessary to remove the pieces to clean them. Possibly, it would be simpler to just keep loading the basket in a specific way, but we will see!
10 Comments
bill_f 6 years ago
this is an old post, but I recently repaired a dishwasher basket using stainless steel mesh, cut slightly oversized so it doesn't come out when you tip out any bits of food that might collect. A small sheet of mesh only costs about a pound/dollar
BigJLew 8 years ago
islandheron 8 years ago
I agree with BigJLew. How will the water get through to fully clean the cutlery etc. I have for many years now, simply put the sharp objects in the back sections and move forward from there, then you don't seem to get pricked - OUCH. Also try to remember to put things that will fall through with the narrow end up. Like pointed ended spoons. Hope this helps.
kinderdm 8 years ago
I agree, I put sharps in the back as well. Unless they are skinny enough to go through, they go handle up just fine. The only thing I cant really do handle up is my forks. Even if this method let through enough water to wash everything properly, it seems all the food stuff would just stick in the filter and nasty it up real quick.
limpet555 8 years ago
a tape measure?
YukonMaker 8 years ago
It was used to measure the size of the basket.
dicol 8 years ago
We used cable ties to fill in the holes. It has lasted over a year now.
Eloise2914 8 years ago
You can buy plastic canvas at the arts and crafts store, and cut it to fit the compartments. Image here: https://www.anniescatalog.com/detail.html?prod_id=16328&cat_id=1093 This option would allow the water and food particles to drain more easily than the plastic scrubbies you're currently using.
trsgrn 8 years ago
We have the same problem with our utensil basket. Love this idea. We've tried a couple of other solutions that I'm not really fond of, so I may try this one.
mwm2929 8 years ago