Useful tips on how and with what to remove scale from a coffee machine

Like any appliance with a heating element, the coffee machine is susceptible to the accumulation of lime deposits and requires periodic cleaning.

The resulting scale reduces the quality of operation of the device and can lead to breakdown of expensive equipment.

We will tell you in this article how and with what you can remove scale from a coffee machine.

Cleaning frequency

On average, the need for cleaning arises after the machine has prepared about 200 servings of coffee or once every 1-3 months, taking into account the frequency of operation of the machine and the hardness of the water used for making coffee.

The following factors may also indicate the need to remove deposits:

• there is a whitish sediment in the prepared drink;
• during operation, the device emits an uncharacteristic hum;
• there is a drop in steam pressure;
• whipping milk foam for a long time and its weak fluffiness;
• The coffee stream becomes thinner than before.

If warning signs indicating scale build-up appear, it is advisable to carry out cleaning immediately.

What are the consequences if you don’t clean it?

If descaling is not carried out at the specified time, parts may be damaged by corrosion.

The drinks themselves created by the coffee machine begin to lose their taste.. In this case, the drink not only acquires an unpleasant aftertaste, but can also be harmful to health. This is due to the fact that lime deposits create a favorable environment for the development of pathogens.

At the same time, the thermal conductivity of the heating element deteriorates, the components begin to malfunction, and their functionality is impaired. As a result, the coffee machine itself begins to work worse, and the drink becomes less and less tasty. Over time, the device will require expensive repairs.

How to solve the problem at home?

Special decalcification products help deal with scale. In addition to purchased medications, cleaning with citric acid also shows good effectiveness. But with other home remedies, for example, vinegar, it is better not to experiment.

Devices with self-cleaning function

For “smart appliances” that themselves let the user know that it’s time to clean, the following work should be performed:

1. Prepare a solution (strictly according to the instructions for the selected product).
2. The prepared liquid is poured into a tank intended for water.
3. The waste container is cleaned and coffee residues are removed.
4. The automatic cleaning cycle starts. In this case, you should follow all the prompts of the device itself (for example, clean the tray, add water, etc.).

You should not interfere with the operation of the device during the self-cleaning period.

Treatment of the unit with a solution

Devices that have a simpler structure and are not equipped with a self-cleaning function are treated as follows:

1. Prepare the cleaning solution according to the instructions (each product purchased has its own instructions).
2. Pour it into a container on the unit body intended for water.
3. Clean the filter from coffee residues, as well as the waste container.
4. The coffee machine is turned on.
5. Open the tap to drain approximately ? glasses of liquid.
6. The process is repeated a total of up to 5 times, pausing between them for 5 minutes.
7. For devices that do not have a pulver, add coffee and start the brewing cycle. This should be done with the cleaning agent, without draining it yet.
8. In carob coffee makers with a pulver, a cycle is started without adding coffee.
9. Drain off all liquid.
10. Wash the water tank.
11. Pour clean water into it.
12. Start the cycle.
13. Wash the working unit.

Using special tablets

The tablet form of the cleaning product is intended for coffee machines that have a container for their placement. General procedure:

• find where the brewing start for the “ground coffee” program is located;
• activate this mode;
• place 1-2 tablets in the ground coffee shaft (the quantity is specified according to the instructions);
• place a large container directly under the dispenser;
• start the cooking process by selecting the maximum cooking volume;
• drain the liquid;
• carry out 2 cycles of preparing a coffee drink in the “ground coffee” mode, but do not add the coffee itself;
• After such treatment, the water must be drained.

Features of processing using tablets may differ for different models of coffee machines.

Can I use citric acid?

Regular citric acid can be used for decalcification.This is a food product that, when reacting with lime deposits, leads to detachment and removal of lime deposits.

Cleaning procedure:

1. Remove waste. Wash removable elements with water.
2. Separately prepare a solution of 8 teaspoons of citric acid for each liter of water.
3. Stir until the acid grains dissolve.
4. Pour the resulting solution into the water tank.
5. Leave to stand for several hours.
6. After at least 2 hours, start the coffee brewing cycle. Whether or not to add coffee for this depends, as when cleaning with professional products, on the type of coffee machine.
7. Drain the liquid.
8. Rinse the tank.

Cleaning liquid with coffee should not be used in food.

The video will show you how to descale a coffee machine using citric acid:

Top 5 best special products

Professional special products are aimed directly at cleaning coffee machines. All of them are divided into 2 main groups:

• pills;
• liquid.

