How to clean dishwasher spray arms

Over time, your dishwasher’s spray arms may become clogged with debris, which can affect the cleanliness of your dishes. Fortunately, you can maintain a sparkling clean dishwasher and get spotless dishes every time with a few simple cleaning steps.

Your dishwasher likely has two spray arms – one at the bottom of the dishwasher and one at the top. If you find out that you need to replace the spray arms, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. You can also search by appliance brand or part type. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install them.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Why you need to clean the spray arms

Spray arms help warm water to evenly distribute with adequate pressure in the dishwasher to remove food particles, grease, and other residues from your dishes.

Over time, the spray arm holes can get clogged with food particles, mineral deposits, and other debris, which can prevent the water from being distributed correctly and your dishes from getting clean. Clogged spray arm holes can prevent water from spraying with sufficient force.

If the spray arms aren’t rotating smoothly or are damaged, then they should be replaced.

Before you get started

Keep safety first

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it.

What you need

• Soft bristle brush
• Toothpick
• Mild soap or detergent

How to clean your dishwasher spray arms

1. Turn off the dishwasher and unplug it from the power source.
2. Turn off the water supply.
3. Open the front door of the dishwasher to access the racks.
4. Pull out the bottom rack and lift it to remove it from the dishwasher. Set it aside.
5. Find the lower spray arm and the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher with a small screen where debris accumulates.
6. To access the central circular filter, you may need to get the spray arm out of the way. If necessary, gently lift or unscrew the spray arm to remove it. Some spray arms have a knob at the bottom that you can rotate to release them.
7. Clean out any large debris or food particles that may have accumulated around or under the spray arm area.
8. Look for an arrow or indicator on the filter that indicates the direction you need to turn it to remove it. It’s usually counterclockwise and can be removed by hand.
9. Remove the filter along with the small screen. Be careful not to drop any debris back into the dishwasher.
10. Rinse the filter and small screen under running water to remove any debris and residue. Make sure to clean both sides thoroughly. To remove any stubborn debris, use a soft bristle brush to gently scrub the filter and small screen. Be careful not to damage the filter weave while cleaning.
11. After cleaning the filter, check the area around it for any debris and clean as needed.
12. Replace the filter by aligning it according to its shape and the corresponding arrows. Make sure it locks into place when rotated. It should fit snugly.
13. Check the spray arm holes for any clogs that could prevent water from getting out during the wash cycle.
14. Use a toothpick or pin to carefully remove any debris or obstructions from the spray arm holes. Make sure that all the holes are clear.
15. If your dishwasher has a top spray arm, remove it by rotating a knob or unscrewing it at the bottom. Rinse the top spray arm under warm water in a sink to remove any debris.
16. Make sure the spray arms move smoothly before reassembling the dishwasher. If necessary, rotate them or gently adjust them to get the correct alignment.
17. Replace the top spray arm (if removed) and make sure it’s securely in place. It should spin freely.
18. Slide the bottom rack back into the dishwasher and close the door.
19. Plug the dishwasher back in and run a test cycle to make sure the dishes get clean.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you clean your dishwasher spray arms.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel. We can also help you troubleshoot common dishwasher problems here.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see our latest repair guides!