Regular use of coffee machines inevitably leads to the formation of a scale inside the system. Water, even the highest quality in appearance, contains dissolved salts of calcium and magnesium, which, when heated, settle on the walls of tubes and heating elements. Ignoring this problem can lead to serious breakdowns, a decrease in the quality of the drink and an increase in the time of preparing espresso.
Owners often wonder what is best to use: a specialized decalcination Or proven folk methods. The choice of the product directly affects the durability of the internal components and the taste of your coffee. In this article, we will analyze the chemical composition of various cleaners, evaluate their effectiveness and determine, What acids are safe for sealants of your particular coffee machine modelSo that you can make the right choice.
Causes of formation and risks of ignoring scale
The main cause of deposits is the hardness of tap water. When the fluid passes through temperature-block or boiler, it is heated to high temperatures, causing the hardness salts to precipitate. This process is called temporary rigidity, and it happens the faster the higher the heating temperature and the harder the original water.
The accumulation of lime plaque creates an insulating layer on the heating elements. This leads to the fact that TAEN It is necessary to work with increased load to heat the water to the desired temperature. As a result, the energy consumption increases, and the element itself overheats, which significantly reduces its resource.
⚠️ Attention: Ignoring the decalcination procedure can lead to clogged thin capillaries in the brewing block, which often causes expensive repairs that are not subject to warranty.
In addition, pieces of detached scale can get into the cup, worsening the taste of the drink and making it cloudy. Mechanical particles can damage the pump or valves, causing malfunctions in the electronics. Regular cleaning is not just a recommendation, but a necessity for maintenance. pressure in the system at an optimal level.
Specialized means for decalcination
There is a wide range of shops on the shelves scale-removalSpecifically designed for coffee equipment. Such means as: DeLonghi EcoDecalk, Saeco or UrnexThey contain organic acids (lactic, glycol, citric) in strictly calibrated proportions. They effectively dissolve carbonate deposits without damaging metal and plastic parts.
The main advantage of professional chemistry is the presence of corrosion inhibitors and foam suppressants. These additives protect the inner surfaces from oxidation and prevent the formation of abundant foam that could get into the electronic nodes of the machine. The use of certified solutions is often a prerequisite for conservation. guarantee manufacturer.
Why can't we use the kettles?
Scale removal products in electric kettles often contain hydrochloric or phosphoric acid in high concentrations. They are too aggressive for aluminum alloys and rubber seals of coffee machines, which can lead to microcracks and leaks.
When choosing a tool, pay attention to its composition. Sulfamic acid-based products do a great job with a thick layer of sediments, but require careful washing of the system. Lactic acid acts softer and is ideal for preventive cleaning every 2-3 months.
Folk methods: citric acid and vinegar
Many users prefer to save on expenses, using improvised funds. Citric acid is one of the most popular options. It is a weak organic compound that dissolves calcium deposits well. To prepare the solution, 20-30 grams of powder per liter of water are usually used.
Acetic acid is also often mentioned in care tips, however, you need to be extremely careful here. Vinegar has a pungent smell that is very difficult to wash out of the system. Even after repeatedly running water through a coffee machine, the first cups of coffee can have an unpleasant taste. In addition, vinegar is more aggressive to rubber-sealer And it can cause them to age prematurely.
If you do decide to use citric acid, make sure the crystals are completely dissolved in warm water before pouring into the tank. Undissolved grains can clog the intake valves or damage the impeller pump. This is a cheap but neat method.
Comparative table of cleaning tools
To make it easier for you to decide on the choice, we have prepared a comparative analysis of popular methods. Each category has its pros and cons, which should be considered based on the state of your equipment and the frequency of its use.
| Type of instrument | Efficiency | Safety for sealants | Difficulty flushing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special. liquid (milk k-ta) | Tall. | Maximum | Low. |
| Citric acid | Medium/High | Tall. | Medium |
| Acetic acid | Tall. | Medium (drying rubber) | Tall. |
| Sulfamic acid | Very high. | Medium | Tall. |
The table shows that specialized tools benefit from a combination of factors, especially in terms of safety and ease of use. However, citric acid remains a worthy alternative, provided the solution is properly prepared.
