Kitchen & laundry

Clean dishwasher spray arms for cleaner dishes

Dishes come out with bits of food still stuck on, or the top rack isn't getting clean. Before you blame the detergent, check the spray arms. Their small holes clog with food, seeds, and mineral buildup, and a clogged arm can't reach the dishes.

Written and reviewed by Grab the Hammer Team · Updated Sep 2026
Inside a dishwasher: middle and lower spray arms with clogged holes, a toothpick clearing one, and the filter below
How to clean dishwasher spray arms: clear each clogged hole (1) on the middle (2) and lower (3) arms, and clean the filter (4) so debris doesn't return.

What's actually going on

Most dishwashers have two or three spray arms that spin as water is forced out of small holes. When some holes block, the arm spins slower or not at all. Cleaning them takes about 15 minutes and makes a noticeable difference in how well the dishwasher cleans.

Why it happens

Blocked spray holes

Food, seeds and labels clog the holes.

Hard water scale

Mineral buildup narrows the holes.

A dirty filter

Debris recirculates into the arms.

Overloaded racks

Tall items block the arms from spinning.

Before you startHandle the arms gently. The plastic can crack, and replacements usually cost $20 to $50.

Let's fix it

0 of 5 done
  1. Check if they spinWith the dishwasher off, spin each arm by hand. They should turn freely.
    Hand spinning a dishwasher spray arm to check it turns freely
  2. Remove the armsMost unscrew counterclockwise or unclip from the center. Check your manual if one won't come off.
    Dishwasher spray arm unscrewed counterclockwise from its center hub
  3. Clear the holesPoke each hole with a toothpick to break up debris. Don't use anything that will widen the holes.
    Toothpick poking debris out of the small spray holes on a dishwasher arm
  4. Soak and rinseSoak the arms in warm water with a cup of vinegar for 20 minutes, then rinse under running water and shake out debris.
    Spray arms soaking in warm water with vinegar, then rinsed under the tap
  5. Reinstall and testSnap or screw them back on, make sure they spin freely, and run a normal cycle.
    Clean spray arm back in place spinning freely inside the dishwasher

Still not fixed?

If the top rack still isn't clean, check that nothing on the lower rack is blocking the middle spray arm.

For hard water, use a rinse aid and a dishwasher cleaner once a month.

Tip from experienceClean the filter at the same time. A clogged filter sends debris back through the spray arms.
Time to call a pro if you seeArms that won't spin after cleaning, water not reaching the spray arms at all, or a dishwasher that doesn't fill with water.

What a pro charges: An appliance repair visit usually costs $100–$200.

Common questions

Why are my dishes still dirty after a cycle?

Clogged spray arms, a dirty filter, or overloading. Clean the arms and filter first.

How often should I clean dishwasher spray arms?

Every few months, or when dishes stop coming out clean.

About the authors

Grab the Hammer Team

We're a small team of home repair writers and editors who test our advice against manufacturer instructions and common code requirements. Our goal is simple: help you fix what you safely can, and know when to call in a pro.

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