[brindlebaby]

The spray arms are constantly clogged with stuff which prevents them from spinning properly and getting the dishes clean. I've pulled out corn kernels, seeds, all sorts of gunk, even a decent sized piece of glass. We usually rinse dishes pretty well before washing, too. It's a real pain in the butt. My question is how does this stuff get into the spray arms? I assume the water is filtered as it cycles through the system. The circular filter (fine mesh) underneath the bottom spray arm is intact. However, the large (more coarse) plastic filter that sits on the bottom of the tub is slightly warped on the sides which could allow food to get underneath it. Is that my problem? Or is that just there to keep large items from draining? What else should I be looking for? Thanks in advance for any help.

[denman]

Here are your parts
Parts for GE GHDA485N00CS Dishwasher - AppliancePartsPros.com

My question is how does this stuff get into the spray arms?
It is getting pulled through the system and back up to the spray arms.
The water should go into the sump and then through the pump back up into the spray arms.

plastic filter that sits on the bottom of the tub is slightly warped on the sides which could allow food to get underneath it. Is that my problem?
Cannot say

Or is that just there to keep large items from draining?
Could let some junk into the sump if badly warped but I doubt it.

What else should I be looking for?
I would check filter in the sump (Item 506 in the Body Parts section)
Click on it's picture for more views/info on it.
When the sump filter is out reach back so you can check the chopper to ensure it is attached to the motor and does not have stuff wrapped around it. Be careful some of them are pretty sharp.

Also check/clean the sump itself. Be careful as there is often broken glass in the sump.