Dishwasher Wash

   We've always had a dishwasher. In our Schaghticoke apartment, we had a portable unit which we hooked up to the kitchen sink. Dave grew up with a dishwasher, so it seemed unnatural to him to wash dishes by hand.

  When we moved 

into a house, we had a dishwasher installed, and over the years have had several different models. The present dishwasher is a Maytag,and getting along in years. Its only fault is that the bottom rack has lost several of its spindles over the years, and others show some interior rusting, just on the rack.

  Even though there are only dishes for one anymore, and I usually run it only every two or three days, I like using a dishwasher.  The automatic washing and drying have to be more sanitary than using hands, sponges, dishtowels.

  But even though our present dishwasher continues to run fine, I avoid putting dishes on the rusted areas of the rack, where the rubberized coating has worn off. Because it is nearing the end of its life, as any actuary would concede, I considered buying a new dishwasher.But that is not as simple as it sounds, not like replacing a refrigerator for example. Of course, size matters. It seems most are 24 inches, but the space between the cabinets is 24 inches. I guess it would fit.There are many different choices not only as to brands, but as to operational features. I do not want a complicated list of selections. I rarely use the choices I have now.

  The biggest drawback after making  a selection is arranging for installation: there  are hoses and electrical connections ---somewhere. And of course removal of the existing unit.   It all seemed like such a pain. Then I remembered several years ago, the door latch malfunctioned, in a minor way. I bought a replacement part from Sears Appliance Parts, about $25 or so for a small part. I ordered online, installed it myself, and the issue was resolved. 

    That would be such a simpler solution, I thought. I found my Maytag User Guide, went online, plugged in the Model# and located the part I was looking for, a bottom dishrack. The price is $266.89 plus shipping.