The stone accumulates in the interior of the coffee machine during everyday use. Even the most expensive models require regular maintenance. In this article, you know how, how to easily restore your device to its former splendor.
Where does the stone in the espresso come from?
It's inevitable – each water contains dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium compounds. When we heat the water in the espresso machine, they minerals and deposit on the elements of the device. Over time, they form a hard shell that clogs the tubes and wires. The flow is getting more and more difficult, until eventually it can be blocked.
First warning signals
How to recognize that your espresso machine is calling for help? Here are the most common symptoms:
- The coffee flies with a thinner stream than usual
- The device bursts loudly and vibrates during work
- The drink has an acidic or metallic aftertaste
- Coffee preparation lasts longer than usual
- Strange spots appear on the surface of the coffee
Fighting with a stone – what will you need?
For effective descaling, you need a proper preparation above all. Forget about home methods such as vinegar or citric acid – they can damage the delicate elements of the coffee machine. Choose a dedicated agent for your type of device. Manufacturers offer them in three forms:
- Fluid – the most convenient to use, just pour into the tank
- Tablets – popular in automatic espresso machines
- Powder – requires a thorough dissolve in water
Step by step descaling
Before you start:
- Empty all containers in the espresso machine (water, coffee grounds, drip tray)
- If you have a water filter – be sure to remove it (the cleaning agent can destroy it)
- Prepare the desperate according to the instructions on the packaging
Now, depending on the type of machine:
In an automatic espresso:
- Turn on the descaling program (usually a special button or option in the menu)
- The coffee machine will lead you through the whole process
- Use patience – cleaning will last about 20-30 minutes
In a coffee maker or overflow:
- Pour the designer solution into the tank
- Start the brewing process without coffee
- After passing the half of the solution, take a 10-minute break
- Complete the process with the rest of the fluid
- Finally, rinse the coffee machine, passing through it two full water tanks
How often to repeat the procedure?
It depends on the hardness of the water in your home and the frequency of coffee brewing. You can adopt such a general principle:
- At 2-3 coffees a day – every 3 months
- At 4-6 coffees a day – every 2 months
- With occasional use – every 6 months
Prevention, or what to do to descend less often
You can significantly delay the moment when the coffee machine will require descaling:
- Use the water filter (replace it as recommended by the manufacturer)
- Use filtered or low -mineralized water
- Do not leave water in the night tank
- Regularly clean all available components of the coffee machine
By following these rules, you can significantly delay time to the next descaling process, which of course does not mean that you will never have to do it again. If there is at least one warning signal – then there is nothing to wait for.