Why should you clean your coffee machine? Krups Is taking a pill a mandatory procedure?
Coffee machines Krups - These are complex devices with many internal channels where coffee oils, limescale and bacterial deposits accumulate over time. Even if you use filtered water, mineral particles and organic residues will inevitably settle on the parts. Regular cleaning tablets not only extends the life of the equipment, but also guarantees the safety of the drink: studies show that mold and E. coli can grow in contaminated systems.
Manufacturer Krups recommends using special cleansing tablets (for example, Krups Cleaning Tablets or analogues from DeβLonghi, Urakawa) - they dissolve fats, remove scale and disinfect without the risk of damaging seals or heating elements. Unlike vinegar or citric acid, the tablets do not leave an aftertaste and do not corrode metal parts. But how to carry out the procedure correctly so as not to damage the car?
Which tablets are suitable for coffee machines Krups?
Not all cleansers are equally effective. For models Krups (for example, EA81xx, EA90xx, XP5620) it is critical to choose tablets marked "for automatic coffee machines" or universal. They should include:
- π§ͺ Surfactants (surfactants) β dissolve coffee oils in the group head and tubes.
- π§ Acidic components (for example, adipic acid) - fights limescale.
- π¦ Antibacterial additives β destroy up to 99.9% of microbes (check on the packaging).
Popular options:
| Brand | Tablet model | Package volume | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Krups | Cleaning Tablets | 10 pcs. | Original, optimized for all brand models |
| DeβLonghi | EcoDecalk | 8 pcs. | Eco-friendly composition, suitable for Krups |
| Urakawa | Caffetto | 20 pcs. | Universal, removes even old deposits |
β οΈ Attention: Do not use tablets for espresso machines (for example, La Marzocco) - they contain aggressive alkalis that can damage plastic parts Krups. Always check the packaging for compatibility!
Step-by-step instructions: how to clean a coffee machine Krups tablet
The procedure takes 30β40 minutes and consists of several stages. Before you start Make sure there is enough water in the machine (minimum 1 liter) and there are no coffee beans in the hopper. Here is a universal algorithm for most models:
Preparation. Turn on the machine, remove the cappuccino maker (if equipped) and rinse it separately under warm water. Make sure the drain pan is empty.
Starting the cleaning program. Select a mode from the menu
CleaningorDescale(depending on model). For Krups EA8100 path:Menu β Settings β Cleaning.Adding a tablet. Place 1 tablet in the water tank (not the coffee hopper!). For severe stains, you can use 2 tablets, but no more.
Wash cycle. The machine automatically forces the solution through the system. A timer will appear on the display (usually 20β30 minutes). Never interrupt the process halfway - this can lead to clogging of the valves!
Rinse. After cleaning, drain the remaining solution, rinse the tank and run 2-3 cycles with clean water (no tablets) to remove any chemical residue.
Unplug the machine for 10 minutes before starting|
Check the drain pan for leaks|
Remove any remaining coffee from the group head|
Prepare 1.5 liters of filtered water for rinsing -->
If your model Krups does not have an automatic cleaning mode (for example, XP1600), proceed manually:
- Dissolve 1 tablet in 500 ml of warm water.
- Pour the solution into the tank and turn on the hot water mode (without coffee).
- Repeat 2-3 times, then flush the system with clean water.
If the machine makes unusual sounds (such as gurgling) after cleaning, this may indicate that there is air left in the system. Run an extra hot water cycle without the tablets to flush it out.
Cleaning frequency: when and how often should it be done?
Manufacturer Krups recommends cleaning with tablets every 2β3 months with regular use (1β2 cups of coffee per day). However, the frequency depends on several factors:
- π§ Water hardness. If the calcium content is high (more than 8Β°dH), cleaning should be done more often - once every 1β1.5 months.
- β Intensity of use. In offices or cafes where the machine runs 10+ times a day, cleaning is required monthly.
- π‘οΈ Drink temperature. If you brew coffee at 90Β°C or higher, scale will form faster.
| Terms of Use | Recommended frequency | Signs that cleaning is needed |
|---|---|---|
| Home use (1β2 cups/day) | Every 3 months | Slow water supply, bitter taste of coffee |
| Office (5+ cups/day) | Every month | Extraneous noise, white coating on the cappuccino maker |
| Hard water (>12Β°dH) | Every 6 weeks | Common mistakes E05 or E06 |
How to know when it's time to clean your car Krups urgently?
- π The coffee machine began to work louder than usual.
- β Coffee flows in a thin stream or intermittently.
- π€’ The drink has acquired a metallic or chemical taste.
- π¨ Errors appeared on the display
E03,E04(system clogged).
Once a month|
Every 3 months|
Only when problems appear|
Never cleaned it ->
Common cleaning mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced users make mistakes that can ruin your coffee machine Krups out of order. Here are the most common:
Using inappropriate means. Household vinegar or citric acid will corrode aluminum parts and damage seals. Only specialized tablets guarantee safety!
