If dishes come out gritty after the filter is clean, check the dishwasher spray arms next. Clogged spray holes or a spray arm that can't spin will leave parts of the load untouched.

What to check first

  • The lower and upper spray arms spin freely.
  • Spray holes aren't plugged with seeds, labels, or mineral buildup.
  • Dishes aren't blocking the arms.
  • The filter is clean and seated correctly.
  • The rack isn't loaded so tall items stop the arm.

How spray arm problems show up

The pattern is usually uneven. One rack may clean fine while another stays gritty. Cups may have debris inside. Plates near one side may look untouched. If the filter is dirty too, fix that first because debris can keep circulating.

How to clean spray arms

  1. Turn the dishwasher off and let it cool.
  2. Remove racks as needed.
  3. Spin each arm by hand and check for rubbing.
  4. Remove the arm only if the manual shows how.
  5. Rinse debris out with warm water.
  6. Clear holes gently with a toothpick or soft tool.
  7. Reinstall everything firmly before running a test cycle.

Don't force a spray arm off. Different models attach differently, and broken clips can turn a cleaning task into a parts order.

If the holes keep clogging

  • Scrape heavy food before loading.
  • Remove labels from jars before washing.
  • Clean the filter more often.
  • Check for hard water buildup.
  • Use detergent and rinse aid according to the manual.

When to call for service

Call for service if a spray arm is cracked, won't stay attached, doesn't get water pressure, or the dishwasher still performs badly after the filter, loading, and spray arms are checked.

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