Coffee machines from a Swiss company Jura are deservedly considered the standard for automation and quality of espresso preparation. However, even the most advanced mechanism requires regular and proper maintenance to maintain its performance characteristics. Ignoring cleaning procedures not only leads to a deterioration in the taste of the drink, but also to serious damage to expensive components.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of caring for your device: from daily washing to deep decalcification. You will learn which products are best to use, how to properly remove and wash the brewing unit, and what to do if the system signals that service work is required.
Regular coffee tract hygiene - this is the key to the long life of your equipment. The oils contained in the grains oxidize over time and form a thick coating that is difficult to remove with ordinary water. That is why it is important to follow the frequency of procedures recommended by the manufacturer.
Daily care and automatic rinsing
Modern models Jura Impressa, Jura E or Jura S equipped with a smart self-cleaning system that starts automatically when the device is turned on and off. This process only takes a few seconds, but is critical to keeping the hydraulic system clean. During the cycle, high-pressure water flows through the brewing unit, washing away any remaining coffee dust.
Despite the presence of automation, the owner needs to monitor the water level in the tank and empty the drip tray in a timely manner. If the machine has been idle for several days, it is worth running an additional rinse cycle before preparing the first drink. This can be done through the maintenance menu by selecting the appropriate item.
For models with display Color Display or the rotary switch, the procedure is as follows: press the menu button, select the shower or rinse symbol and confirm the action. The machine will draw water and pass it through the system. Hot water effectively dissolves fresh contaminants, preventing them from attaching to the walls of the tubes.
It is important to use fresh drinking water, as tap water may contain chlorine or excess salts, which accelerate the formation of scale. The ideal water hardness for Jura coffee machines is 8–12 degrees (dH), which allows you to increase the intervals between decalcification.
Cleaning the brewing unit (Brew Group)
The heart of any automatic coffee machine is the brewing unit. Unlike some competitors, in cars Jura it is often hidden inside the case, but this does not mean that it cannot and should be cleaned. To access it, you need to remove the side cover (in most models, it is removed with a slight upward or sideward movement after opening the bean door).
Before removing the unit, be sure to wait until the machine is at rest and the mechanism is lowered to the lower position. Gently pull the block towards you. Do not use excessive force to avoid damaging the guides. After removing, rinse it under warm running water without using detergents.
☑️ Checklist for cleaning the brewing unit
Pay special attention to the metal filter and rubber seals. They often accumulate coffee residue, which can cause leaks or changes in pressure during brewing. Use a soft brush to remove dirt from hard-to-reach areas.
⚠️ Attention: Never wash the brewing unit in the dishwasher or use aggressive chemicals. High temperatures and alkalis can deform plastic parts and damage the lubrication of the guides.
After all components have dried (natural drying for several hours), install the unit back until it clicks. Close the side cover and run a rinse cycle to ensure proper assembly and no leaks.
Decalcification: descaling
Scale is the main enemy of heating elements and boilers. Calcium and magnesium salts contained in water settle on the walls of the tubes, narrowing their lumen and worsening heat transfer. The machine itself will inform you about the need for decalcification by displaying a corresponding message on the display or flashing the indicator.
For the procedure, you will need a special descaling agent recommended by the manufacturer, for example, Jura Descaling Tablets or liquid equivalent. The use of citric acid or vinegar is strictly prohibited, as they can damage internal seals and aluminum parts.
The decalcification process takes about 20–30 minutes and occurs in several stages:
- 💧 Dissolve the tablets in the water tank according to the instructions on the package.
- ☕ Place a container to collect liquid under the cappuccino maker and the dispensing spout.
- 🔄 Start the cleaning program through the maintenance menu.
- ⏳ Wait for the end of the cycle, periodically adding clean water for the final rinse.
| Parameter | Recommendation | Criticality |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency of decalcification | Every 2–3 months | High |
| Product type | Only original or certified | Critical |
| Water temperature | Room (not hot) | Average |
| Washing after | 2 full tanks of clean water | High |
If the descaling requirement is ignored, the machine may block the heating element to prevent overheating. Restoring functionality in this case will require contacting a service center.
