Reducing the pressure of the steam jet and the appearance of a characteristic buzzing sound when the heating element is working thermal-block It is believed that the water supply channels are already partially blocked by solid deposits. If you ignore these symptoms, the calcium carbonate layer will thicken, which will lead to overheating of the thermal power plant and the outage of expensive electronics. Owners of automatic and carob coffee machines need to regularly carry out the procedure decalcinationto restore the permeability of the hydraulic system and the quality of brewing.
Hard water contains salts of magnesium and calcium, which when heated precipitate, forming a dense crust on the inner walls of the boiler and tubes. DeLonghi, Bosch Other manufacturers in technical passports indicate the need for regular maintenance precisely because of the risk of overgrowth. scaled. Home conditions allow you to effectively eliminate the problem without contacting the service center, if you use the right reagents and follow the sequence of actions.
Timely removal of mineral deposits prolongs the service life of the device and preserves the taste characteristics of espresso. The accumulated stone changes the thermal conductivity of the metal, which may cause water to not reach the desired temperature or, conversely, boil inside the channels, creating excessive pressure. Regular prevention It takes no more than 30 minutes, but saves from complex and expensive repairs.
Causes of the formation of deposits and their effect on technology
The main factor provoking the appearance of scale is the chemical composition of tap water. Depending on the region, the stiffness may vary, but even a visually clear liquid often contains a high concentration of dissolved salts. When passing through heater Water changes temperature dramatically, causing instant crystallization of minerals on metal surfaces.
The scale layer acts as a thermal insulator, which means the system takes more time and electricity to heat the water to operating temperature. This increases the burden on charge and resource reduction pumpIt is forced to push water through narrowed channels. Over time, the efficiency of heat exchange falls so much that the machine ceases to give coffee to the desired fortress.
⚠️ Warning: Ignoring cleaning signals can cause permanent damage boiler And require replacement of expensive nodes, the cost of which is often comparable to the price of a new device.
In addition to technical problems, scale affects the organoleptic properties of the drink. Old deposits can be washed out in pieces, getting into the cup and giving coffee an unpleasant taste and turbidity. Regular decalcification It allows you to maintain a stable quality of espresso and prevents mixing of fresh grain with the remains of old plaque.
Use filtered or bottled water for brewing to significantly reduce the rate of scale formation and increase intervals between services.
Selection of scale removal equipment
The market offers a wide range of specialized liquids and tablets specifically designed for coffee equipment. The chemical composition of such products is selected so as to effectively dissolve calcium carbonate without damaging rubber seals and plastic parts. hydrosystem. Popular brands such as Saeco, DeLonghi and JuraThey produce their own lines of consumables that guarantee compatibility.
Many users consider using citric acid or vinegar as a budget alternative. Although these substances do have acidic properties and are able to dissolve sediments, their use carries risks. Concentrated citric acid It can aggressively affect (oil rings) and leave a difficult to remove sediment, if not washed the system thoroughly.
- 🧪 Specialized liquids based on sulfamic acid are safe for all materials and are easy to wash off.
- 💊 Tablets are convenient in dosage, but require more time for complete dissolution in water.
- 🍋 Natural acids (lemon, acetic) are available but require strict concentration control to avoid corrosion.
When choosing a drug, it is important to pay attention to the instructions of the manufacturer of the coffee machine. Some models, especially those with sophisticated automation and stiffness sensors, may not work properly with certain types of reagents. Use of the original It is often a condition of guaranteeing obligations.
| Type of instrument | Time of exposure | Safety for rubber | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid concentrate | 15-20 minutes. | Tall. | Medium |
| Pills. | 30-40 minutes. | Tall. | Tall. |
| Citric acid | 20-30 minutes. | Medium | Low. |
| Vinegar (solution) | 15-20 minutes. | Low. | Low. |
Preparation of the coffee machine for the cleaning procedure
Before the beginning of the active phase of cleaning, a number of preparatory actions must be performed to ensure the safety of the process and the effectiveness of the reagent. First of all, remove all removable elements from the device: a drop pallet, a container for coffee grounds and a water filter, if installed. Presence coal-filter inside the tank is unacceptable, as it neutralizes the effect of the cleaning agent.
Rinse the water tank with warm water to remove possible residues of old coffee or mucus. Then prepare the solution according to the instructions on the packaging of the selected product. Usually, a certain amount of concentrate is required to be mixed with water in a proportion depending on the volume of the tank and the degree of contamination. scaled.
Make sure the coffee machine is warmed up and ready to go, but is on standby. For some models Bosch or Siemens You need to transfer the device to a special service mode through the settings menu to start the automatic wash cycle. In simple carob models, it is enough to simply turn on the heating.
☑️ Preparation for decalcination
Step-by-step instructions for decalcination
Pour the prepared solution into the water tank. Turn on the car and wait for the exit to work mode. If your model supports automatic cleaning program, run it through the menu. In this case, the device will pump the liquid through itself. cook-block and a steam tube with the necessary pauses.
