How to Clean Dishwasher Spray Arms: Unclog Holes for Better Cleaning Performance

The spray arms are the heart of your dishwasher's cleaning system — they rotate and spray hot water through small holes to clean your dishes. When those holes get clogged with mineral deposits, food particles, or grease, water pressure drops and dishes come out dirty. Cleaning them is simple and takes less than 15 minutes.

How Do Dishwasher Spray Arms Work?

Most dishwashers have two or three spray arms: one at the bottom, one in the middle (attached to the upper rack), and sometimes one at the top. Each arm has multiple small holes (jets) that spray water in a rotating pattern. When these jets are blocked, water can't reach all areas of the dishwasher effectively.

How Often Should You Clean the Spray Arms?

Every 3-6 months, or whenever you notice dishes aren't getting fully clean despite a clean filter.

What You'll Need

• Toothpick or thin wire
• Old toothbrush or small scrub brush
• White vinegar
• Warm water
• Microfiber cloth
• Flexible cleaning brush (for the arm interior)

Step 1: Remove the Spray Arms

Most spray arms unscrew or unclip easily:

• Bottom spray arm: Usually unscrews counterclockwise from a central nut, or simply lifts off a post.
• Middle spray arm: Typically clips onto the upper rack — squeeze the clips and pull down.
• Top spray arm: Usually unscrews from the top of the dishwasher interior.

Consult your dishwasher manual if you're unsure how to remove them.

Step 2: Rinse Under Running Water

Hold each spray arm under warm running water and rinse away loose debris. Shake the arm — you should hear water moving inside. If the holes are blocked, little or no water will come out.

Step 3: Unclog the Spray Holes

Use a toothpick, thin wire, or straightened paper clip to poke through each spray hole and dislodge any blockages. Work around the entire arm systematically. You'll often see small pieces of food, mineral scale, or grease come out.

Step 4: Soak in Vinegar Solution

For mineral deposits that won't budge, soak the spray arms in a basin of equal parts white vinegar and warm water for 20-30 minutes. The vinegar dissolves limescale and loosens stubborn deposits. After soaking, use a flexible brush to clean inside the arm and scrub the holes with an old toothbrush.

Step 5: Rinse and Check

Rinse the spray arms thoroughly under running water. Hold each arm up to the light and look through the holes — they should all be clear. Run water through the arm and check that it flows freely from every hole.

Step 6: Reinstall

Reattach all spray arms securely. Make sure they spin freely by hand — they should rotate without resistance. A spray arm that doesn't spin freely won't clean effectively.

Signs Your Spray Arms Need Cleaning

• Dishes in certain areas of the dishwasher consistently come out dirty.
• Dishes on the upper rack aren't getting clean (middle arm clogged).
• You can see visible deposits or buildup on the spray arm holes.
• The spray arms don't spin freely when you turn them by hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my dishwasher spray arms are clogged?

Remove a spray arm and run water through it — if water doesn't flow freely from all holes, they're clogged. Also check if the arm spins freely when installed.

Can I put dishwasher spray arms in the dishwasher to clean them?

You can, but it won't unclog blocked holes. Manual cleaning with a toothpick and vinegar soak is necessary to clear blockages.

My spray arm is cracked or broken — what should I do?

A cracked spray arm needs replacing. Search for your dishwasher model number (usually on a sticker inside the door) and order a replacement part from the manufacturer or an appliance parts retailer.

How do I prevent spray arm clogs?

Scrape large food particles off dishes before loading, clean the filter monthly, and run a vinegar cycle every month to prevent mineral buildup in the spray holes.