Use CLARIS Smart or Blue water filters. They not only reduce water hardness, but also automatically adjust the machine to the desired decalcification cycle, significantly extending the life of the device.
Cleaning the milk tract and cappuccino maker
Owners of models with an automatic cappuccino maker (for example, Jura F, Jura G or Jura Z) should pay special attention to the cleanliness of the milk tract. Milk is an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, which can cause an unpleasant odor and spoil the taste of the drink.
Most modern pipes Jura equipped with an automatic steam rinsing function after each preparation of a milk drink. However, this is not enough for complete hygiene. Once a day, it is recommended to remove the milk collection tube and rinse it under running warm water.
Once a week you should deep clean the system:
- Remove the milk tube and immerse it in a container of warm water.
- Start the milk system rinsing program via the menu (jug symbol).
- The machine will force water and steam through the system, removing fat deposits.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave milk in the tube overnight. This will cause the product to sour and form a thick film inside the hoses that is difficult to remove.
For removable cappuccino makers (for example, in the model Jura ENA) the possibility of disassembly is provided. Remove all plastic parts, wash them with warm water and, if necessary, use a brush to clean the internal channels.
Removing coffee oils and cleaning the group
Coffee beans contain oils that oxidize when exposed to air and become rancid. These oils settle on the inner walls of the brewing unit and disc filters. To remove them, special cleaning tablets are used that dissolve grease deposits.
The cleaning procedure with tablets is carried out less frequently than decalcification - approximately once every 2-3 months or after preparing 200-300 cups. The machine itself will remind you of the need to carry out this procedure with the symbol of a cup with bubbles.
Sequence of actions:1. Empty the drip tray and pulp container.
2. Drop the cleaning tablet into the ground coffee compartment (or special tray).
3. Start the cleaning program via the maintenance menu.
4. Wait for the cycle to complete and flush the system with clean water.
What happens if you don't clean your car with tablets?
The coffee will take on a bitter, rancid taste. Oils will harden and can clog small holes in the disc filters, resulting in longer brew times and increased load on the pump. In advanced cases, mechanical disassembly and ultrasonic cleaning at the service center are required.
The use of high-quality tablets ensures that all internal surfaces will be free of sticky deposits. This is especially important for models with ceramic millstones, since the cleanliness of the brewing unit affects the stability of grinding and tablet pressing.
Maintenance of the millstones and grinding system
The grinder of a coffee grinder is a precision mechanism that requires careful handling. Unlike metal millstones, ceramic ones (installed in many models Jura) do not require sharpening and last a very long time. However, they are afraid of solid impurities.
Never put grains coated with varnish, caramel or containing foreign objects (pebbles, sticks) into the hopper. It is also not recommended to use heavily burnt grains (oily in appearance), as they clog the mechanism faster and require more frequent cleaning.
To clean the hopper from the remains of old grains, use a special vacuum cleaner or a blower for cleaning optics. Wipe the walls with a dry soft cloth. Adjustment of the grinding degree is carried out only when the millstones are rotating, so as not to damage the adjustment mechanism.
Ceramic burrs do not heat up during the grinding process, which preserves the aroma of the coffee, but they are more fragile when impacted than their metal counterparts. Protect the machine from vibrations during transportation.
If you notice that your coffee is brewing too quickly or too slowly, the grind setting may need to be adjusted. Do this in small steps (one division at a time), checking the result after preparing 2-3 cups.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How often should I change my CLARIS water filter?
Filter resource CLARIS Smart or Blue designed for approximately 50 liters of water or 2 months of use, whichever comes first. The machine itself will notify you when the filter service life has expired.
Can I use distilled water?
It is not recommended to use pure distilled water, as the water hardness sensors may not work correctly, and the machine will think that the filter is not installed or is faulty. It is better to use filtered water of medium hardness.
What does the flashing red light mean?
A flashing red light usually indicates a critical error or urgent service need (for example, pan is full, water is low, or descaling is required). Check the messages on the display or the flash pattern in the instructions.
How to reset cup counter?
Resetting the counter of prepared cups is possible only in the service menu, access to which is limited. This feature is not available to the average user and is not required for normal operation.