Your Dishwasher Leaves Food on Plates? One Clogged Jet Hole in the Spray Arm Is the Culprit
You run your dishwasher. You open the door expecting sparkling dishes. Instead, food residue remains. Glasses have a cloudy film. Forks still have dried-on sauce. The problem is almost always the spray arm.
The Spray Arm: One Hole Is All It Takes to Ruin a Load
The spray arm spins while shooting water jets to clean dishes. When a single jet hole gets blocked (by a sesame seed, piece of glass, or hard water deposit), water pressure drops across all holes. The arm may not spin properly, leaving some dishes completely untouched.
The 10-Minute Fix Anyone Can Do
- Remove the bottom rack.
- Pull up on the spray arm to detach it (varies by brand — some twist, some pull).
- Hold the arm under running water.
- Use a toothpick to clear each jet hole.
- Reattach and test.
Why Spray Arms Get Blocked in Nairobi
Nairobi's hard water leaves mineral deposits inside jet holes. Food particles (especially from plates with seeds or small bones) also cause blockages. Run a dishwasher cleaner (KSh 500) monthly to prevent buildup.
When Cleaning Isn't Enough
If the spray arm is clean but dishes are still dirty, the circulation pump may be failing (weak water pressure) or the spray arm bearings may be worn (arm doesn't spin freely). Replacement spray arm: KSh 1,500-3,500 depending on brand.
"My Bosch dishwasher left food on every plate. I was about to buy a new one. Repair Ready taught me to clean the spray arm jets. Now it works perfectly." — Anne, Westlands
📞 Call 0707 790 099 if cleaning spray arm jets doesn't solve the problem.