For machines without automatic mode, the process is performed manually. Open the hot water tap or steam pipe and drain about 100-150 ml of solution, then close the tap and let the machine stand for 5-10 minutes. This pause is necessary for the acid to react with the deposits and soften carbonate plugs.
Repeat the draining and pause procedure until the tank is empty. It is important not to rush the process by giving the chemistry time to work. If a carob coffee maker is used, you can also remove the shower group (if the design allows) and soak it in the residues of the solution for deep cleaning of the mesh.
⚠️ Warning: Never use the solution to make coffee. The whole decalcination process should take place in a well-ventilated room, as acid vapors can be unpleasant to the respiratory tract.
After the complete emptying of the tank with cleaning agent, the entire system must be thoroughly washed. To do this, fill the tank with clean drinking water and repeat the cycle of the strait several times. This is a critical step to wash the residues of acid and dissolved scale from hydraulic circuit.
Nuances for capsule machines
Capsule systems (Nespresso, Dolce Gusto) often require a special mode activated by a combination of buttons. Before starting, make sure that the capsule receiver is empty and the container for used capsules is cleaned so as not to block the release of the liquid.
System washing and checking the result
The final stage of cleaning the coffee machine from scale at home is a control flushing. Pour a full tank of fresh water and pass it through the brewing system. Repeat this operation 2-3 times until the water without odor and a foreign vulture goes from the nose.
Pay attention to the color of the leaking liquid. If white flakes or mud are visible in it, then the process of dissolution has been successful, and the remains are scale They're washed out. In this case, the washing should continue. Clean water at the outlet is an indicator of the readiness of the device to work.
Check the steam tube. After decalcination, the steam jet should become powerful and dry, without the characteristic whistle caused by obstacles in the channel. The improvement in the pressure indicates that temperature-block Free from salt plugs.
- 💧 Rinse the system until the chemical odor is completely gone.
- 👃 Evaluate the smell of steam – it should be neutral.
- ☕ Boil the first trial coffee and pour it out to make sure the taste is clean.
Don’t forget to assemble the car, install the pallets in place and, if necessary, return the water filter (by pre-activating it, if the instructions so require). Now your device. DeLonghi, Krups or any other brand is ready for use.
Quality washing is more important than the process of dissolving scale, as acid residues can spoil the taste of coffee and damage metal parts with prolonged contact.
Frequency of the procedure and prevention
The regularity of cleaning depends on the hardness of the water in your area and the intensity of the use of the coffee machine. Manufacturers usually recommend decalcination every 2-3 months or after making 200-300 cups. However, these figures are averaged and may require adjustment.
If you use tap water without filtration, the intervals should be reduced to 1-1.5 months. Owners of devices with built-in stiffness indicators (for example, in models) Saeco) easier - the machine will inform itself of the need for maintenance with a flashing indicator.
To prevent the formation of a dense layer of scale, special softening cartridges can be used. They effectively retain calcium salts, prolonging life heater. It is also helpful not to leave water in the tank for a long time if the machine is not used for several days.
⚠️ Please do not wait until the car is completely out of operation. Planned cleaning takes less time and is cheaper than emergency repairs of a clogged boiler.
Keeping a simple maintenance schedule will help you not forget about the importance of the procedure. Write down the date of the last cleaning on a sticker or calendar app. This is a simple habit that will keep your coffee machine in perfect condition for years to come.
Winter period
In winter, when the water in the water supply can be tougher due to the peculiarities of water treatment, it is recommended to increase the frequency of cleaning by 20-30%.
Can you use a vinegar essence instead of special means?
The use of concentrated vinegar essence is not recommended, as it can damage rubber seals and plastic tubes inside the machine. Regular table vinegar (9%) in diluted form (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water) can be used, but it is less effective and leaves a persistent smell that is difficult to wash.
What to do if the coffee is not good after cleaning?
If the taste persists, there may be residues of cleaning agent left in the system. Repeat the wash cycle with clean water 2-3 times. Also, the reason may be old oil in the brewing block - in this case, it is not necessary to decalcinate, but to clean with special tablets from fatty plaque.
How often should the water filter be changed?
The standard life of a carbon filter softener is 2 months or 50 liters of water (whichever comes first). Regularly changing the filter is the best prevention of education scale and guarantee of high-quality water purification from chlorine and impurities.
Is citric acid dangerous for aluminum?
Yes, citric acid can react with aluminum alloys, causing them to corrosion. If in your coffee machine (For example, some of the older models) the boiler is made of aluminum, it is better to use specialized products based on sulfamic acid, which are safe for all metals.
Why doesn't the car see the tank full after cleaning?
Sometimes, after a flood of liquid, the magnetic float in the tank can stick or shift. Check the free float and make sure the tank is installed correctly. If the problem persists, a calibration of the level sensor described in the instruction manual for a particular model may be required.