Descaling Methods: What to Use
Choosing the right descaling solution is crucial for effectiveness and machine safety. Here are your options ranked by recommendation.
Commercial Descaler
Specialized coffee machine descaling solutions
Products: Urnex Dezcal, Cafiza, Full Circle
Citric Acid Solution
Food-grade citric acid mixed with water
Products: Food-grade citric acid powder
Vinegar Solution
White vinegar diluted with water
Products: White distilled vinegar
How Often to Descale
Descaling frequency depends on water quality, usage patterns, and machine type. Use this guide to determine your schedule.
Water Hardness
How to check: Test strips, local water reports, TDS meter
Usage Frequency
How to check: Track your usage patterns
Machine Type
How to check: Check your manual for specific recommendations
Step-by-Step Descaling Guide
Follow these steps exactly for safe and effective descaling. Don't skip any steps, especially rinsing.
Preparation
Actions:
- • Turn off and unplug machine
- • Remove portafilter and any accessories
- • Empty water reservoir
- • Read your machine's manual for specific instructions
Why it matters: Safety and proper preparation ensure effective descaling
Pro tip: Take photos before disassembly for reassembly reference
Mix Descaling Solution
Actions:
- • Prepare solution according to package directions
- • Typical ratio: 1 part descaler to 10 parts water
- • Mix enough to fill your reservoir
- • Stir thoroughly until completely dissolved
Why it matters: Proper concentration ensures effectiveness without damage
Pro tip: Use warm water to help dissolve powder descalers completely
Run Descaling Cycle
Actions:
- • Fill reservoir with descaling solution
- • Turn on machine and let it heat up
- • Run water through group head in 30-second intervals
- • Pause 1-2 minutes between intervals
- • Repeat until reservoir is half empty
Why it matters: Allows solution to work on mineral deposits throughout the system
Pro tip: Place a large container under the portafilter to catch solution
Let Solution Sit
Actions:
- • Turn off machine and let solution sit for 20-30 minutes
- • For heavy buildup, let sit up to 1 hour
- • Solution continues working during this time
Why it matters: Extended contact time breaks down stubborn mineral deposits
Pro tip: Don't exceed recommended time to prevent damage
Complete the Cycle
Actions:
- • Turn machine back on and heat up
- • Run remaining solution through the system
- • Flush steam wand if applicable
- • Run hot water through all beverage programs
Why it matters: Ensures all internal components receive descaling treatment
Pro tip: For super-automatics, run cleaning program if available
Rinse Thoroughly
Actions:
- • Empty remaining solution from reservoir
- • Rinse reservoir thoroughly with fresh water
- • Refill with fresh water
- • Run 2-3 full reservoirs of fresh water through machine
Why it matters: Removes all descaling solution residue to prevent taste issues
Pro tip: Taste the water after final rinse - should be neutral
Final Cleaning
Actions:
- • Clean portafilter, basket, and shower screen
- • Wipe exterior of machine
- • Run a blank shot to ensure clean water flow
- • Make a test shot of espresso
Why it matters: Complete cleaning ensures best tasting coffee
Pro tip: Discard first few shots after descaling
Common Descaling Problems
Sometimes things don't go perfectly. Here's how to handle common descaling issues.
Machine Won't Heat Up After Descaling
Common causes:
Air in system, thermostat tripped, heating element issue
Solutions:
- • Run water through system to purge air
- • Check if machine needs to be reset
- • Let machine cool completely and restart
- • Contact manufacturer if problem persists
Prevention: Follow descaling instructions precisely, don't let solution sit too long
Strange Taste After Descaling
Common causes:
Insufficient rinsing, solution residue
Solutions:
- • Run additional fresh water cycles
- • Clean portafilter and accessories thoroughly
- • Run blank shots until water tastes neutral
- • Consider running another descaling cycle with fresh solution
Prevention: Always rinse thoroughly with at least 2 full reservoirs of fresh water
Leaking During Descaling
Common causes:
Loose connections, worn seals, overfilling
Solutions:
- • Check all connections and fittings
- • Ensure reservoir isn't overfilled
- • Replace worn seals and gaskets
- • Reduce pressure during descaling if possible
Prevention: Inspect seals regularly, don't overfill reservoir
Error Codes During Descaling
Common causes:
Machine detects issue, safety features activated
Solutions:
- • Check manual for specific error code meaning
- • Turn machine off and restart
- • Ensure proper solution concentration
- • Contact customer support if needed
Prevention: Use manufacturer-recommended descaler, follow instructions exactly
Machine-Specific Tips
Different machines have unique requirements. Here are specific tips for common machine types.
Breville Machines
Pro tips: Use Breville descaler, don't skip rinse cycles, clean steam wand separately
DeLonghi Machines
Pro tips: Descale steam wand separately, run extra rinse cycles, prime pump thoroughly
Super-Automatics
Pro tips: Clean brew group separately, follow manufacturer's program exactly, be patient
Thermoblock Machines
Pro tips: Descale more frequently, use filtered water, pay attention to flow rate
Prevention Tips: Reduce Scale Buildup
Prevent scale buildup before it starts with these proactive measures.
Use Filtered Water
How to do it:
Install water filter or use bottled/filtered water
Why it works:
Reduces mineral content that causes scale buildup
Impact: Can double time between descaling cycles
Regular Rinse Cycles
How to do it:
Run water through machine weekly when not in use
Why it works:
Prevents mineral deposits from settling
Impact: Keeps system clean between deep cleanings
Empty Reservoir Daily
How to do it:
Leave reservoir empty when not using machine for extended periods
Why it works:
Stagnant water promotes mineral deposits
Impact: Reduces scale formation in reservoir and lines
Monitor Water Hardness
How to do it:
Test water hardness quarterly
Why it works:
Adjust descaling frequency based on water quality
Impact: Prevents over- or under-descaling
Keep Machine Warm
How to do it:
Leave machine on during periods of heavy use
Why it works:
Temperature fluctuations can promote scale formation
Impact: More consistent operation, less stress on components
