Coffee machines Krups Deservedly considered one of the most reliable representatives of household appliances, but even the most perfect mechanism requires regular maintenance for stable operation. Owners often ignore the signals about the need for cleaning, which eventually leads to breakage of the heating element or the brewing unit. Proper and timely care can extend the life of the device for several years, while maintaining the great taste of your espresso or cappuccino.
The maintenance process is divided into two main stages: the removal of lime plaque (decalcination) and the cleaning of the brewing mechanism from coffee oils. Scale. The main enemy of any equipment that works with water, and it accumulates gradually, reducing the throughput of the tubes. Ignoring these procedures can cause the machine to start making noise, heat water longer than usual, or stop supplying water altogether.
In this article, we will analyze all stages of service in detail, give a table of compatibility of tools and answer questions that most often arise from users. You will learn to distinguish between the signals of indicators and understand when it is time to sound the alarm and start taking action. Regularity It is a key factor in the durability of your coffee maker.
Frequency of maintenance and signs of pollution
Determine what your coffee machine is Krups cleaning is required, it is possible not only after the expiration of time, but also for indirect signs in the process of operation. Many modern models are equipped with a smart display system, which itself will tell you when it is time to start the decalcination program. However, relying on electronics alone is not worth it, as the hardness of water varies greatly in different regions.
If you notice that the coffee has become less hot, and the stream at the strait has become sluggish and intermittent, this is a sure sign of overgrown channels by scale. Also pay attention to the sound of the pump: hum or whistles indicate that the pump has become more difficult to pump water through the ducts clogged with salts.
- 🔴 The Calc or Descale indicator lights up red or flashes, requiring immediate attention.
- 📉 The pressure of the drink fell, the foam on the espresso became pale and quickly disappears.
- 👃 There was a foreign smell or taste in the finished drink, different from the usual aroma of fresh grains.
- ⏱️ The cooking time of one serving increased by 5-10 seconds compared to the norm.
The frequency of the procedures depends on the hardness of the water used. If you use tap water without filtration, it is recommended to clean every 2-3 months or after preparing 200-300 cups. When using filtered or bottled water, the interval can be increased to 4-6 months.
⚠️ Attention: Never ignore the flashing decalcination indicator. The operation of a coffee machine with a blocked cleaning program can lead to overheating thermal-block and its failure, which is not a guarantee.
There is a misconception that the more often you decalcify, the better it is for the machine. This is not the case: the use of aggressive acid solutions more often than the manufacturer recommends can damage rubber seals. Keep a balance between regularity and necessity.
Preparation of equipment and selection of cleaning products
Before starting the process, all consumables must be prepared. For coffee machines. Krups It is critical to use products that do not contain hydrochloric acid, as it can destroy the metal elements of the boiler. The optimal choice is special tablets or liquids based on citric or lactic acid.
You will need a capacity of at least 1 liter to collect waste liquid. It is most convenient to use a measuring jug or a large pan, since a significant amount of water with dissolved salts passes through the system during the cleaning process.
Let’s look at the main types of funds available on the market and their features:
| Type of instrument | Form of issue | Time of action | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid concentrate | The bottle with the dispenser | 15-20 minutes | Dissolves quickly, easily dosed |
| Pills. | Effervescent pills | 20-30 minutes | Convenient in storage, exclude overdose |
| Powder | Sasha | 15-25 minutes | Requires careful dissolution, economical |
| Organic products | Liquid/Gel | 30-40 minutes | A softer action, safer for sealants |
For washing the brewing block from coffee oils will require special fattening-pill. They act differently than scale remedies, breaking down the fatty film that gives coffee bitterness. Do not try to replace them with dishwashing products – they form too much foam that is difficult to wash out of the internal system.
Also prepare soft fabric without pile and warm water. It is strictly forbidden to use acetic acid in its pure form.It can damage plastic parts and rubber pipes inside the coffee machine. Krups.
Use only soft water (hardness up to 4°dH) to make coffee – this will reduce the frequency of decalcification by 2-3 times and improve the taste of the drink.
Step by step: decalcination of the coffee machine
Scaling removal process in coffee machines Krups It is usually automated but requires constant monitoring by the user. Before starting, make sure there is no water in the tank and the drip tray is empty. Pour clean water to the maximum mark and add the product according to the instructions on the package (usually 1 liquid cap or 1 tablet).
Turn on the car and wait for the transition to readiness. Depending on the model, the program can be launched via a menu on the display or a combination of buttons. For example, on many models, you need to simultaneously press and hold the steam button and hot water supply for 5 seconds.
The process then takes place in several cycles:
- 💧 The machine is then used to collect the solution and stop for 15-20 minutes for a chemical reaction.
- 🚿 There is a spill of part of the solution through the capuchinator and the brewing group.
- 🔄 The cycle is repeated several times with pauses until the tank is completely empty.
- 🚰 After completion, you need to thoroughly wash the system with clean water 2-3 times.
During the pause, when the machine is “silent”, the main process of dissolution of sediments occurs. Do not attempt to interrupt the process or turn the device off the network. If the program is interrupted, it will have to be run again, as the remaining acid in the system may be too concentrated.
⚠️ Attention: The decalcination solution is chemically active. Avoid getting liquid on the countertop, clothing or skin of the hands. If you accidentally get into your eyes, wash them immediately with plenty of water.
After completing the clean water wash cycle, be sure to wipe the steam tube and hot water supply nozzle with a moist cloth. Residues of the product can dry and clog thin holes, which will lead to problems with whipping milk in the future.
