Scaling is the main enemy of any heating technique, and coffee machines are no exception. With each cup of espresso or cappuccino, the inner walls of the boiler and tubes are deposited with calcium and magnesium salts contained in the water. Over time, this layer becomes thick, which leads to overheating of the TEN, a decrease in pressure in the system and, as a result, to a deterioration in the quality of the drink. If you ignore the problem, an expensive unit can fail long before the warranty period expires.
Many owners of the equipment wonder whether it is possible to use available products instead of expensive branded solvents. Citric acid It is an excellent alternative as it effectively dissolves carbonate deposits without damaging the plastic and rubber elements of the system. Unlike aggressive chemical formulations, this powder is often found in any kitchen, making the maintenance process as simple and budget-friendly as possible.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the safe cleaning technology, the necessary proportions and the typical errors that users make. You will learn how to prepare the solution correctly, start the wash cycle and make sure the technique works as new again. Proper care will allow you to enjoy aromatic coffee without the taste of burns or foreign impurities for many years.
Why is scale formed and what is dangerous for a coffee machine
The main cause of solid deposits is the hardness of tap water. When the liquid is heated, the dissolved salts of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) react and precipitate. This process is called carbonate rigidity. Scale. It has low thermal conductivity, so a layer of only half a millimeter thick makes the heating element work with an increased load.
In addition to the risk of burnout of the TEN, narrowing of the lumen of the tubes due to deposits leads to a drop in pressure in the brewing system. This is critical for making espresso, where a stable 9 bar is required. If the pressure drops, the coffee is watery, without a thick foam (cream), and the aroma is lost. In addition, particles of detached scale can clog the custard block or capuchinator.
Regular maintenance avoids expensive repairs. Service center engineers Most of the breakdowns associated with the heating system are caused by ignoring the decalcination procedure. Using filtered water slows down the process, but does not stop it completely, so periodic cleaning is mandatory for any model, whether it is a model or not. DeLonghi, Bosch or Saeco.
⚠️ WARNING: If your coffee machine makes extraneous noise when heated or the cooking time of one serving has increased, this is a sure sign that scale is already seriously interfering with the equipment.
The advantages of citric acid over other means
There are many specialized scale removal products, but they often have a high cost and a specific chemical odor. Citric acid (tricarboxylic acid) is an organic compound that gently acts on deposits. The main advantage is that it does not contain chlorine and aggressive alkalis that could damage seals.
Another important aspect is the ease of washing. After using acid solutions, it is often necessary to repeatedly run clean water to remove the chemical aftertaste. The solution of citric acid is washed out faster and does not leave a sharp aftertaste if you follow the correct dosage. This is especially important for coffee drinkers who are sensitive to the slightest changes in the taste of the drink.
The cost of such service is minimal. A pack of acid costs a penny compared to a bottle of a branded decalcination, and the effectiveness when used correctly is comparable. However, it is worth remembering that very old and thick layers of scale may require a repetition of the procedure or the use of more concentrated professional remedies.
Necessary tools and solution preparation
Before the procedure, all components must be prepared so that the process goes smoothly. You will need citric acid itself, which is sold in any grocery store as crystalline powder. You also need clean, preferably filtered or boiled water at room temperature.
Proportions are critical. Too weak solution will not cope with the task, and too concentrated can damage aluminum alloys or rubber gaskets inside the system. The optimal ratio is 20-30 grams of powder (about 2 tablespoons without a slide) per 1 liter of water. This creates a medium with a pH sufficient to dissolve salts but safe for materials.
- 🧪 Citric acid in powder (food)
- 💧 Clean water (about 1-1.5 liters)
- 📏 Measured glass or kitchen scale
- 🥣 Mixing container
- 🧽 Soft fabric for cleaning the external parts
Dissolve the crystals need to be in warm water, so that they completely dispersed and did not clog the intake valves of the machine. Stir the liquid thoroughly until a clear solution is obtained without sediment at the bottom. If you use an automatic coffee machine, pour the finished mixture into the water tank. For carob coffee makers, the solution may also be required to wash the boiler through the group.
If you don’t have a kitchen scale, remember: one standard teaspoon holds about 8-10 grams of citric acid. Be careful not to overdose on the dosage.
Step by step: how to clean a coffee machine with citric acid
The cleaning process has several stages, each of which is important for achieving the result. First, make sure the car is turned off and cooled. Remove the brewing unit (if it is removable) and rinse it under running water separately, as the acid is for the internal hydraulic system, not for mechanical parts.
Pour the prepared solution into the water tank. Turn on the coffee machine and wait until it warms up. Then start the process of making coffee, but substitute a large container instead of a cup. Run about 100-150 ml of solution through the system, then turn off the machine and leave it for 15-20 minutes. This time is necessary for the acid to react with scale and soften it.
