A coffee machine is an indispensable assistant for those who appreciate a flavorful drink without any extra hassle. But even the most reliable equipment requires regular maintenance, otherwise scale, coffee oils and bacteria will spoil the taste of the drink, or even completely damage the equipment. Tablets for cleaning coffee machines - a simple and effective solution, but they must be used correctly so as not to harm the mechanisms.

In this article we will look at how cleaning tablets work, which ones are suitable for different types of coffee machines (from Delonghi up to Jura), and why their use is more important than it seems. You will also learn what mistakes owners most often make and how to avoid breakdowns. And at the end - answers to the most common questions that arise when cleaning.

Why do you need to clean your coffee machine with tablets?

Even if you use filtered water, scale will form inside the machine over time, and coffee oils and milk residues will accumulate in the tubes and reservoirs. No regular cleaning this results in:

  • 🔥 Damage to the taste of coffee - bitter or sour taste due to oxidation of oils and bacteria.
  • ⚠️ Breakdowns — scale clogs the heating elements, increasing the load on the pump.
  • 🦠 Mold growth — a humid environment is ideal for fungi, especially in milk pipes.
  • ⏳ Reduced cooking speed — clogged pipes slow down the water supply.

Cleaning tablets contain special acids (usually citric or lactic) that dissolve scale and grease deposits without damaging rubber seals and metal parts. Unlike vinegar or citric acid, they do not leave an aftertaste in the system and are completely washed out when flushing.

📊 How often do you clean your coffee machine?
Once a month
Every 3 months
Only when it breaks
Never

Not all cleansing tablets are created equal. Their composition and purpose depend on the type of coffee machine and the degree of contamination. Here are the most proven options:

Brand Coffee machine type Features Price (per package)
Delonghi EcoDecalk Drip, carob, automatic Eco-friendly composition, suitable for hard water ~500 ₽
Urnex Cafiza Professional, with milk line Removes fat and protein deposits, used in coffee shops ~1200 ₽
Jura Cleaning Tablets Automatic Jura, Miele Original tablets for models with the system I.W.S. ~800 ₽
Melitta Entkalker Any household Fast acting (15–20 minutes), odorless ~400 ₽

For automatic coffee machines (for example, Saeco or Bosch) it is better to choose tablets marked “for vending machines” - they have a gentler effect on electronic sensors. If your machine is equipped milk pipeline, look for products with an antibacterial effect (for example, Puly Caff).

⚠️ Attention: Never use tablets for espresso machines (type Rancilio Silvia) in automatic coffee makers - high concentrations of acid can damage plastic parts.

Step-by-step instructions: how to clean a coffee machine with tablets

The cleaning process depends on the model, but the general procedure is the same for most devices. We will analyze the universal algorithm, and then indicate the nuances for specific brands.

Make sure there are no coffee beans in the reservoir|Remove the capsule or cone (if any)|Prepare a container for draining the liquid (at least 1 liter capacity)|Read the instructions for your model-->

1. Preparing the coffee machine

Unplug the machine and wait until it cools down (if it was just running). Remove all removable parts: cappuccino maker, water filter, drip tray. Wash them separately with warm water and soap.

Fill the water tank to the maximum level. If the instructions for the tablets indicate diluting them in water, do this in advance (usually 1 tablet per 1 liter). For most products (for example, Delonghi) the tablet is placed directly into the reservoir.

2. Start the cleaning cycle

Turn on the coffee machine and activate the cleaning mode. This is done differently in different models:

  • 🔄 B Jura: Press and hold the button Clean 5 seconds.
  • ⚙️ B Saeco: go to Menu → Maintenance → Descale.
  • ☕ B Delonghi Magnifica: Press the buttons simultaneously Espresso and Steam.

If there is no automatic mode, start the manual water supply (as for preparing Americano) and drain the liquid into a substitute container. Repeat 2-3 times until all the solution has flowed out.

3. Flushing the system

After cleaning necessarily flush the system with clean water. Fill the reservoir with fresh water and run the rinse cycle (or simply run the water through the machine 3-4 times). This will remove any remaining chemicals.

For models with milk pipeline (for example, De’Longhi PrimaDonna) after basic cleaning, rinse the tube separately: connect it to a tap with warm water and run the liquid for 1-2 minutes.

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Use only cold or warm water for rinsing - hot water can deform plastic parts after exposure to acid.

Cleaning mistakes: what could go wrong?