☑️ Checklist of decalcination
Cleaning of the brewing block and hydraulic system
The Brewing Block is the “heart” of your coffee machine Krups. This is where ground coffee turns into a fragrant drink. Over time, coffee oils oxidize and create a dense plaque that is not washed away by ordinary water. This leads to the appearance of an unpleasant taste of “old coffee” even in a freshly prepared cup.
In most models Krups The block is removable. To reach it, open the service door (usually on the front or side) and press the locks. Remove the block carefully, holding by special handles, so as not to sprinkle the rest of the coffee.
The cleaning process is as follows:
- Wash the extracted unit under a stream of warm (not hot!) water without using detergents.
- Examine the mesh filters for clogged pores and gently clean them with a soft brush.
- For deep cleaning, use special degreasing tablets, dissolving them in water and soaking the block for the time specified by the manufacturer.
- Wash all parts thoroughly and let them dry in air before mounting back.
The internal chamber, where the brewing block is inserted, must also be kept clean. Wipe it with a wet wipe, removing the awakened coffee and dust. Lubricate moving parts of the brewing block with edible oil or Vaseline is impossible - for this there are special food lubricants on a silicone basis, but they should be used extremely rarely and only if necessary.
What to do if the block is not inserted back?
Make sure the block is assembled correctly and all latches are closed. Often the problem is that the piston is not in the lower position. Try gently pressing the top of the block, simulating the door closing to get the mechanism in place, and then insert it into the machine.
If your coffee machine model has a non-removable brewing unit (One Touch system or some compact models), cleaning is done exclusively chemically with tablets that are laid instead of coffee. In this case, the brewing cycle takes place without coffee, and the dissolved tablet cleans the internal channels.
Care for the capuchinator and external elements
The cappuccinator is an element that comes in contact with milk, and milk is the perfect medium for bacteria to multiply. The hygiene of this part of the coffee machine Krups You need to pay special attention after each use.
Immediately after whipping the milk, wipe the outside of the tube with a wet cloth. Then run the steam supply for a few seconds to clear the inner nozzle of milk residues. If this is not done, the milk inside the tube will dry and turn into a stone that will be very difficult to remove.
- 🥛 Remove the removable nozzle (panarello) and rinse it with warm water with a brush.
- 🧼 Once a week, soak removable parts of the cappuccinator in warm water with a mild detergent.
- 🚫 Do not use sharp objects (needles, scissors) to clean the steam hole - you can damage the calibrated hole.
The outer body of the coffee machine should be wiped with a wet soft cloth. For models with stainless steel coating (Stainless Steel) use special polishes to avoid divorces and fingerprints. Plastic surfaces are enough to wipe with ordinary water or a weak soap solution.
The drop pallet and the cake container should be emptied regularly. Do not allow overflows, as this can lead to water leaking onto the table or blocking the operation of the machine. Wash the tray with warm water using a conventional dishwashing remedy.
Daily prophylaxis of the cappuccinator takes 30 seconds, but saves from the need to disassemble and soak the system in acid solutions in the future.
Frequent maintenance errors and troubleshooting
Even following the instructions, users often make mistakes that negate all care efforts. One of the most common is the use of too hot water to wash the brewing unit. The plastic from which it is made can deform, which will lead to depressurization and loss of pressure when brewing.
Another mistake is the use of distilled water. Paradoxically, it is harmful for coffee machines. The water hardness sensors work on the basis of electrical conductivity, and there are no salts in distilled water, so the machine “thinks” that the water is very soft, and does not start scale protection modes, although in reality, metal elements can corrosion.
What if the car doesn’t turn on or behaves strangely after cleaning? Check if all service doors are closed tightly and if the pallet is properly installed. Many models Krups have sensors that block the start if the pallet for drops is not inserted before clicking.
⚠️ Attention: If you have used an aggressive remedy and smell it in your coffee after 3-4 cycles of washing, do not drink this coffee. Continue washing until the chemical taste is completely gone.
If an error code appears on the display that is not reset after rebooting, refer to the code table in the user's instructions. Often codes like “F05” or “E10” indicate a specific malfunction that cannot be solved by a simple cleaning.
Can I use citric acid from the grocery store?
Technically, it is possible, but difficult to calculate the concentration. The crystals may not dissolve completely and damage the pump. It is better to use ready-made, balanced products, where the pH is selected specifically for coffee machines.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
How often should I change the water filter in the Krups machine?
Standard cartridge filter resource (e.g., Clarissa or analogues) is about 50 liters of water or 2 months of use, whichever comes first. If you use a filter, the intervals between decalcination can be increased to 300 cups.
Can I wash the block in the dishwasher?
Absolutely not. The high temperature and aggressive chemistry in the dishwasher deform plastic parts and can lubricate the special grease from the moving parts, which will lead to rapid wear of the mechanism.
What if the decalcination indicator does not go out after cleaning?
Perhaps the cycle was interrupted or the concentration of the drug was insufficient. Try repeating the procedure using a fresh solution. If the problem persists, perform a full Hard Reset by clamping the appropriate button combination when turned on.
Why is the coffee machine making more noise than usual?
Increased noise often indicates that the pump is difficult to pump water due to scale in the system or clogging of the inlet valve. Also check the water level in the tank – if it is low, the pump can capture air.
Is it safe to leave water in the tank overnight?
Short term, yes. But if you don’t plan to use the car for a few days, it’s better to drain the water. Stagnant water loses freshness and can promote the reproduction of microorganisms inside the tank.