To adjust the top rack on your LG dishwasher, you can modify its height to accommodate different dish sizes or adjust the tines to better secure specific items. Both adjustments enhance loading flexibility and wash performance.
Adjusting Top Rack Height
Most LG dishwashers offer an adjustable upper rack, allowing you to raise or lower it. This feature is crucial for fitting tall items like platters or wine glasses in the lower rack, or larger plates and bowls in the upper rack.
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Identifying Your Adjustment Type: LG dishwashers typically use one of two main mechanisms for height adjustment:
- Lever Style: Look for distinct levers on each side of the rack.
- Click/Cam Style (often seen with rollers): The rack might have a mechanism that allows it to click into different positions.
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Step-by-Step for Lever-Style Adjustment:
- Empty the Rack: For easier adjustment and to prevent spills, it's best to adjust the rack when it's empty.
- Locate Levers: Find the two levers, one on each side of the upper rack. These are typically colored differently or are distinct from the rack's frame.
- Lift and Release (or Press and Lift/Lower):
- Simultaneously lift both levers (or press them down, depending on the model's design).
- While holding the levers, gently lift the rack to the higher position or push it down to the lower position. You should hear a click as it locks into place.
- Confirm Position: Ensure both sides are locked at the same height to prevent uneven washing and potential damage.
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Step-by-Step for Click/Cam Style Adjustment (e.g., EasyRack™ Plus):
- Empty the Rack: Adjusting an empty rack is safest and easiest.
- Pull Out Rack: Pull the top rack completely out until it stops.
- Locate Adjustment Points: On some models, the rack will have points on its side where the rollers attach to the main rails.
- Lift and Re-position: Gently lift the rack upwards, disengaging it from its current position, and then push it down into the desired new slot. You may need to do this one side at a time, or lift both sides simultaneously.
- Slide Back In: Once both sides are securely in place at the desired height, slide the rack back into the dishwasher.
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Benefits of Adjusting Rack Height:
- Accommodate Large Items: Fit tall pots, platters, or baking sheets in the lower rack, or tall glasses and deep bowls in the upper rack.
- Optimize Wash Performance: Ensure water sprays can reach all items effectively by preventing overcrowding.
- Protect Delicates: Create more space for fragile items to avoid knocking against other dishes.
Tine Adjustment for Versatile Loading
Many LG dishwashers feature adjustable tines on the upper rack, allowing you to customize the interior space to better hold specific items like bowls, larger plates, or even small pots.
- How to Adjust Tines:
- On the upper rack, the tines on the right side can be adjusted up or down. To do this, simply pull the tine up and rotate it downward into its new position.
- For the remaining rows, every other tine can often be adjusted in opposite directions, providing flexible spacing options.
- Why Adjust Tines?
- Secure Odd-Shaped Items: Lay tines flat to create a flat surface for bowls, platters, or small pans.
- Create More Space: Stand tines up for plates and saucers.
- Prevent Movement: Tines help secure items during the wash cycle, preventing chipping or breaking.
LG Dishwasher Top Rack Adjustment Overview
| Adjustment Type | Purpose | How It Works | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rack Height | Fit tall items, optimize wash space | Uses side levers or a click/cam system to raise or lower the entire rack. | Increased loading flexibility, improved wash coverage. |
| Tine Position | Secure specific items, create flat areas | Pull tines up and rotate them down, or adjust specific tines (e.g., on the right side) independently for custom spacing. | Better accommodation for bowls, small pots, and varied dishware. |
Practical Tips for Dishwasher Loading
- Balance the Load: Distribute items evenly to prevent the rack from tilting.
- Avoid Overloading: Too many dishes can block spray arms and lead to poor cleaning.
- Check Clearance: Before starting the cycle, manually spin the spray arm below the top rack to ensure it clears all items.
- Refer to Your Manual: Always consult your specific LG dishwasher model's user manual for precise instructions and features, as mechanisms can vary slightly. For more detailed instructions specific to your model, visit the LG Support website.
- Optimize Cleaning: Learn about optimal dishwasher loading techniques from resources like Energy Star.