Always use only soft or filtered water to prepare a decalcination solution so as not to introduce new contaminants into the system.
Step-by-step instructions for cleaning the coffee machine
The process of decalcification, or scale removal, may vary slightly depending on the model, but the overall algorithm of actions remains similar for most brands. It is important to follow the sequence strictly so as not to stifle the system and completely remove dissolved salts.
- Empty the water tank and pour the prepared solution of decalcination products.
- Run the cleaning program through a menu or button combination (usually long-term retention of steam and coffee buttons).
- Wait for the cycle to end, periodically interrupting the process for mechanical cleaning of the cappuccinator.
- After the cycle is over, rinse the system several times with clean water.
☑️ Checklist for preparation for decalcination
During the process, the machine will alternately supply the solution either through the brewing group or through the steam tube. Do not ignore these steps, as scale is formed in all nodes where hot water flows. If your model does not have automatic mode, you will have to manually run water through the system, opening the taps.
⚠️ Note: Never decalcify if there is coffee left in the brewing block. This can lead to the formation of dense gruel, which will be extremely difficult to remove.
Frequent errors in the removal of scale
One common mistake is to use too concentrated solution. Users think that “oil porridge can’t spoil,” but high concentrations of acid can corrode plastic compounds and damage water level sensors. Always follow. proportions(c) the funds specified by the manufacturer.
Another mistake is incomplete washing of the system after using acid. Residues of the chemistry can change the pH balance of the water, which will negatively affect the extraction of coffee. The taste of the drink will become sour or metallic. It is necessary to drive through the system at least 2-3 full tanks of clean water.
Automatic decalcination mode in modern coffee machines controls temperature and pressure, making the process safer than manual strait.
It is also a mistake to assume that if the car is quiet, then cleaning is not necessary. The enemy is a savage enemy, and it accumulates gradually. Even if there are no visible symptoms, prevention should be done regularly, especially if you have hard water in the area.
Prevention and care of the water supply system
The best way to combat scale is to prevent its formation in large quantities. Using filtered water or water that has passed through a reverse osmosis system significantly prolongs the life of a coffee machine. However, it is worth remembering that fully distilled water can not be used, since the sensors of some machines work on the electrical conductivity of water.
Change softener filters regularly if they are provided by the design of your device (for example, AquaFilter car-carry Jura or Saeco). Timely replacement of the cartridge reduces the load on the heating element and improves the taste of coffee.
How often do I change the filter softener?
The standard life of the cartridge is about 50 liters or 2 months of use. With very hard water, the resource can be reduced to 3-4 weeks.
Do not forget to wash the system regularly after each drink. Many modern models do this automatically when turned on and off. Do not turn off this function, it helps to keep the hydraulics clean and prevents water stagnation in the tubes.
Can I use citric acid in a DeLonghi coffee machine?
You can use it, but with caution. The concentration should not exceed 20-30 grams per liter. However, the manufacturer recommends special means, and in case of breakdown due to the use of “folk” methods, the warranty can be canceled.
How often should decalcification be performed?
The frequency depends on the hardness of the water and the intensity of use. On average, the procedure is carried out every 2-3 months or after preparing 200-300 cups. The machine will signal itself when the time comes.
Is scaling dangerous for the taste of coffee?
Yes, dangerous. Scaling changes the temperature of the passage of water and can give the drink a foreign taste. In addition, in the thickness of scale, bacteria multiply that enter the cup.
What to do if the coffee becomes sour after cleaning?
You probably didn't flush the system well. Run through the coffee machine another 2-3 tanks of clean water. If the taste has not changed, it is possible that the product was too aggressive and damaged the internal components.