Clean clogged dishwasher spray arms
Are dishes coming out with food still stuck on, especially on the top rack? Check the spray arms. Food and mineral buildup can clog their small holes, keeping water from reaching the dishes. Clearing them takes about 30 minutes, including a 20-minute soak. A wooden toothpick is the right tool for the holes. Metal picks can scratch the plastic and make the holes bigger over time.
How the spray arms work
The arms spin because water shoots out of the small holes along them, a bit like a lawn sprinkler. When enough of those holes clog, the arm slows down or stops, and whole sections of the rack never get sprayed. Clean the filter while you're at it, since debris from a dirty filter is a big part of what clogs the arms.
Why dishes come out dirty
Food, seeds and labels clog the holes.
Mineral buildup narrows the holes.
Debris recirculates into the arms.
Tall items block the arms from spinning.
| What you see | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Top rack dirty, bottom fine | Upper spray arm clogged or blocked | Clean the arm. Check nothing tall blocks it. |
| Gritty film on everything | Dirty filter | Clean the filter under the lower arm. |
| White cloudy film on glasses | Hard water | Use rinse aid and a monthly dishwasher cleaner. |
| Food stuck on in one spot | Items blocking the spray | Reload so dishes face the center, not blocking the arms. |
| Everything lukewarm and dirty | Water not hot enough | Run the kitchen tap hot before starting a cycle. |
Clear the spray holes
- Check if they spinWith the dishwasher off and cooled down (the heating element can stay hot after a cycle), spin each arm by hand. They should turn freely.
- Remove the armsMost unscrew counterclockwise or unclip from the center. Check your manual if one won't come off.
- Clear the holesPoke each hole with a toothpick to break up debris. Don't use anything that will widen the holes.
- 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.
- Reinstall and testSnap or screw them back on, make sure they spin freely, and run a normal cycle.
Watch it done
- Each spray arm spins freely by hand
- The holes are clear of debris
- Dishes on both racks come out clean after a normal cycle
Top rack still dirty? Check that nothing blocks the middle spray arm.
If dishes still come out dirty
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.
What a pro typically charges (a rough estimate; prices vary by area): An appliance repair visit usually costs $100–$200.
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