How to Descale and Maintain a Hobart Dishwasher
Regular maintenance keeps your Hobart dishwasher performing at its best. One of the most important tasks is descaling, removing mineral deposits that build up from hard water.
Scale can affect wash quality, increase energy use and, over time, damage components such as heating elements and pumps.
This guide explains how to safely descale and maintain your commercial dishwasher, and why installing a water softener is the simplest way to prevent limescale problems before they start.
Why Descaling Matters
Limescale forms when calcium and magnesium minerals in water settle inside the wash tank, boiler and pipework. Even a thin layer of scale reduces heating efficiency and can leave dishes with a cloudy finish.
Regular descaling helps to:
- Maintain consistent wash performance and hygiene standards.
- Extend the lifespan of your machine’s internal components.
- Reduce running costs by keeping heating elements efficient.
The Importance of a Water Softener
The best way to deal with limescale is to stop it forming in the first place.
A water softener removes the minerals that cause scale build-up, protecting your dishwasher automatically.
The majority of Hobart machines are available with an integrated softener.
For machines without one, an external softener can easily be connected to the water supply.
Using a water softener eliminates or significantly reduces the need for frequent descaling and keeps wash results crystal-clear.
Regular regeneration of the softener is also important to maintain its performance.
How Often Should You Descale?
The need for descaling depends on your local water hardness and how intensively the dishwasher is used. As a general guide:
- Hard water areas: Every 1–2 weeks.
- Medium hardness: Every 3–4 weeks.
- Soft/Softened water: If you find no scale build-up, you may never need to descale. Otherwise, with minimal scale build-up, every 4–6 weeks or as advised by your service provider.
If a water softener is fitted and maintained correctly, descaling becomes a periodic hygiene precaution rather than a regular necessity.
Step-by-Step Descaling Guide
Always follow Hobart’s safety recommendations and use an approved commercial descaling product suitable for stainless-steel appliances.
- Switch off and drain the machine. Allow it to cool before starting maintenance.
- Remove filters and wash arms. Rinse under running water to clear any debris or grease.
- Prepare descaling solution. Follow the manufacturer’s dilution instructions carefully.
- Run a short wash cycle. Let the descaler circulate through the tank and pipework to dissolve limescale. Repeat this cycle if you are not happy with the results.
- Drain and rinse thoroughly. Refill with clean water and run another short cycle or two to remove any traces of descaler. Then drain the machine down.
- Wipe down interior surfaces. Use a soft cloth to clean the chamber and check seals and jets.
Using Hygiene Tablets
Hobart Hyline Warewash Hygiene Tablets are specially formulated to remove starch, grease, and protein deposits that build up inside the wash chamber, filters, and wash arms.
They’re designed to maintain internal hygiene, reduce odours, and help prevent the kind of residue that can shorten component life or affect wash quality.
Hygiene Tablets can be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to descaler, depending on your site’s water conditions.
They should be used every 1,500 wash cycles, when the machine shows the Hygiene warning.
We’ll explore the benefits of Hobart Hygiene Tablets in more detail in a future Hobart Insights guide.
Weekly Maintenance Checklist
- Clean and refit filters daily.
- Inspect spray arms for blockages.
- Wipe door seals and edges to prevent residue build-up.
- Check detergent and rinse-aid levels.
- Ensure the water softener is regenerated and topped up with salt according to manufacturer guidance.
Recommended Cleaning Products
Use only quality-approved commercial detergents, rinse aids, descaling agents, and Hobart hygiene tablets.
These are formulated to protect internal components and maintain hygiene standards while keeping your warranty valid.
👉 Shop Hobart Dishwasher Chemicals
Final Thoughts
Keeping your Hobart dishwasher free from limescale and residue is one of the simplest ways to protect your investment.
Regular maintenance, correct detergent use and, most importantly, a reliable water softener will help you enjoy consistent wash results and long-term performance.
For more advice, contact our Hobart Experts.