How to Descale Coffee Machines:

What is it and How to Make the Process?

If you have a coffee machine at home, you may have already noticed a symbol on the display asking you to descale it. It’s just the machine notifying you that it needs to go through a maintenance process.

But do you know how to descale a coffee machine?

Among some necessary precautions for the maintenance of the coffee machines, descaling is one of the most important.

It not only guarantees the good functioning of the machine for a longer period of time but also prevents damage and clogging, among other problems.

Calcification occurs due to the pH (acidity level) of the water used to make the coffee after some time of use (extracted doses or litres). If it has a pH greater than 7 (alkaline), calcification is faster, and maintenance is necessary.

The time it takes to calcify is already predetermined by the software on the machine, so some models automatically tell you when it’s time to descale.

If the pH of the water is always below 7 (more acidic), the passage of the liquid during the normal operation of the coffee machines will descale and this maintenance will only be necessary for pre-determined periods.

Understand the process of how to descale the coffee machines below!

As you can already see, descaling is an important coffee machines maintenance procedure that must be carried out periodically in order to avoid damage to the machine over time.

It is just routine maintenance, among many other basic precautions that you must take to ensure the proper functioning of the equipment for a longer period of time.

Coffee machines calcification has to do with the pH (acidity level) of the water used to make your coffee every day.

Normally, each piece of equipment has a number of doses or litres of coffee to be served pre-determined by its software until it is necessary to carry out the descaling process.

The higher the pH (greater than 7), the more alkaline the water is and the coffee machines calcification becomes faster.

On the other hand, if the pH of the water is always kept below 7 (more acidic), its passage itself, when functioning normally, will decalcify, making this maintenance only necessary in the periods predetermined by the manufacturer.

The water we use in the coffee pot to make coffee can often contain high levels of calcium and magnesium salts, which are important minerals for our bodies.

However, when heating the water inside the coffee machines, these mineral salts break down, giving rise to calcium carbonate, which is deposited forming a layer of limestone.

Over time, this layer becomes firmer and thicker, which can cause damage to the internal parts of the coffee machines that are in contact with water.

Areas in contact with water for a long time are the most affected, and some components, such as the water pump, end up having to work more than normal, generating noise and more wear and tear on the equipment.
For this reason, descaling is important to ensure that these solid limescale residues from the water are removed from the coffee machine boilers, especially if you use water with a pH greater than 7 (more alkaline).

If you use mineral water, note what it says on the package label about the pH of the water. Or check the acidity of the water with a pH Measuring Tape to keep it always acidic (pH below 7).

As we said, some models of coffee machines let you know when it is necessary to descale the coffee machines.

However, not all of them have this feature, especially the most traditional electric coffee machines.

In this case, there are some symptoms that can be noticed in your coffee machines if it is already showing an accumulation of limestone or other residues.

If so, the equipment instruction manual can help you understand how to descale the cafeteria.

• Otherwise, note the following:
• Decrease in the volume of coffee when preparing;
• Reduced boiler capacity;
• Unusual heating;
• Clogs (water passage hose, or other holes);
• Noises when running;
• Reduced coffee foam, with a thinner appearance.

Once you understand what descaling is and how it happens, you can already imagine why it is important to learn how to descale coffee machines.

The benefits of the process for maintaining the device when done correctly and regularly are many.

After all, the most important thing is to ensure the proper functioning of your coffee machines for as long as possible, that is, to extend their useful life as much as possible.

See below why you should learn how to descale coffee machines:

1. To guarantee the maximum volume of coffee in each cup;
2. Ensure that the coffee temperature is always adequate;
3. Avoid abnormal noises during coffee preparation;
4. Avoid spending or replacing the machine due to lack of maintenance and accumulated limestone;
5. Make sure your coffee comes out perfect.

Each coffee machine will come with its own instructions for use and may use different processes to carry out the descaling, according to its internal parts and how it works.

However, there is a way to descale the coffee machines in a simple way, especially if your coffee machine is a more traditional electric model.

For other models, such as espresso machines, consult the manual for each one of them, or access the individual links below:

Step by step to descale the coffee machines:

1. Pour 500ml of water into the reservoir;
2. Dissolve 2 scoops of citric acid (can be found easily in compounding pharmacies, lab stores, or lemon juice);
3. Unhook the filter holder and place a container under the machine to catch the water;
4. Turn on the machine until the coffee temperature indicator is OK and press the button to turn on;
5. Extract half of the solution in this process;
6. Turn off the machine;
7. Allow the solution to act for 15 to 20 minutes;
8. Reconnect and extract the remainder of the solution;
9. To rinse, fill the reservoir with clean water and extract water until it is completely empty twice.

The internet is full of tutorials and miracle recipes for this or that.
In this case, if you type “how to descale coffee machines”, you will find information that recommends using vinegar to descale the machine.

Although vinegar is mainly composed of acetic acid and water, which would help with decalcification, it is not recommended for this job.

As with other homemade descaling recipes, especially those based on mineral acids (such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid or sulfamic acid), capable of damaging the coffee machines piping system.

There is no way to prevent the accumulation of scale in the coffee machines, as calcification will occur at some point.

However, there is a way to prolong use and delay this maintenance process for longer. Many models of coffee machines already warn when it is necessary to descale.

In general, always keeping the pH of the water acidic, you can use it for longer and avoid the rapid accumulation of limestone. However, it is important to keep in mind that the coffee machines should be descaled annually or every 1000 cups served.

This regular maintenance will ensure the smooth running of the machine and prevent problems from arising due to lack of cleaning.

Such as, for example, loss of temperature in the boiler, residues and solid particles in the coffee, small water flow, etc.

So, take care of your coffee machines with love, maybe that way you can postpone the descaling process any longer.