Customer Questions and Answers for Silverware Basket by Whirlpool

Hello Holly, You have to think about the chemical reaction and the proper use of the appliance. You see, when the water temperature reaches 140°F, a chemical reaction takes place that attacks the food particles. If the unit has been oversoaped or the dishes were rinsed instead of scraping off the excess, (or both), the chemical reaction still takes place but without the food particles or too much chemical reaction from oversoaping, there is nothing to occupy the excess chemical reaction. This excess chemical reaction will attack the next easiest thing to attack. This is patterns on plates, the rubber seals in the dishwasher, cheaper glassware, and items such as the plastic silverware basket and lid. I guess the lesson to be learned is that the dishwasher should be thought of as a chemistry experiment. Be stingy with the soap and too lazy to rinse the dishes. A good wash result occurs with food particles. Don't go overboard, (the dishwasher cannot handle a scoop of mashed potatoes for example). Scrapping the dishes provides enough food particles to cause a satisfactory wash result. So, in a nutshell, don't oversoap and don't pre-rinse. Also be sure to use a quality detergent. The cheap brands are mostly bubbles and they just float on top of the water and don't do any cleaning. Following these simple guidelines will produce the best result from the unit.