How to clean a coffee machine from coffee oils using a tablet: a complete guide

Why are coffee oils dangerous for your coffee machine?

Coffee oils are natural fats that are released from the beans during brewing. They settle on the internal parts of the coffee machine, forming a sticky film. Over time, this film becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, and also worsens the taste of coffee, giving it bitterness and an unpleasant odor.

Regular cleaning of oils not only extends the life of the equipment, but also guarantees the safety of the drink. Special tablets for decalcification and cleaning - one of the most effective remedies, as they dissolve fatty deposits in hard-to-reach places where a brush or rag cannot reach.

In this article, we will look in detail at how to properly use tablets to remove coffee oils, what products to choose, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Which tablets are suitable for cleaning oil from a coffee machine?

Not all coffee machine tablets are equally effective against oil deposits. It is important to choose products marked "to remove coffee oils" or "deep cleaning". Popular brands:

• 🔹 Urgenta — universal tablets for carob and drip coffee machines, dissolve fats and scale.
• 🔹 Cafiza - a professional product, often used in coffee shops for deep cleaning.
• 🔹 De'Longhi EcoDecalk - Suitable for most household models, including De'Longhi Magnifica and Saeco PicoBaristo.
• 🔹 Miele Cleaning Tablets — optimized for coffee machines Miele, but they also work with other brands.

Before purchasing, check the compatibility with your model in the manufacturer's instructions. Some tablets may contain aggressive components that will damage the rubber seals in budget coffee machines.

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

The cleaning process depends on the type of coffee machine (carob, drip, automatic), but the general scheme is the same. We will consider a universal algorithm for most models.

1. Preparation: turn off the coffee machine, remove the cappuccino maker (if equipped) and rinse it separately. Remove any remaining coffee from the waste container.
2. Tablet loading: place 1-2 tablets (depending on the volume of the tank) in the water compartment or a special cleaning tray (if provided by the design).
3. Starting a cycle: turn on cleaning mode (usually indicated as Clean or Descale). If there is no such mode, start preparing “empty” coffee without beans.
4. Flushing: After completing the cycle, run 1-2 tanks of clean water through the system to remove any remaining product.

Read the instructions for the coffee machine

Buy tablets suitable for your model

Prepare a container to drain dirty water

Disconnect the machine from the network while preparing ->

Important: Never use oil cleaning tablets in descaling mode - these processes require different products. Alignment will result in damage to internal parts.

Common cleaning mistakes and how to avoid them

Many users make the same mistakes, which negate the cleaning effect or even break the coffee machine. Let's look at the most common ones:

• ❌ Using inappropriate tablets. Limescale removers do not dissolve oils, and oil tablets are useless against limescale.
• ❌ Interrupting the cleaning cycle. If the process is stopped prematurely, residual product may crystallize inside the tubes.
• ❌ Insufficient flushing. Chemical residues in the system spoil the taste of coffee and can cause allergies.
• ❌ Cleaning without first removing coffee grounds. Residue from ground coffee reacts with the tablet, forming a residue that is difficult to remove.

⚠️ Attention: If, after cleaning, the coffee machine begins to make unusual sounds (hissing, knocking), stop using it immediately and flush the system with 3-4 tanks of water. This may indicate that undissolved tablet particles have entered the pump.

How often should you clean your coffee machine from oils?

The frequency of cleaning depends on the intensity of use of the equipment. General recommendations:

Intensity of use	Recommended Cleaning Frequency	Signs that urgent cleaning is needed
1-2 cups per day	Once every 2-3 months	Bitter taste appears, water flows slowly
3-5 cups per day	1 time per month	Smell of burnt coffee when turned on, black flakes in the drink
More than 5 cups per day/office use	1 time every 2 weeks	Automatic shutdown due to overheating, errors on the display
The coffee machine has been idle for more than a month	Cleaning before first use	Musty smell, mold in water tank

Manufacturers Jura and Saeco It is recommended to use special test strips to determine the level of oil contamination. They change color when in contact with fats, signaling the need for cleaning.

Alternative cleaning methods: when tablets are not suitable

In some cases, tablets may be unavailable or contraindicated (for example, for older models with fragile seals). Let's consider alternative methods:

• 🧼 Soap solution. Dilute 1 tbsp. l. dishwashing detergent in 1 liter of water, pass through the system, then rinse thoroughly. Not suitable for machines with aluminum parts!
• 🍋 Citric acid. 20 g per 1 liter of water - a weak solution will help dissolve light fat deposits. Do not use for deep cleaning!
• 🧽 Special liquids. Means type Puly Caff or CleanCaf more effective than tablets for some models, but require precise dosing.

⚠️ Attention: Never use vinegar to clean coffee machines! It corrodes rubber gaskets and leaves a persistent odor that cannot be removed even after repeated washing.

What to do if a tablet gets stuck in the system?

If the tablet has not dissolved completely and is blocking the flow of water:

1. Unplug the coffee machine.

2. Turn it over (if possible) and shake it gently.

3. Pour warm water (not boiling water!) into the tank and turn on the rinsing mode.

4. If this does not help, contact a service center; removing it yourself may damage the mechanism.

Maintenance after cleaning: how to prolong the effect?

To keep your coffee machine clean longer, follow these tips:

• ☕ Use fresh beans. Old coffee releases more oils and clogs the system faster.
• 💧 Change the water daily. Stagnant water promotes the growth of bacteria.
• 🧹 Clean the cappuccino maker after each use. Milk residues combined with coffee oils form a dense coating.
• 🔄 Carry out a "dry" wash. Run a hot water cycle without coffee once a week to flush out fresh deposits.

For models with automatic cleaning function (such as Jura E8 or Melitta Caffeo Solo>) set up a schedule in the menu. The system will remind you of the need for maintenance and automatically start flushing cycles.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Can oil removal tablets be used in a coffee machine with a cappuccino maker?

Yes, but the cappuccino maker needs to be cleaned separately. The tablets dissolve oils only in the main system (infusion unit, tubes). For the cappuccino maker, use special products for milk systems or rinse it with hot water after each use.

How many tablets do you need to clean a 10-cup coffee machine?

Usually 1 tablet per 1-1.5 liters of water is enough. For machines with a large tank (eg Saeco Xelsis) 2 tablets may be required. Always follow the instructions on the package - exceeding the dosage will not increase the effect, but may leave a chemical aftertaste.

Why did my coffee start to taste bitter after cleaning it with a tablet?

This happens for two reasons: 1) insufficient rinsing - residual product spoils the taste; 2) the tablet has washed away the old deposits, and now the real taste of the grains appears (if they are of low quality). Rinse the machine 2-3 more times and try a different type of coffee.

Can I clean my coffee machine with dishwasher tablets?

Absolutely not! Dishwasher tablets contain aggressive alkalis and bleaches that will destroy the internal parts of the coffee machine. Use only specialized products.

How to understand that your coffee machine needs to be cleaned of oils?

Look out for these signs:

• The coffee flows slower than usual.
• A rainbow film appears on the surface of the drink.
• The taste has become bitter or sour without any change in the grain.
• The machine began to make more noise during operation.