How To Remove Top Rack Of a GE Dishwasher

Dishwashers are handy appliances that are great for minimizing time spent cleaning up after cooking. Suppose you own a GE dishwasher and wonder how to remove the top rack. Please continue reading; we have researched these questions and discovered information to share!

To remove the top rack of your GE Dishwasher, open the dishwasher door, push the thumb tabs, and remove the end tabs from the rack rail. Next, pull the rack forward to remove it from the appliance. 

Are you ready to learn more about removing the top rack of your GE dishwasher? Or what is the purpose of the third extension rack on the GE dishwasher, and what does it do? These are great questions. Keep reading; we have well-researched answers to share with you!

Open door of built-in dishwasher, Kitchen with integrated appliances, Plates and dishes in the dishwasher, How To Remove Top Rack Of a GE Dishwasher

How to remove the top rack of a GE dishwasher

Please note that not all GE dishwasher models have removable top racks. Only select models from GE Profile, Cafe, and Monogram dishwashers will have a removable top rack. To learn more about your model and its features, reference your owners' manual.

Suppose you attempted to remove the rack from a dishwasher that doesn't have the removable top rack. In theory, you will be able to remove the rack, but you will not be able to put it back without reattaching the cap ends with a coin or screwdriver.

Also, before 1993, all dishwashers that were compatible with a removable top rack or third tier will have end caps that would have to be pried off the rack rails.

GE does not recommend removing the rack often because it will damage the rack rails over time.

Models manufactured from 1993 to the present will have hybrid or plastic tub models with removable top racks that will have model-specific instructions listed in the owner's manual.

The models do not specify that the top racks are removable, will have end caps that attach the rack to the rack rails, and will have to be removed with a quarter or screwdriver.

Once removed, pull the rack forward, and it will release the rack from the rails.

Washed glass and white mug in the dishwasher, the interior of the top rack of a dishwasher

Steps to remove the GE dishwasher top rack

  1. Open the dishwasher and remove all items.
  2. Push the thumb tab out located at the sides of the rack rail.
  3. Remove the end caps and set those in a bowl.
  4. Pull the rack forward and slide it out of the appliance.
  5. Put the end caps back at the ends of the rail rack.

Please note that these are the basic steps for removing the top rack. Please reference your owners' manual for exact instructions, or if you have lost or misplaced your manual, visit the GE website and enter your make and model numbers to access the manual digitally.

What is the third extension rack on my GE dishwasher for?

The top rack is a utensil drawer for cooking tools, flatware, and other small items. The third extension rack can fit an entire flatware set easily.

The GE Monogram dishwashers are also equipped with a two-piece rack, which is perfect for when you are entertaining and need that extra space for flatware.

Why does my GE dishwasher run so long?

Open dishwasher with clean dishes in the white kitchen

The dishwasher washing cycles will run for two hours or longer. The cycle duration will vary because the sensors adjust the washing cycle's length to clean the dishes thoroughly.

If you want to prevent the sensors from adding more time to the washing cycles, follow these suggestions. Scrape and pre-rinse your dishes before packing the dishwasher.

Do not leave soiled dishes in the dishwasher for days because the dishes will become a breeding ground for nasty germs. Instead, run the dishwasher daily to prevent food debris from drying on your dishes.

These simple steps will reduce wear and tear on your appliance, which will help keep your dishwasher working correctly.

Why is the top rack of my dishwasher not cleaning?

There are several issues that will cause the top rack dishes to remain dirty after the washing cycle.

  1. Obstructed sprayer arm.
  2. The dishwasher is dirty.
  3. The filter is filled with debris.
  4. The drain hose is clogged, and the dirty water isn't flushing out of the appliance fast enough.
  5. Overpacked dishwasher.

Dishes are washed in the dishwasher a lot of water splashes

How to pack the dishwasher for cleaner dishes?

Here are several simple ways to maximize your dishwasher's cleaning capacity, reduce how many loads you run monthly and help lower your home's energy usage and utility bills.

  • Set your water heater to 120-125 degrees f for the ideal temperature.
  • Don't overfill the dishwasher.
  • Keep plastic in the top rack.
  • Separate stainless steel and silver flatware to prevent a chemical reaction that can damage the utensils' finishes.
  • Secure the glassware between the tines.
  • Pack baking sheets, trays, and plastic cutting boards along the sides without blocking the jets or spray arms.
  • Avoid allowing your dishes to sit in the dishwasher for days to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and germs.
  • Always use quality dish soaps designed for dishwashers.

Are you wondering if dishwashers help reduce energy and water usage? Click here to read our article that discusses this relevant topic, "Do Dishwashers Waste Or Save Water And Electricity?"

Click here to view the Cascade dishwasher soap at Amazon.

Are you interested in an eco-friendly option?

Click here to view the Seventh Generation dishwasher soap at Amazon. 

How do I clean the top of my GE dishwasher arm?

Cleaning your dishwasher's spray arms is a good way to fix the spray arm issues.

  1. Remove the spray arm either by turning the arm counterclockwise or using a small screwdriver.
  2. Use a toothpick or brush to dislodge food particles caught in the spray holes.
  3. Use dish soap or white vinegar to wipe the arms with a soft cloth.
  4. Suppose the spray arm is clogged and stained. Soak it in white vinegar for about 15 minutes to loosen clogs.
  5. Rinse the spray arm with plain water.
  6. Reinsert the spray arm into the dishwasher.

Cleaning your dishwasher's spray arms is an appliance maintenance task that you should do about every six months to prevent the components from clogging.

Or, if you used your dishwasher more than the average household, consider cleaning the sprayer arm every three months for reliable performance.

Are you interested in reading further information about dishwasher sprayer arms? Click here to read, "How To Clean Clogged Dishwasher Spray Arms."

empty compartment for washing cups in the dishwasher

Safety considerations for operating dishwashers

The American Cleaning Institute suggests using the following as a guide for running a dishwasher correctly and safely.

  • Always place knives and other sharp items pointed down in the utensil basket.
  • Place glassware gently into the dishwasher, and don't crowd the glasses.
  • Avoid overloading the dishwasher--it will prevent the dishes from getting clean, and they could break.
  • Wait until the dishwasher has cooled before removing the dishes.
  • Always close the door after loading or unloading to prevent accidental falls.
  • If you have small children, consider adding a child safety lock.
  • Do not allow children or pets to play inside the dishwasher.
  • Store the dishwashing solutions away from children and pets.
  • Always follow the dishwasher owner's manual maintenance instructions.
  • Don't fill the dispenser cups until ready to run the appliance.
  • Do not mix dishwasher solutions with other cleaning products.
  • Not every dish can go in the dishwasher; read your dishes' labels.
  • Do not remove the labels from the dishwasher detergent bottles.

In closing

Open door of built-in dishwasher, Kitchen with integrated appliances, Plates and dishes in the dishwasher

Thank you for reading our article!

Today we discussed removing the top rack from your GE dishwasher using simple tools like a quarter or screwdriver.

We also provided helpful tips for packing and unpacking your dishwasher for the cleanest dishes possible.

We hope this article has helped you learn more about operating your GE dishwasher.

Please check out some of our other posts before you go!

Does A Dishwasher Heat Up Its Own Water?

How To Clean Clogged Dishwasher Spray Arms

Can You Put Crocs In The Dishwasher?

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