How do I refinish a soft wood dish rack so it is safe and durable?

Sorry. There is no stain that would be food safe. To preserve the wood wipe it down with mineral oil everytime you wash it.

You can add a wood stain and seal it with a few coats of polyurethane. Wood is not the best around water, so it may not last forever.

To get a durable finish you would have to coat it with something that will do that, polyurethane would work. Also William"s suggestion of mineral oil is a good one.

A potential concern would be a possible bacteria or mold starting due to the repeated dampness.Best to you.

Hi there, I would use a marine Polyurethane varnish. According to studies it doesn't present any known hazard as long as it's fully cured.

Perhaps this will help! https://ahomecrafter.com/2019/03/food-safe-wood-stain/

In order to kill all the spores, make sure to clean with vinegar. Contrary to popular belief, bleach won't do it. You can then stain the wood and seal with multiple coats of a marine grade urethane that will be water proof.

Wood racks are very architectural and interesting but perhaps a better sanitary solution is a plastic or metal dish drying rack.