Descaling your fully automatic coffee machine: This is how you descale your coffee machine in 4 simple steps
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Time to read 6 min
For many of us, a coffee in the morning is simply essential. This is where the fully automatic machine comes in handy. Press the button and enjoy straight away. Regular care is essential so that your beloved fully automatic coffee machine does not let you down. A key aspect of this is descaling, as it is the key to maintaining coffee quality and extending the life of your device. You can find out exactly how to descale your fully automatic coffee machine and what you should pay attention to in this blog article. Let's go!
Contents
Why is descaling a fully automatic coffee machine important?
Before we get into the details of the descaling process, you should know why descaling is even necessary.
Limescale deposits in fully automatic coffee machines are a natural side effect of heating water. Limescale is primarily made up of calcium carbonate and can build up in your device over time. The effects of limescale deposits are diverse and anything but pleasant:
- Clogged pipes : Limescale can block the water pipes of your fully automatic coffee machine.
- Change in taste : Limescale can affect the taste of your coffee. The coffee becomes weak and has little aroma. Definitely not what we want in the morning!
- Damage to the device : In the long term, limescale can even damage the inside of your fully automatic coffee machine, which can lead to expensive repairs or premature failure.
When should you descale your fully automatic coffee machine?
The need for descaling depends on various factors, including the water hardness in your area and the frequency with which you use your fully automatic coffee machine. Here are some signs that indicate it is time to descale your fully automatic coffee machine:
- Slow water flow : If your coffee is taking longer than usual to flow into the cup, this could be a sign of clogged pipes.
- Loud noises : Loud noises can indicate limescale deposits that are affecting the normal functioning of your fully automatic coffee machine.
- Changed taste: If your coffee for the fully automatic machine suddenly tastes different than usual, it's high time to take action.
- Warning lights : Many modern fully automatic coffee machines have warning lights that light up when it is time for descaling. Don't ignore these!
Most manufacturers recommend descaling your fully automatic coffee machine every two to three months. However, in areas with particularly hard water it may be necessary to do this more frequently.
Materials and tools required
Before you start descaling your fully automatic coffee machine, make sure that you have everything you need to hand. You need:
- Descaling agent : This can either be a special descaling agent for fully automatic coffee machines or a homemade solution.
- Water : To prepare the descaling solution and rinse the device, you need water.
- A container : Mix the descaling solution in a container.
- Gloves : The descaling process can irritate the skin, so you should wear gloves.
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A towel or rag : To catch any drips or splashes.
Now that you have all the necessary materials at hand, let's get into practice and descale your fully automatic coffee machine.
A little disillusionment: there are only limited rules of thumb here. How you have to dilute the descaler and how many passes it takes varies slightly from machine to machine. Especially when rinsing, you should follow the manufacturer's instructions. Otherwise, descaler may remain in your machine. This will then end up in your cup for the next few coffees. Rather unpleasant.
For notorious user manual losers, here are some of the most common mixing ratios:
Liquid descaler: Mixing ratio 1 to 4 or 125 ml descaler to 500 ml water
Tablets: Usually one per 500 ml of water
Powder: Around 15 grams per 500 ml of water
Please still pay attention to the manufacturer's information here. There are usually guideline values for the product on the bottles and packages.
Step-by-step instructions: How to descale your fully automatic coffee machine
Some modern fully automatic coffee machines are equipped with automatic descaling programs. These make the descaling process even easier. All you have to do is add the descaling agent recommended by the manufacturer into the appropriate container and the device will carry out the rest of the process independently. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure descaling is effective.
If your fully automatic coffee machine does not have an automatic program, you should follow the following steps:
Step 1: Preparing the device
- Switch off the fully automatic coffee machine and remove the plug from the socket to ensure that there is no electricity flowing.
- Remove all removable parts, such as the water tank and coffee grounds container.
Step 2: Preparation of the descaling solution
- Read the instructions on the descaling product carefully and mix the required amount with water in a container.
- Put the water tank back into the fully automatic coffee machine and fill it with the descaling solution.
Step 3: Start the descaling process
- Switch on the fully automatic coffee machine and start the descaling process according to the manufacturer's instructions. These can vary depending on the model.
- The descaling solution now circulates through the device. Watch the process carefully and make sure that the solution does not leak.
Step 4: Flush the device
- Once the descaling process is complete, rinse the device thoroughly by running clean water through it several times until the smell of descaling disappears.
- Put the removable parts back into the fully automatic coffee machine and connect it to the power supply.
Congratulations! You have successfully descaled your fully automatic coffee machine. But you may be wondering whether there are alternative methods for descaling. Of course there are!
Alternatives to chemical descaling
If you don't have a special descaling solution on hand or prefer to use natural methods, you can try these two options:
Option 1: Descale the fully automatic coffee machine with baking powder
Baking soda is an effective and natural way to descale. In a container, mix a sachet of baking soda with a liter of water and follow the same descaling process as described above. After descaling, make sure to rinse the fully automatic coffee machine thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue.
Option 2: Descale the fully automatic coffee machine with citric acid
Dissolve two teaspoons of citric acid in one liter of water and use this solution for the descaling process. Citric acid is less aggressive than some commercial descaling products and leaves a pleasant smell. However, you should not use it too often as it can damage the seals.
Note: Do not use vinegar for descaling, as the acid can attack the components of your fully automatic coffee machine. The vinegar can also affect the taste of the coffee.
Helpful tips: Maintenance and care after descaling
After you have successfully descaled your fully automatic coffee machine, you should follow a few maintenance and care steps:
- Cleaning the fully automatic coffee machine : Keep your device clean by regularly cleaning removable parts such as the brewing group, the coffee grounds container and the drip container.
- Avoiding new limescale deposits : To minimize limescale deposits, use soft water or a water filter if possible. This helps to extend the life of your fully automatic coffee machine. The taste of the coffee is also significantly influenced by the water used.
That's it! You are now a descaling professional and can ensure that your fully automatic coffee machine always stays in top shape. Enjoy your perfect coffee!
FAQ Descaling fully automatic coffee machines
Why should I descale my coffee machine?
Limescale deposits not only affect the taste of your coffee machine, but can also cause serious damage.
What role does hard water play in limescale buildup?
Water filters are particularly recommended in areas with particularly hard water and can reduce limescale deposits.
How often should I descale my coffee machine?
The frequency of descaling depends on the water hardness and the filter type. As a rule of thumb, you should descale every 3 to 6 months. Fully automatic machines often provide descaling instructions themselves.
Why does my fully automatic coffee machine become calcified faster than other kitchen appliances?
Due to their design, fully automatic coffee machines can be more susceptible to limescale deposits than other devices.
Can I use normal descaling agent from the supermarket?
Yes, you can use commercially available descaling agents as long as they are suitable for fully automatic coffee machines. Please note, however, that some manufacturers recommend special descaling agents so as not to jeopardize warranty claims.
Can I descale fully automatic coffee machines?
Yes, that is possible. It is therefore important that you follow the manufacturer's instructions and do not descale more frequently than recommended. Otherwise, the lifespan of your fully automatic coffee machine may be affected.
How do I properly descale my coffee machine?
Dilute the descaler according to the manufacturer's instructions and rinse thoroughly. The mixing ratios vary depending on the type of descaler. For fully automatic machines, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
