Regular maintenance of your coffee maker is not just a whim, but a necessity to maintain the quality of the drink and the longevity of the device. During the brewing process, coffee oils inevitably settle on the inner walls of the tract, as well as in the brewing unit, which over time oxidize and turn into a bitter film. It is this film that gives fresh coffee the unpleasant taste of old oil and can cause breakdowns of moving mechanisms.
Using special cleaning tablets allows you to effectively dissolve these deposits without the need to completely disassemble the device. Unlike rinsing with water, the chemical composition of the tablets has a more active effect on fatty contaminants, penetrating into hard-to-reach nodes. If you notice that the coffee has become less aromatic or the machine makes unusual sounds when operating, then it’s time for a cleaning procedure.
In this article we will analyze in detail the cleaning process of coffee machines of the series Philips Saeco and Philips LatteGo using proprietary or analog means. You will learn how to properly start a cleaning cycle, what mistakes users most often make, and how often this procedure needs to be carried out to maintain equipment in perfect condition. Following the procedure will ensure that you do not damage sensitive electronics or seals.
Why do you need cleaning tablets and when to do it?
Many coffee machine owners confuse decalcification (removing scale) and cleaning coffee oils. These are two fundamentally different processes requiring different reagents. Scale is mineral deposits of calcium and magnesium that can be removed with acid solutions. Oils are organic, and their breakdown requires alkaline components contained in cleaning tablets.
If you ignore the need to remove fat deposits, it will begin to harden. Over time, this causes the valves to stick and impedes the movement of the brewing unit. In models with automatic cappuccino maker, such as Philips 2200 or 3200 series, a clogged milk tract may make it impossible to prepare drinks with milk. The machine may simply stop sucking milk or start dispensing it in jerks.
The manufacturer recommends cleaning every 250 cups prepared or when indicated by the indicator on the control panel. However, the frequency depends on the quality of the grain used. Dark, oily roasts leave significantly more residue than light roasts. If you like to experiment with different varieties, you need to do this more often so that the tastes of previous batches do not mix.
A signal for immediate cleaning can also be the appearance of strange-colored foam during rinsing or a change in the taste of espresso. Sometimes the machine itself gives a signal in the form of a flashing indicator or a text message on the display Clean Machine. Ignoring these may result in the hydraulic system working under increased load, which will shorten the life of the pump.
- ☕ Improves the taste of coffee, eliminating the taste of bitterness and old oil.
- ⚙️ Prevents jamming of the brewing unit and other moving parts.
- 🛡️ Reduces the risk of clogging thin tubes and valves inside the housing.
- 📉 Extends the overall service life of an expensive coffee machine.
Preparing for the procedure: what you will need
Before you begin active actions, you need to prepare your workplace and consumables. You will need special tablets to clean coffee machines. Original products Philips CA6704 They are ideal in composition, but there are also high-quality analogues from other brands, the main thing is that they are intended specifically for coffee machines, and not for dishwashers.
You will also need a container for draining water with a volume of at least 1.5 liters. During the cleaning process, the machine will force water through the system, and this volume can be significant. Do not use a cup that is too small, otherwise you will have to interrupt the process, which is extremely undesirable for the cleaning program algorithm.
⚠️ Attention: Never use vinegar or citric acid to clean oils. These products are intended for descaling and will not dissolve coffee grease, and in combination with oil residues can create difficult-to-remove compounds.
Be sure to check the availability of distilled or filtered water for rinsing after the procedure. Although the cleaning process itself uses a chemical solution, the final rinse should be done with quality water to ensure no chemical residue gets into the cup. Clear the space around the coffee machine in advance, as you will need access to the drip tray and water tank.
Step-by-step instructions: starting a cleaning cycle
Cleaning process for coffee machines Philips standardized, but may vary slightly depending on the specific model. In most cases, it is necessary to put the machine into maintenance mode. To do this, select the setup menu, indicated by a gear or asterisk symbol, on the display or using the buttons. Find an item Cleaning or Clean and confirm your choice.
The machine will ask you to empty the drip tray and coffee grounds container. Do this even if they are not full. This is necessary to reset the cycle counter and prepare the hydraulic system. After placing the empty containers back, the machine will ask you to pour water into the tank. At this stage, water is not needed yet, as the tablet is loaded first.
Open the service lid (usually located on the top or side where the brewing unit is located) and locate the cleaning agent hole. It is often indicated by a pill symbol or the words Clean. Place one tablet in the hole. If you have a model without a special hole, the tablet is placed directly into the brewing unit or into the compartment for ground coffee, but in modern Philips More often a separate channel is provided.
Sequence of actions:1. Menu -> Settings -> Cleaning.
2. Empty the tray and pulp container.
3. Insert the tablet into the special. hole.
4. Press the start button to begin the cycle.
Once the tablet is loaded, the machine will begin the process. It will dispense water in small amounts, soak the system, and then flush it. The entire cycle takes from 10 to 15 minutes. At this time, it is not recommended to unplug the device from the outlet. The machine itself will make pauses, during which a quiet hum or gurgle can be heard - this is normal, the deposits are dissolving.
Completion of the process and final rinsing
When the main cycle with the chemical reagent is completed, the coffee machine will beep or display a message indicating the need to rinse the system. This is a critical stage. Cleaning agent residues are alkaline and should not be allowed into your drink. The machine will ask you to remove the water tank, rinse it and fill it with fresh water to the maximum.
