Do you have a clean coffee machine? Descaling step by step

Did you know that descaling the coffee machine is the most important part of its maintenance? If you want your coffee to taste good and the coffee machine to last as long as possible, you should not underestimate this step. We will advise you on proper descaling and cleaning.

Why is coffee machine descaling important?

Coffee machines are complex devices that consist of many components. Those through which water and coffee pass become clogged with mineral deposits, which we also call calcification or scale. The gradual evaporation of water creates a hard, mostly white coating, which contaminates the components and thus partly also your coffee. The harder your water is, the faster the coffee machine clogs. That is why it is important to take care of its regular descaling.

Descaling the coffee machine is important for several reasons:

• Coffee quality – mineral deposits can affect the taste of coffee, reducing the overall quality of your drinks. The clean mechanism of the coffee machine guarantees a stable and unchanged taste of coffee, which you can simply enjoy.
• Life of the coffee machine - limescale can clog the tubes and mechanisms of the coffee machine over time, which can lead to faster wear of parts or damage to it. Regular descaling thus extends the life of the device.
• Energy efficiency – a clogged coffee maker can also be less efficient at heating water, which increases energy consumption. Clogged pipes can also slow down the flow of water, which increases the time needed to prepare coffee.
• Hygiene - last but not least, the reason for cleaning is your health. Sediment can be a breeding ground for bacteria or mold, which thus get into your everyday cup of coffee. (in this case, don't forget the components for the coffee machine, such as the MF-402 milk frother or others)

Regular descaling of your device is therefore crucial for preserving the quality of the coffee, the functionality and lifespan of the coffee machine, as well as for ensuring hygienic cleanliness.

However, do not forget that descaling is also important for other household appliances that regularly come into contact with water, such as: kettles, filter kettles, dishwashers and washing machines.

How often is it necessary to descale?

The frequency of descaling the coffee machine depends on several factors, for example the hardness of the water, the frequency of use or the type of coffee machine. Here are some recommendations that can help you choose the right frequency:

Water hardness

• Hard water: once every 1 to 2 months.
• Medium hard water: once every 3 months.
• Soft water: once every 4 to 6 months.

Frequency of use

Daily: if you use the coffee machine every day, whether at home or at work, cleaning every 1 to 2 months is recommended.

Occasional: ak používate kávovar len párkrát za týždeň, môže postačovať odvápnenie každé 3 až 4 mesiace.

Type of coffee maker

• Automatic coffee machine: these devices usually have a descaling indicator that alerts you when it's time to clean the coffee machine.
• Capsule coffee machine: these coffee machines may not have an indicator and it is usually advisable to descale them every 3 months (after about 300 capsules).
• Drip coffee machine: descaling is recommended once every 2 to 3 months.

Indicators

Many modern coffee machines are equipped with indicators or lights that alert you to the need to clean the coffee machine. They are usually set at a certain interval, which is good to follow if you want to ensure a good life of the coffee machine.

Taste

If your coffee maker does not have a light, the taste of your coffee can sometimes serve as an indicator. If it has changed over time, tastes too sour or smells musty, it is probably time to clean the coffee maker. You don't want to drink poor quality coffee.

What descale to use?

You can use several products to descale your coffee machine, including commercial and home products. It is ideal to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and the instructions for use of a specific coffee machine.

Here are the most common of them: 

Commercial descales

We recommend special descaling solutions and tablets that are already ready for descaling. They are effective and very easy to use. In addition, you have a guarantee that they are gentle on the parts of the coffee machine and will not damage them. 

Natural and homemade descales

To remove limescale, you can also use ingredients that you usually have at hand at home. However, you need to be careful about the correct concentration so as not to damage some metal or rubber parts of the coffee machine. These include:

• Vinegar – mix white vinegar in a 1:1 ratio and remember to rinse thoroughly with clean water after use.
• Citric acid – dissolve 1 to 2 spoons of powdered citric acid in 1 liter of water.
• Lemon juice – an alternative to citric acid can be lemon juice, which you mix in a similar ratio to vinegar.

How to descale a coffee machine step by step

The procedure may vary depending on the type of coffee machine and descaling agent. It is ideal to read the manual for your machine. Here is a general procedure that may help you:

What you will need

• Descaling solution or tablets
• Clean water
• A larger bowl or container for collecting waste water

Procedure

1. Preparation of the solution – prepare a descaling solution or tablet according to the instructions or procedure mentioned above.
2. Filling the tank – pour the prepared solution into the water tank of your coffee machine. In the case of a commercial product, it may be necessary to mix it with clean water.
3. Starting the descaling cycle – if your coffee machine has a special descaling cycle, start it according to the instructions. If it does not have a cycle, start the coffee maker as you would when preparing a drink, but without using coffee. Place a container under the mouth of the coffee machine to hold the waste water.
4. Course of the process – let the coffee machine go through the entire cleaning cycle. If necessary, you can repeat the cycle to really remove all the dirt. Alternatively, you can turn the coffee maker off halfway through the process and let the solution sit for 15 to 30 minutes, then turn it back on and complete the cycle. However, follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damage.
5. Rinsing – after the end of the descaling cycle, empty the water tank and fill it with clean water. Start the coffee maker and run it through the process again to flush the interior and remove any descale residue.
6. Cleaning the external parts – after cleaning the inside of the coffee machine, we recommend also wiping the external parts of the coffee machine with a damp cloth. If there are traces of limescale on the coffee machine, use a 1:1 vinegar solution.
   
   
   

Done! Your coffee maker should now be clean and ready for the next few weeks of use. You can enjoy the authentic taste of your coffee again.