A light-up indicator DESCALE orblinker Philips Signals a critical accumulation of mineral deposits inside the hydraulic system, which requires immediate intervention. Ignoring this requirement leads to a decrease in pump pressure, overheating of the boiler and eventual breakage of the heating element due to a violation of the heat sink. The procedure for removing scale takes about 30 minutes and restores the factory parameters of your coffee machine, returning the drink to a rich taste without foreign tastes.
To start the process, it is necessary to prepare a capacity of at least 1.2 liters and a special liquid means for decalcination recommended by the manufacturer. Unlike household acids, professional solutions Philips They act softer on plastic seals, but effectively dissolve calcium carbonate. Before starting, make sure there are no coffee oils left in the brewing block, as mixing the decalcinerator with coffee can lead to clogging of the valves.
Signs of the need for decalcination and the consequences of ignoring
The main indicator of the need for maintenance is the lighting of an orange indicator or the appearance of a corresponding message on the screen. DESCALE NOW. However, even if the automation is silent, there are indirect signs indicating the formation of scale in the tubes and boiler. Reducing the temperature of the finished drink, changing the sound of the pump and increasing the time of cooking the cup are the right symptoms of overgrown channels with salt deposits.
If you ignore the system's requirements, scale It will begin to block the flow of water, creating excess pressure before the heating element. This can lead to depressurization of the connections or failure of an expensive thermal unit. In the series models Saeco and Philips LatteGo Scaling also often clogs the thin capillaries of the panarello, which stops whipping milk.
⚠️ Note: Using acetic or citric acid instead of specialized products can damage rubber seals and cause corrosion of internal metal parts, which is not covered by the warranty.
Timely decalcification extends the life of the device several times. Regular maintenance prevents situations where the machine is blocked and requires a call to a service center for forced error resetting. Users who monitor the cleanliness of the hydraulic system are less likely to experience problems of uneven water flow through coffee.
Selection of means for descaling: original or analogues
The market offers many solutions to combat water hardness, however, Philips It is highly recommended to use the original CA6700 liquid decalcinator. The liquid form allows the tool to penetrate faster into hard-to-reach places of the hydraulic system compared to tablets. Tablet forms often dissolve unevenly, creating a risk of undissolved particles entering the valves.
When choosing analogues, it is important to pay attention to the composition: the product should be based on sulfamic or lactic acid, but do not contain aggressive chlorine-containing components. Original It is designed with materials used in specific models of coffee machines, including food plastics and boiler alloys. Cheap substitutes can leave a film or foam that is difficult to wash.
For regions with very hard water, it is recommended to use bottled water or water passed through a filter jug to increase the intervals between cleanings.
Concentrated solutions are often more profitable than finished mixtures, since they are diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 2 or 1: 3. It is important to strictly observe the dosage indicated on the bottle, so as not to disturb the acid balance, which can affect the taste of the first cooked cups after cleaning. Well-chosen chemistry ensures effective removal of salts without harm to the device.
Preparation of the coffee machine for the cleaning procedure
Before starting the cleaning cycle, a number of preparatory actions must be performed to make the process successful. First, remove the brewing block and rinse it under running water, removing the remnants of coffee dust. If the model has a water filter (AquaClean), it must be removed, as the decalcinator will destroy the filter components.
☑️ Preparation for decalcination
Prepare a clean container of at least 1.2 liters, as during the cleaning process the machine will pump a significant amount of liquid through the system. Mix the contents of the decalcinator bottle with water according to the instructions on the package and pour the solution into the water tank. Set the tank in place and make sure it fits tightly to the body.
Some models Philips They need to be switched to service mode via the menu. To do this, press and hold the steam or menu button for 5 seconds until the indicator blinks. In more modern models with a display, you need to enter the service menu and select an item Decalcify. The machine itself will begin preparing the pump for pumping the solution.
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After activation of the cleaning mode, the machine will start signaling readiness for start-up. Press the start button and the pump will start feeding the solution into the system. The liquid will flow through the capuchinator (if any) and through the hot water supply nozzle. You need to collect this liquid in a prepared container. The process goes cyclically: the machine feeds a portion of the solution, then pauses to affect the acid on scale.
What if the car stopped in the middle of the cycle?
If the process is interrupted due to lack of solution or a light out, do not simply try to add water. You need to completely wash the system with clean water (rinse cycle), then re-cook the solution and start the decalcination program from the beginning, otherwise the acid residue will remain in the boiler.
