How to clean or replace your dishwasher spray arm

In this video article we'll be disussing how a blocked dishwasher spray arm can cause poor washing results and show you how to inspect and clean your dishwasher spray arms.

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There are usually two spray arms in a dishwasher and they are located underneath each of the crockery baskets. During normal operation water is forced through the spray arms under pressure, by the wash motor.  This causes the spray arms to spin around and spray water upwards which cleans the dishes and crockery that is in the baskets.

If the holes in the spray arms become blocked the water flow through will be impeded and the spray arms will not spin and spray water.  Of course, this will result in poor cleaning of the dishes and cutlery.  The following checks should be made.

Step 1 – Check rotation

Before checking for blockages it is important before each wash cycle to make sure that the spray arms are able to rotate freely when the dishwasher is full.  If either of the spray arms is catching on the contents of the dishwasher it will restrict the spray arm from spinning and cause poor washing results.

Step 2 – Check for blockages

Next you should remove each spray arm and inspect the spray arm holes for blockages or damage.  Once you have removed any blockages you should then rinse the spray arms to ensure that water is flowing freely through each of the holes.