After a pause, turn the device back on and run the remaining solution through the system until the tank is completely empty. Be sure to also activate the steam supply if you have a capuchinator to clear the tube of internal deposits. The steam should come out in a powerful, smooth stream.
☑️ Checklist of the cleaning process
The most important step is the final wash. After using the acid in the system may remain its residues, which will give the coffee a sour taste. Therefore, it is necessary to fill the tank with clean water 2-3 times and drive it through the coffee machine in the cooking mode and steam. Only when you make sure that the water at the exit has no smell and taste, the procedure can be considered complete.
Features of cleaning different types of coffee machines
Different designs require an individual approach. Automatic coffee machines with electronic control often have a built-in decalcination program. In this case, follow the instructions on the display, but instead of branded means use the prepared solution of citric acid. If the program requires a special key or tablet, this method may not work, and it is better to use the original chemistry.
Carrot coffee makers (espresso machines) are easier to clean. Here you can use the method "steam": pour the solution into the boiler, heat, turn off and let infuse, then drain. For drip coffee makers (American type), the process is similar to automatic: the solution is poured into the tank, and the machine drives it through the filter basket (no coffee!) into the cup.
Capsule machines, such as Nespresso or Dolce GustoYou can also clean this way, but with caution. Since it is often impossible to remove the tank from them, the solution is prepared directly in the container or is supplied with a syringe to the system. It is important not to use abrasive sponges to clean the external needles of the capsules.
| Type of coffee machine | Volume of solution | Exposition time | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic. | 1-1.5 litres | 15-20 minutes. | Requires washing of the contour of brewing |
| Carrot | 0.5-1 litre | 20-30 minutes. | It is important to clean the steam tube |
| Drip | By bulb volume | No pause. | Run the full cycle slowly |
| Capsule | 0.2-0.5 litres | 10-15 minutes. | Use the minimum amount of |
What to do if after cleaning there is a strange taste?
If after 3-4 cycles of washing with clean water the taste of the acid persists, perhaps part of the solution lingered in the boiler. Try to make 2-3 cups of "empty" coffee (decaffeinated or just hot water) and pour them out. You can also add a pinch of soda to the water to neutralize, but this requires very careful subsequent washing.
Typical errors and precautions
Despite the safety of the method, there are risks that you need to be aware of. The main mistake is to use acetic acid instead of citric acid. Vinegar has a pungent smell that is very difficult to wash from plastic parts and rubber tubes of a coffee machine. Your coffee can smell like pickled cucumbers for weeks, which will completely ruin the pleasure of the drink.
The second common mistake is concentration. Some users think that “the porridge oil can not spoil”, and pour acid on the eye. This can damage aluminum heat exchangers, which are sensitive to aggressive acids. aluminum reacts with acid, which can cause corrosion and the appearance of microcracks.
⚠️ Never leave an acid solution in a coffee machine overnight or for a few days. Prolonged exposure to even weak acid can destroy the sealing rings and lubricant in the pump.
Also, do not forget about safety when working with hot surfaces. During cleaning, the machine heats up, and hot steam can go from the nose. Watch your hands and eyes. If you have a model with a metal boiler, make sure it doesn’t overheat during a pause when the water circulation is stopped.
The golden rule is that it is better to perform two procedures with a weak solution than one with an overly concentrated solution so as not to damage the technique.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I clean the coffee machine with citric acid, if it is guaranteed?
The use of folk remedies, such as citric acid, theoretically can be a reason for refusal of warranty service, if the service center proves that the breakdown is caused by corrosion from acid. However, if the correct proportions are observed (no more than 30 g per 1 liter), the risk is minimal. For complete safety during the warranty period, it is better to use the original manufacturer's funds.
How often should decalcification be performed?
The frequency depends on the hardness of the water in your area and the intensity of the machine. On average, the procedure is recommended to be carried out every 2-3 months or after preparing 200-300 cups. If you use tap water without a filter, you need to clean more often. Many modern machines themselves signal the need to clean the indicator by burning.
Will the water filter replace the use of acid?
Emollient filters (such as Brita cartridges or analogues) significantly reduce water hardness by removing calcium and magnesium salts. This slows down the formation of scale by 3-4 times, but does not eliminate it completely. Therefore, even with the filter, periodic cleaning with citric acid or special products is still required, but less often.
What if the coffee machine stopped pumping water after cleaning?
This could mean that a large piece of scale has come off and clogged a narrow channel. Try turning the steam on and off several times, creating pressure drops. If it doesn’t help, you may need to disassemble and mechanically clean the valves in the service center.
Is there a difference between citric acid and lemon juice?
Yeah, the difference is huge. Lemon juice contains many organic impurities, sugars and oils that, when heated, will burn and clog the system. For cleaning equipment, only pure crystalline citric acid (food additive E330), sold in bags, is suitable.