Reinstall the clean water tank. The device will begin to circulate water through all components to wash away any remaining dissolved chemicals and coffee emulsion. The water coming out of the spout will initially have a cloudy brownish tint and a specific smell. It should become clear as the cycle continues.
Do not interrupt the washing process, even if it seems to you that the water is already clean. The program is designed for a certain volume of liquid to ensure complete leaching of the reagent from the boiler and pipes. If you stop the machine too early, you may notice an unpleasant chemical taste in your next cup of coffee.
After rinsing is completed, the machine will prompt you to wipe the cappuccino maker (if there is one) and wipe the water supply spout. Remove the removable parts of the cappuccino maker and rinse them separately under warm water, as vapors from the cleaning solution may also have entered them. Make sure that all seals are intact and free of plaque residues.
- 💧 Use only fresh drinking water for final rinsing.
- 🚿 Rinse the removable cappuccino maker separately under the tap.
- 🧽 Wipe the external surfaces of the machine with a damp cloth.
- ☕ Prepare the first cup of coffee and pour it out (to control the taste).
Cleaning Product Comparison Chart
There are many coffee machine care products on the market. To make it easier for you to navigate, we have prepared a comparison table of popular options. It is important to understand the difference between oil cleansers and descaling tablets.
| Product type | Purpose | Frequency of use | Base |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning tablets | Removing coffee oils and plaque | Every 250 cups/on signal | Alkaline |
| Liquid for decalcification | Descaling (lime) | Once every 2-3 months / on signal | Acidic |
| Brewing unit lubricant | Lubrication of moving parts | Once a year or when creaking | Food grade silicone |
| Dishwasher tablets | DO NOT USE | — | Aggressive chemistry |
Common mistakes and precautions
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users often make mistakes that reduce the cleaning efficiency to zero or even damage the equipment. The most common mistake is using expired products. The chemical components of the tablets lose their properties over time, and such cleaning will be useless.
Another common problem is trying to clean the machine when there is an old scale solution left in the system. If you have just descaled, be sure to flush the system with water before adding the oil cleansing tablet. Mixing acidic and alkaline environments may cause unexpected chemical reactions or precipitation.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to speed up the process by using hot water in the reservoir during the cleaning cycle. The coffee machine itself heats the water to the desired temperature. Pouring boiling water can damage the water level sensors and plastic tubes inside the tank.
It is also worth remembering about safety. Cleaning tablets and solutions are caustic. Protect eyes and skin from direct contact. If the solution comes into contact with your skin, rinse the area thoroughly with water. Store the products out of the reach of children and animals, in the original packaging with instructions.
Do not ignore the machine's low water level alarms while cleaning. If the reservoir is empty at the wrong time, the pump may begin to circulate air, causing the system to become air-filled. In some cases, this requires a complex deaeration procedure through the service menu.
Caring for the brewing unit: does it need to be washed?
In coffee machines Philips Saeco The brewing unit is removable, which is a huge advantage. While the tablet cleans the internal hydraulics, the unit itself also requires attention. It does not need to be washed with aggressive chemicals every time, but regular visual inspection and rinsing with warm water without detergents is required.
Once a month, it is recommended to remove the brewing unit, rinse it under running water and allow it to air dry. Pay attention to the mesh filter and rubber seals. There should be no mold or hardened coffee on them. If you notice a white coating on the block, this is scale, which means it’s time to decalcify rather than clean with a tablet.
To lubricate the side guides of the brewing unit, use only food-grade silicone grease. No oil, petroleum jelly or fat should be used - they will ruin the taste of the coffee and destroy the plastic. Lubrication is rarely needed, usually once a year, and only if the block begins to move with difficulty or creaks.
Can I use tablets from brands other than Philips?
Yes, you can use similar cleaning tablets from reputable manufacturers (e.g. Durgol, Melitta, Tassimo) as long as they are designed for automatic coffee machines and do not contain chlorine. The main thing is that the tablet size allows it to easily pass through the cleaning hole, and the composition is safe for food grade plastics and aluminum.
What should I do if my coffee still tastes bitter after cleaning?
If cleaning with a tablet does not help, the problem may not be with the oil, but with overextraction (too fine grinding) or poor grain quality. It is also worth checking whether the water supply spout is clogged with limescale. In this case, a decalcification procedure will be required, rather than removal of oils.
How often do you need to change the filter cartridge when using tablets?
The filter cartridge (for example, AquaClean) is changed at the end of its service life (usually 3 months or 5000 liters) or upon a signal from the machine. Using cleaning tablets does not require immediate filter replacement, but if the filter has been in place for a long time, it is better to replace it after the cleaning cycle so that it does not absorb chemical residues.
Is it possible to clean a car with a tablet if it has not been used for a long time?
Yes, this is even necessary. After a long period of inactivity, bacteria could develop in the system or residual moisture could become sour. Before turning on for the first time after a long break, it is recommended to carry out a full cleaning cycle, and then 2-3 rinsing cycles with clean water without a tablet to ensure the sterility of the tract.
Why doesn't the machine see the pill or start the cycle?
Make sure the tablet is properly placed in the hole and is not stuck. Also check that the service lid is closed until it clicks - the safety sensor may block starting. If the problem persists, try restarting the machine by turning it off and on and try again.