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to breakdowns or ineffective cleaning. Here are the most common:

  1. Using inappropriate tablets. For example, funds for Nespresso-cars are not suitable for Jura - they are too aggressive for automatic weapons.
  2. Interrupting the cleaning cycle. If you turn off the machine during the process, residual solution may crystallize in the tubes.
  3. Insufficient flushing. Residues of acid spoil the taste of coffee and corrode seals.
  4. Cleaning without removing coffee beans. If there are grains left in the millstones, they will absorb moisture and clog the mechanism.
⚠️ Attention: If after cleaning the machine begins to make noise or pours coffee slowly, it means that the scale has not completely dissolved. Repeat the procedure with a new tablet or use a special cleaner for clogged systems (for example, Waca Descaler Plus).
What to do if a tablet gets stuck in the tube?

If the tablet has not dissolved and is blocking the water supply, do not try to push it through with a wire! Unplug the machine, turn it over (if possible) and shake it gently. If this does not help, contact service, as independent manipulations can damage the pump.

How often should I clean my coffee machine with tablets?

Cleaning frequency depends on water hardness and intensity of use cars. Here are general recommendations:

  • 💧 Soft water (up to 4°dH): once every 3–4 months.
  • 💦 Medium hardness (4–8°dH): once every 2 months.
  • 🧂 Hard water (from 8°dH): once every 1–1.5 months.
  • ☕ Heavy use (more than 5 cups per day): once a month.

Many modern coffee machines (for example, Miele CM 6 or Philips LatteGo) are equipped with water hardness sensors and remind you of the need for cleaning through the display. If there is no such function, be guided by the following signs:

  • The coffee flows slower than usual.
  • The drink began to taste bitter or smell moldy.
  • The machine makes uncharacteristic sounds (hissing, grinding).
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If you often prepare drinks with milk, clean the milk line separately every 2 weeks with a special product (for example, Urnex Rinza).

Alternative cleaning methods: when tablets are not suitable

Tablets are not the only way to care for your coffee machine. In some cases it is better to use other methods:

Method When to use Pros Cons
Citric acid (10 g/l) For removing light scale Cheap, accessible May leave an aftertaste, aggressive to rubber
Vinegar (1:1 with water) Emergency cleaning when no tablets are available Dissolves scale quickly Strong smell, spoils seals
Special fluids (Durgol) For professional machines High efficiency, gentle impact Expensive, hard to find

For capsule coffee machines (type Nespresso or Tassimo) tablets are often replaced with special capsules for cleaning. They contain the same composition, but in a convenient form. For example, Nespresso Descaling Kit designed for 1 cycle and completely safe for the system.

If you prefer natural remedies, try baking soda (1 tbsp per 1 liter of water). It gently removes fatty deposits, but will cope with scale worse than acids.

Caring for your coffee machine between cleanings

To reduce deep cleaning, follow these simple rules:

  • 🚰 Use filtered water. Even if the water in your region is soft, the filter will remove mechanical impurities.
  • 🧼 Wash removable parts after each use. This is especially true for the cappuccino maker and drip tray.
  • 🔋 Wipe the housing dry. Humidity promotes the growth of bacteria.
  • ☕ Do not leave beans in the hopper for too long. They lose their flavor and clog the millstones.

For automatic machines (for example, Saeco Xelsis) it is useful to run the cycle once a week hot water without coffee - this will remove residual oils from the system. Some models have a separate button Rinse.

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If the machine is not used for a long time (for example, on vacation), drain the water tank and leave the lid open to avoid mold.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Can I use tablets to clean the kettle in a coffee machine?

No! Detergents for kettles contain more aggressive acids that can damage rubber gaskets and plastic parts of the coffee machine. Use only specialized tablets.

How many tablets are needed for one cleaning?

Usually 1 tablet is designed for 1 liter of water. For most household coffee machines (with a 1.2-1.5 liter tank), 1-2 tablets are enough. The exact amount is indicated in the instructions for the product.

Why did the coffee start to taste bitter after cleaning?

Most likely, you did not flush the system enough. Run the rinse cycle 2-3 more times with clean water. If the bitter taste remains, check to see if the millstones are clogged - perhaps old oils have accumulated in them.

Is it possible to clean a coffee machine without tablets?

Yes, but it's less effective. Citric acid (10 g per 1 l) is suitable for removing scale, but it will not cope with fatty deposits. For complete cleaning, it is better to combine tablets with manual washing of removable parts.

What should I do if the machine does not turn on after cleaning?

Probably, the remaining solution got into the electronic unit. Unplug the machine, let it dry for 24 hours and try turning it on again. If this does not help, contact the service center.