Each type has its own characteristics:

It is better to give preference to products from well-known manufacturers.

Topper

The drug is available in liquid form in 0.25 liter containers. The cost per package is from 220 rubles.

The product is based on sulfamic acid, which allows cleaning not only effectively, but also carefully. The consumption of the product is economical: 100 ml is enough for 2 liters of water.

Bosch set

The Bosch company has organized the production of products that include liquid (0.5 l.) and tablets (10 pcs.). Price – from 1,000 rubles.

The product is suitable for use in coffee machines, coffee machines, and kettles.

Top House Cleaner

The drug is produced in Germany in the form of a liquid in containers with a volume of 0.25 l.. The cleaner is intended for removing scale from elements of coffee machines. Contains a corrosion inhibitor and organic acid. The average cost per package is from 220 rubles.

Good removal result:

• scale;
• traces of milk;
• leftover coffee;
• unpleasant odors.

Top House also contains special protective components. They prevent the formation of corrosion and prevent new contaminants from appearing.

Decalcifier from Saeco

This product is recommended by experts as very effective.. The main direction of the cleaner’s work is decalcification. A bottle with a capacity of 0.25 liters costs from 750 rubles.

Bosch tablets

The product is a tablet with a complex effect: protection against corrosion processes plus descaling. Designed for descaling coffee machines, including built-in ones. Price for 3 tablets – from 800 rubles.

Nuances of cleaning individual elements

While using the coffee machine, care will be needed for all nodes involved in the creation of a noble drink:

• the boiler requires protection against scale, which forms when water is heated;
• cappuccino maker - from milk residues, etc.

Cappuccino maker

The weak point of the cappuccino maker is the outlet tube. This element can become clogged, for example, as a result of using stale milk or during frequent use. Such a blockage can be removed by cleaning in a standard way using special products.

If cappuccino is one of the frequently brewed drinks, then the cappuccino maker should be cleaned 2 times a month. Special products used for this work well with both milk fat and other contaminants.

If the dirt is old, then the assembly can be disassembled and the parts washed in a weak soda solution (1 tablespoon of powder per 1 liter of warm water). Alternatively, use a dishwasher to clean the unit.

Millstone

During the preparation of coffee, coffee fats are released.. The oily substance can clog the grinders by combining with small particles of coffee dust.

As a result, the mechanism itself suffers and the quality of grain grinding decreases. This situation can also occur if moisture gets into the bean compartment.

If the grinding quality is low, cleaning is done by disassembling the unit and mechanically processing the millstones.

Infuser

The approach to cleaning the brewing unit depends on the design of the coffee machine. The removable one is easy to wash - just clean it in water. It is advisable to do this once every 7-20 days. After drying, return to the right place.

Capsule and carob coffee machines have differences in the organization of the brewing unit. This could be a horn or a capsule. The holder allows you to form a so-called “coffee tablet”. The material used to make it is most often brass.

Recommendations

Advice from professionals will help you carry out cleaning in the best possible way and avoid complications:

1. Neglecting the rules of care not only worsens the operation of the device, but is also harmful to health, since pathological microorganisms begin to develop in a favorable environment.
2. When operating a coffee machine, preference should be given to high-quality consumables - purified water, dry coffee, etc.
3. Regular filter change is necessary. For those made of paper - after each use. Nylon ones last up to a couple of months of regular use.

   Titanium and other filters with a special coating are non-replaceable and designed for long-term operation.

4. Using some homemade recipes for cleaning scale can lead to damage to the coffee machine, so it is better not to use untested products as an experiment.
5. Almost all special products deal with scale in a coffee machine in one use.
6. You can purchase descaler at coffee machine sales points, in household chemicals departments, or order it in an online store.
7. The rate of scale formation is directly affected by the quality of the water being poured. It will be better for the device itself and for health if only purified water is used.
8. Some coffee machine models have a built-in water filter. But even in this case, the unit will need cleaning at least once a year. Even if the indicator responsible for notifying the need for cleaning does not give a signal.

He will tell you about methods and techniques for removing scale from household appliances. this chapter.

Conclusion

Proper care of your coffee machine must include regular descaling. This will allow the device to work efficiently, for a long time and without breakdowns. Scale is one of the most common causes of coffee machine breakdowns. Preventing its formation is the primary task of coffee machine owners.