Hobart LXe - Unexpected Results on Dishes

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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 LXe SERIES DISHWASHERS unit, unexpected dish results like etching, tarnishing, or stains often stem from a combination of water quality, wash temperature, detergent type, and the material of the ware itself. Proper loading techniques and ensuring ware compatibility are also critical. Addressing these factors systematically can resolve most dish quality issues.

Can't fix it yourself?

Our certified technicians can help you on-site.

Technical Details

Repair Steps:

  1. Assess Water Quality: High temperatures, soft water, or high alkaline washing solutions can cause etching. Test your water hardness and adjust detergent type or dosage accordingly to match water conditions.
  2. Inspect Detergent Usage: Ensure you are using the correct type and concentration of detergent for your water conditions and ware. High alkalinity can contribute to etching and fading of china patterns.
  3. Verify Temperature Settings: High water temperatures, particularly in conjunction with soft water or strong detergents, can cause etching, fade china patterns, or distort plastic ware. Review and adjust wash cycle temperatures as needed, especially for sensitive items.
  4. Review Ware Compatibility: Avoid washing silver, silver-plated, pewter, wooden, or cast iron items in chemical sanitizing machines. These materials can tarnish, lose seasoning, or sustain damage. Confirm that all china patterns are explicitly dishwasher-compatible.
  5. Address Pitting & Stains: For stainless steel pitting, immediately wash items that have had lengthy contact with foods containing salt, fruit juices, or vinegar. Brown stains often indicate high iron content in the water supply; consider implementing a water filtration system.
  6. Prevent Marks & Chipping: Black or gray marks may occur from friction with aluminum; prevent such contact. Chipping is typically due to improper loading or overly delicate ware; optimize loading patterns to ensure items are secure and handle fragile items with extreme care.
  7. Prevent Plastic Ware Distortion: High temperatures are the primary cause of plastic ware distortion. Always check plastic ware’s instructions for dishwasher compatibility and, if possible, utilize cooler wash cycles to preserve their integrity.

Common Questions:

Q: Why are my glasses cloudy or etched after washing in my HOBART LXe?

A: Etching is usually caused by a combination of high temperatures, soft water, soft glass, or high alkaline washing solutions. Adjusting these factors can help mitigate the issue.

Q: How can I prevent brown stains from appearing on my dishes?

A: Brown stains are typically due to high iron content in your water supply. Checking your water source and potentially installing a water softener or filter can help eliminate these stains.

Q: What causes my plastic containers to warp or distort in the dishwasher?

A: Plastic ware distortion is almost always due to excessively high wash temperatures. Always verify that your plastic items are rated as “dishwasher safe” for commercial high-temperature cycles or adjust machine settings if possible.

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.