It is important to monitor the level of liquid in the container and empty the pallet for drops in time, which will quickly fill. Cleaning cycle It usually consists of several stages of solution delivery and pauses. Do not turn off the machine at this time, as the program controls the time of acid exposure. After the tank with the solution is empty, the machine will go into rinse mode.
At the rinse stage, you need to wash the water tank, fill it with clean cold water to the maximum mark and set it back in place again. The machine will continue to work, washing the internal tubes from acid residues and dissolved scale. This stage is critically important so that there is no taste of cleaning agent in the coffee. The process will be completed when the machine automatically shuts down or signals ready to go.
| Process phase | User action | Action of the machine | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Mouth filling, container installation | Team wait | 5 minutes |
| decalcination | Monitoring of the level of liquid in the container | Acid pumping, pauses | 15-20 minutes |
| Rinse | Replacement of water in the tank with clean | Water washing | 10-15 minutes |
| Completion | Pallet reset, installation of the brewing unit | Scaling counter reset | 2 minutes |
Specifics of cleaning models with LatteGo system and automatic cappuccinator
Owners of models with automatic cappuccinator, such as series Philips LatteGoYou should pay special attention to the milk circuit. Although the decalcinator passes through the system, milk fats can react with acid to form compounds that are difficult to wash. It is recommended to start the milk circuit washing program separately after the decalcination cycle, if such a function is provided in the menu. Menu -> Clean.
Removable parts of the cappuccinator (tubes, nozzles) are better to wash separately under warm water with a soft detergent. Automatic cappuccinator It has a complex valve system, and the residues of scale here can cause the device to stop sucking milk. Visually check the outlet holes for white salt deposits.
The main conclusion: decalcination of the hydraulic system and cleaning of the milk tract are two different, but equally important processes for preserving the quality of beverages.
If after cleaning you notice that the capuchinator works worse, repeat the wash cycle with clean water. Sometimes it takes several cycles to completely wash the remains of dissolved scale from the narrow channels of the system. LatteGo. Regular care of the milk module prevents the reproduction of bacteria and the appearance of an unpleasant odor.
Resetting the scale indicator and eliminating errors
In most cases, Philips automatically resets the scale indicator after successful completion of the full cycle (solution + rinse). However, if you interrupt the process or use a concentrated remedy, the indicator may continue to burn. In this case, you must perform a manual reset or repeat the rinse cycle.
For some models (e.g. 2000, 3000 series) there is a combination of buttons for forced reset. This is usually a simultaneous press of the steam button and the coffee volume selection button for 5-10 seconds. The exact combination for your model can be found in the manual or on the official support website. Resetting the error without real cleaning is not recommended, as this will lead to the operation of the machine with scale.
⚠️ Note: If the indicator does not go out after cleaning, and the machine makes strange sounds, it is possible that a piece of scale is stuck in the valve. In this case, it may be necessary to repeat the procedure or contact the service.
If the machine produces an error related to pressure or heating immediately after cleaning, let it cool for 30-40 minutes. A sharp temperature drop or the entry of cold water into the heated boiler could cause a temporary failure of the sensors. Re-energizing often solves the problem if there was no mechanical damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use citric acid instead of a special remedy?
The use of citric acid is not recommended by the manufacturer. Acid crystals may not completely dissolve and damage the pump, and an aggressive environment is able to corrode rubber seals inside the boiler, which will lead to leaks. It is better to use certified liquids.
What if I forgot to remove the AquaClean filter before cleaning?
The AquaClean filter, when in contact with the decalcinator, loses its properties and may begin to break down. It must be removed immediately, thoroughly washed the tank and run a clean water (no acid) rinse cycle to flush possible filter particles out of the system. After that, the filter should be replaced with a new one.
How often should I clean a Philips coffee machine from scale?
The frequency depends on the hardness of the water and the amount of coffee consumed. When using the AquaClean filter and adjusting the water hardness to level 1, cleaning may be required once every 5,000 cups (about 5 years). Without a filter or with high hardness of water - every 2-3 months or after 200-300 cups.
Why did coffee taste sour after cleaning?
Most likely, the rinse cycle was interrupted or not carried out carefully enough. It is necessary to prepare 2-3 cups of hot water (without coffee) and pour them out to completely remove the remnants of the decalcinator from the brewing unit and tubes. The taste should normalize.