Interrupting the cleaning cycle. If you turn off the machine while flushing, the solution may crystallize in the tubes, which will lead to a blockage. In this case, disassembly and manual cleaning will be required.
Insufficient rinsing. Residue from the cleanser gives the coffee a soapy taste and can cause allergic reactions. Always run 2-3 cycles with clean water.
Ignoring the cappuccino maker. Milk residue in the steam wand is an ideal environment for bacteria. After each cleaning of the machine, rinse the cappuccino maker separately.
β οΈ Attention: If after cleaning the machine gives an error E02 (heating problem), immediately drain the remaining solution and flush the system 5-6 times with clean water. The tablet may have been too concentrated or not completely dissolved.
Another common problem is clogged group head. If your coffee doesn't flow evenly after cleaning, try:
- Remove the head (if provided by the model).
- Rinse it under running warm water with a soft brush.
- Clean the holes with a needle (without pressing!).
What to do if the tablet does not dissolve completely?
If there are tablet fragments left in the reservoir, do not panic. Remove them with tweezers, rinse the container and start the cleaning cycle again with a new tablet. Do not try to dissolve residues with hot water - this may lead to uneven concentration of the solution and damage to parts.
Alternative Cleansing Methods: When Tablets Don't Help
In some cases (for example, when old sediments or pump breakdown) tablets may not be effective enough. Let's consider alternative methods:
- π§½ Manual cleaning. For models with a removable group head (for example, Krups EA89xx) you can disassemble it and wash it in a solution of water with Puly Caff (1:10).
- π§ Ultrasonic bath. Suitable for metal parts (filters, nozzles). Immerse them in a bath of water and product Cafiza for 10 minutes.
- π¦ Pressure washing. Service centers use special pumps that pump the cleaning solution under high pressure (up to 15 bar).
If the machine gives an error E01 (plumbing problem) after cleaning, this may indicate:
- There is a blockage in the water supply pipe.
- Damage to the water level sensor.
- Pump failure due to lime deposits.
β οΈ Attention: Do not try to clean the inner tubes with wire or sharp objects - this may damage the silicone seals. For deep cleaning, contact an authorized service Krups.
If after all the manipulations the machine continues to work incorrectly, most likely the problem lies in the electronics (for example, the heating element has burned out). In this case, cleaning with tablets will no longer help - diagnostics are required.
How to extend the life of a coffee machine Krups after cleaning?
Cleaning with tablets is only part of the care. To make your car last longer, follow these tips:
- π§ Use filtered water. Even if your area has soft water, a filter (such as Brita) will remove chlorine and mechanical impurities.
- β Rinse the group head after each use. It is enough to skip 100 ml of hot water without coffee.
- π§Ό Wash removable parts daily. The cappuccino maker, drip tray and bean tray should be washed with warm water and a neutral detergent.
- π Unplug your machine at night. This will reduce the load on the electronics and prevent overheating.
For models with Auto Clean (for example, Krups EA9010) set up automatic rinsing after each switch on. This will remove any remaining coffee oils and prevent them from drying out.
If you are storing your machine without use for more than a week, follow these steps:
- Drain all water from the system.
- Remove and dry removable parts.
- Leave the coffee hopper lid open to prevent fogging.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to use anti-scale tablets for a kettle instead of specialized ones?
No! Tablets for teapots contain aggressive acids (for example, sulfamic acid), which corrode plastic and rubber parts of the coffee machine. In addition, they do not remove coffee oils, but only dissolve limescale. For Krups Only products marked "for coffee machines".
After cleaning, the car began to leak. What to do?
Most likely, the cleaning solution has softened the limescale deposits that are now blocking the valve or tube. Try:
- Run 3-4 cycles of hot water to rinse.
- Check the tightness of the drain pan and rubber seals.
- If the leak does not stop, contact service (the pump gasket may be damaged).
How many tablets do you need for cleaning? Krups XP5620?
For this model it is enough 1 tablet for a standard cleaning cycle (1 liter of water). If the machine has not been used for a long time or the water is very hard, you can use 2 tablets, but not more than once every six months. Exceeding the dosage may lead to foaming in the system.
Is it possible to clean a car with tablets if it is under warranty?
Yes, use original tablets Krups does not void the warranty. However, if you use products from other brands, keep your receipt - in the event of a breakdown, the service center may require confirmation that the product was compatible with the equipment.
Why did the coffee start to taste bitter after cleaning?
This is a temporary effect caused by residual cleaning agent in the system. Run 2-3 hot water cycles, then brew 1-2 coffees and pour them out. If bitterness persists, check:
- Is the group head clogged (clean it with a needle).
- Are the coffee beans expired?
- Is the pressure too high (on some models it can be adjusted in the menu).