Why is it important to clean dishwasher spray arms?

Over time, food bits, limescale, and grease can clog the tiny nozzles on your dishwasher’s spray arms. This prevents water from reaching all dish surfaces, leading to spots, grime, or undissolved detergent. A quick clean restores full performance and helps extend your machine’s lifespan.

How often should I clean my dishwasher spray arms?

This guide recommends aiming to clean your dishwasher spray arms every 3 months to prevent stubborn blockages from forming.

What tools and materials are needed to clean dishwasher spray arms?

You will need a soft cloth or sponge, a bowl large enough to submerge the spray arm, white vinegar or a mild descaler, a toothpick, pin or small brush, and warm water.

How do I remove the spray arm from my dishwasher?

You should consult your dishwasher's user manual first. Typically, you will need to twist or unclip the arm from its mounting point. This guide suggests placing a towel in the base of the dishwasher beforehand to catch any dropped screws or clips.

What should I do if my dishwasher spray arms are still clogged after cleaning?

If nozzles remain clogged, you can gently use a drill bit attachment on a low speed to clear mineral deposits, but only for metal arms. If, after cleaning, your spray arms still do not spin freely or holes remain blocked, inspect them for cracks or wear, as replacement arms are often inexpensive and easy to swap.

Clean Dishwasher Spray Arms – Quick Fix | Need a New Dishwasher

Keep your dishes sparkling by ensuring your dishwasher’s spray arms are free-flowing and delivering water where it counts.

Why Blocked Spray Arms Matter

Over time, bits of food, limescale and grease can clog the tiny nozzles on your dishwasher’s spray arms. When this happens, water can’t reach all the surfaces, leaving spots, grime or even undissolved detergent behind. A quick clean of the spray arms can restore full performance and extend your machine’s lifespan.

Removing the dishwasher spray arm (Image: Bosch)

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

Soft cloth or sponge
Bowl large enough to submerge the spray arm
White vinegar or mild descaler
Toothpick, pin or small brush
Warm water

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

1. Detach the Spray Arm

Consult your user manual, then twist or unclip the arm from its mounting point.

Top Tip: Place a towel in the base of the dishwasher first to catch any dropped screws or clips.

2. Soak in Vinegar Solution

Fill your bowl with equal parts warm water and white vinegar (or follow descaler instructions). Submerge the arm for 20–30 minutes.

Reminder: Aim to do this every 3 months to prevent stubborn blockages.

3. Clear Out Blockages

Use a toothpick or small brush to gently poke out debris from each nozzle hole.

Clearing spray arm holes with a coktail stick or pin

4. Rinse & Inspect

Rinse thoroughly under running warm water. Spin the arm to check it rotates freely and watch the water stream evenly from each hole.

5. Reattach & Test

Clip or twist the spray arm back into place. Run a quick rinse cycle (empty) to confirm water jets are strong and even.

Quick Fix: If nozzles remain clogged, gently use a drill bit attachment on low speed to clear mineral deposits (only on metal arms).

When to Consider Replacement

If after cleaning your spray arms still don’t spin freely or holes remain blocked, inspect for cracks or wear. Replacement arms are inexpensive and easy to swap in most models.

Bottom Line: A regular spray arm clean is a quick DIY step that improves cleaning performance, prevents build-up and keeps your dishwasher running like new.

How to Clean Blocked Dishwasher Spray Arms for Better Performance