Decalcifying your coffee machine

To ensure the longevity of your beloved coffee machine, it requires attentive maintenance and timely cleaning of its components. The essential preventive measure is the regular decalcification of your coffee maker or coffee machine, which entails the elimination of build-up, limescale, and deposits caused by hard water. Typically, the instruction manual provides guidelines for decalcifying a coffee machine. In this article, we will explore the causes of scale formation, the primary cleaning agents, and the various methods employed to clean coffee makers and coffee machines manually or automatically.

Why do you need decalcification

1. Coffee is no longer infused with rich aroma and flavor; instead, it has acquired a bitter taste.
2. The process of brewing has significantly slowed down.
3. There has been a decrease in steam pressure.
4. The beverage is now delivered in a thin stream due to the decreased pressure.
5. The coffee machine is now producing loud and unpleasant noises.

If you observe these indications, it is crucial to immediately decalcify the appliance. At present, you must locate the appropriate cleaning solution for your coffee machine and grasp the procedure for flushing the apparatus to eliminate limescale and enhance its longevity.

Decalcifying agents

You have several options for descaling your coffee machine:

1. You can manually clean the internal parts to remove any scale and deposits that have built up.
2. Another option is to simply rinse the machine with water after each use. This is particularly effective for geyser coffee makers like Delonji and Krups, as well as Bosch drip-type machines.
3. You can also try using natural remedies, such as citric acid, to descale your coffee machine.
4. Many modern coffee machine manufacturers offer special cleaning tablets for descaling.
5. In severe cases, professional cleaning at a service center may be necessary. The specialists there can also provide valuable advice on how to properly clean your coffee machine.

Cleaning the coffee machine manually from limescale

Decalcification is not a complex process, the key is to find the correct method for cleaning a specific model. If your coffee machine does not have a dedicated cleaning program, we recommend manual decalcification methods:

1. Using citric acid. Citric acid solution is a proven descaling agent for coffee machines and other household appliances like irons and electric kettles. Usually, it is sufficient to take 3-4 cups of hot (but not boiling!) water and add one packet of citric acid. Stir until the acid completely dissolves, then add a couple more cups of cold water. Alternatively, you can use a different ratio: 8-9 teaspoons of citric acid per liter of warm water. This creates an effective descaling solution. Prior to usage, the coffee machine parts should be thoroughly washed with water. Then, fill the machine with the prepared solution and switch it on. Wait until half of the solution has been poured out, then switch off the machine. Let it sit for 30-40 minutes before switching it on again. Once the remaining liquid has drained out, rinse the parts with clean water until all deposits are completely removed. Vinegar solution is also an effective cleaner for any modern coffee machine, as long as the solution is properly diluted; otherwise, it can potentially damage the machine parts.
2. Using coffee machine tablets is an effective method for decalcifying your coffee machine. These cleaning tablets are available from a variety of well-known kitchen appliance manufacturers, including Krups, Saeco, and Jura. You can find briquettes, chalds, and even capsules specifically designed to remove lime scale. It’s important to choose a decalcification product made by the same manufacturer as your coffee machine to ensure optimal results. When you do, you can trust that it will effectively eliminate impurities and keep your coffee machine running smoothly.

For instance, Jura coffee machine decalcinators are unique and convenient briquettes. For Saeco and Philips coffee makers, the Philips Saeco Decalcifier CA6700/00 is an exceptional option. It is a liquid specifically designed for automatic coffee machines, which is poured into the device. It effectively removes lime scale and prevents the build-up of mineral deposits.

When it comes to capsule machines compatible with Tassima, Dolce Gusto, or Nespresso capsules, the "House of Coffee" powder is an effective cleaner. However, it’s important to note that not all models can utilize this popular descaling agent. For specific brands like Delongi, Bosch, Melitta, and others, it is recommended to use their respective descaling agents. Keep in mind that these branded descaling agents may be expensive due to the added cost of the brand name.

The most cost-effective solution for individuals looking to save money is to purchase a versatile product such as Glutoclean or Top House. These products can be easily found at any home appliance store.

For information on the specific instructions for using specialized descaling tablets, liquids, and briquettes, it is advisable to consult the operating manual of your coffee machine. However, we can offer some general advice that is likely to apply universally, regardless of the brand of your appliance. It is crucial to ensure that the limescale tablets for the coffee machine are completely dissolved in the water tank before initiating the cleaning process. Failure to do so will result in reduced efficiency and wastage of money.

Automatic decalcification

This feature is not available on all coffee machines, such as drip and geyser coffee machines, which require manual descaling. However, most modern models come with an automatic decalcification feature, which means you won’t need to dismantle the machine and clean the parts often.

The coffee machine itself will notify you when it needs to be cleaned. This can be indicated by a flashing light, an acoustic signal, or information displayed on the control panel.

All you need to do is use a suitable descaling agent, mix it with water in a container, and activate the self-cleaning function. After that, you just need to drain the dirty water and periodically refill the boiler.

There are a few coffee machine brands, such as Bosch, Delonghi, and Krups, that have recently released new models with an innovative feature – a high-quality filter integrated into the boiler. This filter effectively prevents dirt, clogs, and other deposits from entering your coffee machine and causing any issues. To ensure the longevity and performance of your machine, it is crucial to periodically replace this filter.

Conclusion

Keeping your coffee machine clean is crucial, regardless of whether it’s a simple drip coffee maker or a fancy espresso machine. Simply rinsing it with water, cleaning the brewing block, and wiping the body may not always be enough.

If you want to know how to clean your coffee maker without damaging its parts and appearance, it’s best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions. However, we can provide some general tips on which cleaning agents to use and how to use them. The key is to follow these tips regularly and keep an eye on the condition of your coffee machine, so it can serve you faithfully for a long time.