How to Clean Dishwasher Spray Arms for Better Results

If your plates come out cloudy or still have bits of food stuck to them, the dishwasher spray arms are one of the first things worth looking at. Those rotating arms fire water over every shelf, and when the jets get starved of pressure or blocked with debris, the wash simply can't reach your dishes properly.

Here's the part a lot of people miss though. Poor spray arm performance usually starts somewhere else in the machine. Before you blame the arms themselves, it pays to understand how water actually gets to them, because that's where most of the trouble (and most of the fix) lives.

What the spray arms do, and why they stop performing

The spray arms sit at the bottom of the dishwasher and spin to spread water across the load. For them to clean well, two things have to happen: the water reaching them needs to be free of food particles, and it needs to arrive with enough force.

That's where the filter comes in. The dishwasher filter's main job is to capture food particles and debris from your dishes so they don't clog the spray arms and pump. The filter is usually fitted at the bottom of the machine, right next to the spray arm. When that filter becomes clogged, it restricts water flow through the whole system.

Restricted water flow is bad news for cleaning results. It can leave you with:

• Poor cleaning performance, dishes that aren't properly cleaned or rinsed, with food residue and stains left behind.
• Higher running costs, a clogged filter prolongs the operating time as the machine struggles to clean, wasting energy and using more water, which pushes up your utility bills.
• Strain on the pump and motor, these have to work harder to circulate water, and over time that wear and tear can cause expensive damage.
• Unpleasant odours, trapped food particles become a breeding ground for bacteria, creating foul smells inside the machine that can even transfer onto your dishes.
• Hygiene concerns, without proper cleaning and rinsing, harmful bacteria and pathogens may not be removed effectively during the wash cycle.

So if the spray arms aren't delivering, the smartest first move is to make sure they're being fed clean water at full flow. That means looking after the filter.

Clear the filter to restore water flow to the spray arms

Keeping the filter clean is the single most useful bit of home maintenance for better wash results. It's straightforward, and you don't need any special kit. Have a towel, a soft brush or an old toothbrush, and some warm water ready. Gloves are optional but handy.

Before you touch anything, safety comes first.

Safety first

Make sure the dishwasher is unplugged or disconnected from the power before you start. There may also be dirty water trapped in the filter, so take your time and wear gloves if you'd rather keep your hands clean. If you want a refresher on doing this safely, our guide on how to safely isolate an appliance before a DIY repair is worth a read.

Step by step

1. Consult the manual. Check your dishwasher's user manual to find the filter and follow any specific instructions from the manufacturer.
2. Prepare your workspace. Lay down a towel or mat to catch water and debris. Pop your gloves on if you're using them.
3. Open the door fully. Open the dishwasher door all the way to reach the filter. It's typically at the bottom, near the spray arm.
4. Remove the lower rack. If your machine has a lower rack, take it out to get easier access.
5. Identify the filter. Locate the filter assembly. There are usually two main types, a cylindrical filter and a fine mesh filter, and some dishwashers have both.
6. Remove the filter assembly. Depending on the model, it may twist or lift out. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, and be careful as there may be dirty water trapped inside.
7. Clean the filter. Take it to the sink and rinse under warm, running water. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to lift stubborn debris and residue, and make sure every part is thoroughly cleaned.
8. Inspect and clean the filter housing. While the filter is out, check the housing inside the dishwasher and remove any food particles or debris that have built up.
9. Reassemble the filter. Put the clean filter assembly back according to the manufacturer's instructions and make sure it's securely in place.
10. Replace the lower rack. Slide it carefully back in if you removed it.
11. Close the door. Shut the dishwasher door securely.
12. Run a test cycle. Run a short cycle with the machine empty to check everything is working as it should.
13. Keep on top of it. Repeat the cleaning at least once a month, or more often if you notice cleaning results dropping off.

With the filter clear and the housing clean, the water reaching your spray arms is free of grit and arriving at full flow. For a lot of households, that alone brings the wash quality back.

When poor results point to a deeper problem

A clean filter solves a lot, but not everything. If the spray arms still aren't performing after you've cleaned the filter, the cause may lie elsewhere in the machine.

Weak water pressure is a good example. If the arms aren't spinning with much force even with a clean filter, that can point to the pump struggling to circulate water properly. A clogged filter strains the pump and motor over time, and that wear can develop into a fault that home cleaning won't fix. Persistent limescale and mineral build-up in the system can also play a part in how well water moves around.

These aren't always jobs for a quick DIY tidy-up. If your dishwasher is still underperforming or you've noticed new issues after cleaning the filter, it could be another fault entirely, and it's worth having it looked at properly.

Get it sorted by NAC

We're a family-run business with over 40 years of experience repairing domestic appliances of every make. A local NAC technician can assess what's really going on and carry out a dishwasher repair if it's needed, whether that's a pump issue, restricted flow or something else affecting your wash results.

We quote a service charge before an engineer attends, which covers all labour, the callout and VAT where it applies. The only extra is for parts if any are needed, and we'll always quote those separately before any work goes ahead. No surprise labour charges on top. Every repair is guaranteed too, with the length depending on the parts fitted (full details are in our terms and conditions).

To book a repair or ask a question, get in touch with NAC or call us on 0333 016 9622. You can also check our service areas to find your nearest engineer, or see the full range of appliance repairs we offer.