How to Troubleshoot a KitchenAid Dishwasher's Spray Arm

Open the KitchenAid dishwasher and pull the bottom rack out to access the dishwasher tub.

Clean the spray arm tower with a clean, damp cloth and wipe away any debris, residue or even wet labels that might have fallen on the spray arm, which prevents its proper function.

Use a toothpick to clean the nozzles on the spray arm, removing sticky residue or debris carefully. Do not widen or damage the nozzles with the toothpick.

Check household water pressure by timing the amount of time it takes for a 1-quart container to fill at the nearest sink. If the container takes more than nine seconds, the water pressure is likely too low to propel the spray arms as necessary. Contact a plumber for information about adding a booster pump to the water system.

Load the dishwasher with the biggest items in the bottom rack along the sides and rear, tilting the dishes face down toward the bottom. Avoid nesting pieces together and check the spray arm rotation by spinning the spray arm to verify that items are not blocking the spray arm during the wash cycle.