How to Descale Your Coffee Machine
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If your coffee machine isn't working like it once did, you could be dealing with a build up of limescale. Understanding how to descale your coffee machine is important for keeping internal components running smoothly, maintaining performance, and ensuring the freshest tasting coffee.
In this blog we’ll cover exactly what limescale is, how to tell your coffee machine needs descaling, how often you should be doing it, and the easiest way to get rid of build-up.
What is Limescale?
Limescale refers to a chalky, white substance which is made from a high concentration of calcium carbonate.
When water is heated, minerals separate and are left behind on components inside your machine, like the heating element and water pipes.
Hard water is common across the UK, and is the main cause of limescale.
That means every single time you make a cup of coffee, small amounts of minerals are deposited inside your machine.
Over time it can:
- Impede water flow
- Reduce brewing temperatures
- Cause machines to use more energy
- Damage internal components
- Causes your coffee to taste different
Coffee machines that are used consistently are at a higher risk of limescale build-up because they are repeatedly heating water.
Signs Your Coffee Machine Needs Descaling
Most people will wait until their coffee machine stops working before they properly descale it. But there are several indicators months in advance that your machine could do with a descale.
Let’s look at the most common signs your coffee machine needs descaling:
1. Takes Longer to Brew
If your coffee machine seems slow or it takes longer than usual to brew, it could be that limescale is building up inside the machine and reducing water flow through the pipes.
2. Louder Operation
A coffee machine that sounds more strained or noisy than normal could be working harder to push water past mineral build-up.
3. Doesn’t Get as Hot
Scale can coat the heating element inside your coffee machine, meaning water isn’t getting as hot as it should during brewing.
If your coffee tastes colder than usual, this could be the reason.
4. Coffee Tastes Flat/Bitter
Scale can also affect the taste of your coffee, making it flat, metallic or even slightly bitter.
5. You Can See White Deposits
White scale can often be seen around the water tank or inside the machine itself. These are all signs that it’s time to descale.
How Often Should You Descale a Coffee Machine?
Generally speaking, you should descale your coffee machine:
- Every 3-6 months (for normal usage)
- Every 1-3 months (if you live in a hard water area)
- As soon as possible (if it stops working)
If you use your coffee machine every day, then descaling is a crucial part of routine maintenance.
Many bean-to-cup coffee machines will actually feature a descaling light to let you know when it’s time to clean, and even sometimes a descaling function to flush the machine itself.
If your machine doesn’t have one, setting a reminder will help you keep your machine in good working order for longer.
How to Descale Your Coffee Machine
Before beginning remember to always follow manufacturer instructions where possible.
Descaling your coffee machine is quick and easy:
- Empty the coffee machine and remove any filters or coffee pods.
- Fill the reservoir with 1:1 parts white vinegar and water (or use commercial coffee machine descaler, following instructions)
- Begin a brew cycle and switch off when it’s half finished
- Leave to stand for 30-60 minutes
- Finish the brewing cycle
- Run 2-3 brewing cycles with clean water to rinse
And that’s it. You should allow about an hour each time you descale your coffee machine to allow for soaking.
White Vinegar vs Descaling Liquid: Which Should I Use?
White vinegar may be commonly used, but is it always the best option?
Pros of using vinegar to descale your coffee machine:
- Inexpensive
- Readily available
- Great for light scale build-up
Cons of Vinegar
- Strong vinegar smell
- Can leave a smell/taste in your machine
- May take several rinses
- Discouraged by some manufacturers
For the best results and to keep your machine in great working order, most coffee machine users swear by using a commercial descaling product.
Commercial descaling solutions are specifically designed to cut through lime scale without damaging parts, seals or heating elements.
Conclusion
Learning how to descale your coffee machine is important for maintaining great tasting coffee. If you’re not sure when to descale, try to keep an eye out for any changes in performance or taste.
You should aim to descale your coffee machine every few months as a base line to prevent damage and poor performance.
Always follow manufacturer instructions first and foremost, but for the safest and most effective results, use a commercial coffee machine descaling solution. A clean coffee machine not only lasts longer, but makes better coffee.