Hobart LXe - Food Soils Remain

ℹ️ Warning / Can Continue
Warning: The information provided here is for educational purposes only. Working with commercial kitchen equipment involves high voltage, gas, and high temperatures. We strongly recommend contacting a certified service technician for any repairs. We are not responsible for any damage or injuries resulting from DIY repair attempts. This information is provided 'as is' without any guarantees of completeness or accuracy.

TLDR

On your HOBART LXe SERIES DISHWASHERS unit, food soils remaining after a wash cycle typically indicate a need for immediate and thorough cleaning. This issue arises from inadequate daily maintenance and can lead to poor wash results and potential hygiene concerns. Regular, comprehensive cleaning per manufacturer guidelines is essential to resolve persistent food soil buildup.

Can't fix it yourself?

Our certified technicians can help you on-site.

Technical Details

Repair Steps:

  1. Pre-Scraping Dishes: Ensure all dishes are thoroughly scraped of food debris before loading into the dishwasher. This is the first line of defense against soil buildup.
  2. Drain and Clean Wash Tank: After each day’s use, drain the dishwasher completely. Remove and rinse the sump cover, filters, and strainer baskets under running water to remove any trapped food particles.
  3. Inspect and Clean Spray Arms: Remove both the upper and lower spray arms. Inspect the spray nozzles for any blockages caused by food particles or mineral deposits. Use a small brush or toothpick to clear any obstructions, then rinse thoroughly. Reinstall, ensuring they rotate freely.
  4. Clean Interior Surfaces: Use a non-abrasive commercial dishwasher cleaner and a brush to scrub the interior walls, door gaskets, and all accessible surfaces of the wash chamber to remove any adhering food soils or grease.
  5. Check Detergent and Rinse Aid Levels: Verify that the detergent and rinse aid dispensers are full and dispensing correctly. Low chemical levels or incorrect concentration can significantly impact wash quality.
  6. Verify Water Temperature and Pressure: Ensure the incoming hot water supply meets Hobart’s recommended temperature (typically 150-160°F / 65-71°C for washing and 180°F / 82°C for sanitizing rinse). Check water pressure to ensure adequate spray arm action.
  7. Run an Empty Cleaning Cycle: After manual cleaning, run an empty wash cycle using a descaling or dishwasher cleaning solution to flush out any remaining debris and sanitize the internal components.
  8. Review Daily Cleaning Schedule: Implement or reinforce a strict daily cleaning regimen as outlined in your Hobart LXe Series operator’s manual. Consistent adherence prevents soil buildup and maintains optimal performance.

Common Questions:

Q: Why are there still food soils on my dishes after a wash cycle?

A: Persistent food soils usually indicate that the dishwasher needs a more thorough cleaning, especially of its filters and spray arms, or that dishes are not being adequately pre-scraped before loading.

Q: How often should I clean my Hobart LXe dishwasher?

A: A Hobart LXe series dishwasher should undergo a thorough daily cleaning to remove food soils, along with periodic deep cleaning (weekly/monthly) to address mineral buildup and sanitize components.

Q: Can using the wrong detergent cause food soils to remain?

A: Yes, using an incompatible or low-quality detergent, or having incorrect detergent concentration, can significantly impair the wash cycle’s effectiveness, leading to food soils remaining on dishes.

When to call a technician

Consider calling a certified technician if:

  • The error keeps coming back after you've tried the steps above.
  • You're not comfortable doing the checks or repairs yourself.
  • You notice unusual noise, smell, or behaviour.
  • Equipment is under warranty and you want official service.
  • You need the unit back in service quickly with minimal downtime.

Need Professional Help?

Our certified technicians can help you on-site.