Early morning and the aroma of fresh coffee is a ritual that you don’t want to interrupt if your favorite equipment breaks down. However, over time, even the highest quality DeLonghi or Saeco It starts to work more quietly, and the taste of the drink acquires an unpleasant bitterness. The reason for this is scale - solid deposits of calcium and magnesium salts, which inevitably form when water is heated. Ignoring this problem can lead to failure of the thermoblock, the repair of which is often comparable to the cost of a new device.
Fortunately, it is not necessary to carry out an expensive procedure at a service center. Citric acid is an affordable and effective tool that allows you to carry out decalcification at home. It has a gentler effect on plastic and rubber seals compared to vinegar, without leaving a lingering odor. In this article we will analyze a detailed algorithm of actions that will help return your coffee machine to factory performance.
Before you start mixing the solution, it is important to understand the physics of the process. Scale is not just a coating on the walls, it is a heat insulator that forces the heating element to work with increased load. Regular cleaning prolongs service life boiler and guarantees stable steam pressure for cappuccino.
Preparing equipment and supplies
To successfully carry out the procedure, you will need a minimum set of items that can be found in any kitchen. The main active ingredient will be food grade citric acid powder. It is important to use the crystalline form, and not a ready-made solution in bags with flavors, since chemical additives can damage the internal circuits.
You will need a water container that is the same size as the tank in your coffee machine. Usually it is 1-1.5 liters. Also prepare clean water, preferably filtered or bottled, to minimize the formation of new deposits immediately after cleaning. Don't forget to use a soft cloth to wipe external surfaces.
- 🧪 Citric acid (food grade) is the main reagent for dissolving salts.
- 💧 Distilled or filtered water - for preparing the solution and final rinsing.
- 🧽 Soft microfiber - to remove residual moisture from external panels.
- 📏 Measuring glass - for exact adherence to proportions to avoid damage to the metal.
Pay special attention to the cleanliness of the container in which you will prepare the solution. If detergents or fats were previously stored in it, their residues may foam when heated and enter the hydraulic system, which will lead to difficult flushing. Concentration solution is a critical parameter that cannot be determined by eye.
⚠️ Attention: Never use vinegar essence or plumbing cleaners. They can have an aggressive effect on rubber seals and O-rings inside the coffee machine, causing them to dry out and subsequently leak.
Calculation of proportions and preparation of solution
The correct ratio of acid and water is the key to safe cleaning. A solution that is too weak will not effectively break down old calcium deposits, especially if the water in your area is hard. On the other hand, excessive concentration may cause corrosion of metal parts thermoblock.
The gold standard for most household coffee machines is to dissolve 20-30 grams of citric acid (about 1.5-2 tablespoons without a large slide) per 1 liter of water. If there is a lot of scale and cleaning has not been carried out for more than a year, you can increase the dosage to 40 grams per liter, but no more.
The preparation process is simple: pour warm water (about 30-40 degrees) into a container and gradually add acid, stirring constantly until the crystals are completely dissolved. Using warm water speeds up the reaction, but do not pour boiling water into the plastic tank of the coffee machine.
Some models such as Krups or Bosch, have special indicators of the need for decalcification. If your device is equipped with this feature, it may require the use of branded tablets. However, using citric acid manually (bypassing the self-cleaning program if it requires special equipment) is acceptable if you have complete control over the process.
If you use high-hardness tap water, add citric acid for preventive purposes in lower concentrations (10 g per 1 liter) every second time you fill the tank.
Cleaning technology for various types of coffee machines
The algorithm of actions depends on the type of your device. Carob coffee makers, capsule machines and automatic espresso machines have different hydraulic system designs. For carob models, the process is simpler: you just need to push the solution through the system, as when brewing coffee, but without coffee in the holder.
In automatic machines with a cappuccino maker, it is important not to forget to clean the milk collection tube. To do this, lower the end of the tube into a container with a clean acid solution and turn on the steam supply mode. This will remove milk stones and fatty deposits that often clog the canals.
Below is a table demonstrating the features of the approach to different types of devices:
| Device type | Solution supply method | Process Features |
|---|---|---|
| Rozhkovaya (Geyser) | Through a portfilter (without coffee) | Requires repeating the cycle 2-3 times for complete cleaning |
| Capsule | To the water tank | You must remove the used capsule before starting |
| Automatic | To the tank + cappuccino maker tube | It is important to rinse the brewing unit separately under the tap |
| Chaldovaya | Via pod adapter | Low pressure requires longer flow |
When cleaning automatic machines with a fixed brewing unit (for example, some models DeLonghi Magnifica) It is important to let the solution sit inside the system. After running about half the solution, turn off the machine and leave it for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the acid to react with the scale in hard-to-reach areas.
☑️ Pre-launch checklist
Step-by-step instructions: decalcification process
Now let's move on to action. Make sure that the coffee machine is unplugged unless the instructions indicate otherwise. Pour the prepared citric acid solution into the water tank. Place a container to collect the waste liquid under the coffee spout and steam wand.
Turn on the device and wait until it enters operating mode. If you have a carob model, start pouring hot water through the holder, simulating making espresso, but without the coffee. Pass about 100-150 ml, then turn off the machine. Let it “rest” for 10 minutes so that the internal temperature drops and the acid can work more efficiently.
Repeat the pouring and settling cycles until the tank is empty. During the process, you may notice that the stream becomes intermittent or makes gurgling sounds - this is air coming out and pieces of scale peeling off. Don't be alarmed, this is a normal reaction.
⚠️ Caution: During the cleaning process, do not attempt to brew coffee for internal consumption. A solution with a high concentration of acid and dissolved salts is not suitable for drinking and can cause poisoning.
After all the acid solution has passed through the system, you must thoroughly rinse the coffee machine. Pour clean water (about 1 liter) into the tank and run it through the system in the same way as an acid solution. It is recommended to repeat this procedure twice to ensure that any residual acid and lemon taste is removed.
What should I do if my coffee tastes sour after cleaning?
If, after two cycles of rinsing with water, the coffee still tastes acidic, it means that the solution has lingered in the boiler. Try running another 0.5 liters of water through the machine in the “steam” or “hot water” mode without closing the tap until a smooth stream comes out without bubbles.
Caring for external elements and brewing unit
While the internal tubes are chemically cleaned, the external and removable elements require mechanical cleaning. Remove the brewing unit (if the design allows), the drip tray and the grille. Wash them with warm water and a mild detergent.
Inspect the mesh in the holder (dispenser). Often the holes become clogged with coffee oils and small particles of cake. Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub away any residue. To deep clean the dispenser, you can soak it in the remaining citric acid solution for 30 minutes.
- 🚿 Rinse the brewing unit only with warm water without using aggressive chemicals.
- 🧼 Lubricate the moving parts of the brewing unit with food-grade silicone oil after each cleaning.
- 🗑️ Clean the pulp container regularly to prevent mold from forming.
Pay special attention to the rubber seals. Wipe them with a damp cloth. If you notice any cracks or loss of elasticity on them, consider replacing them as they provide the required 9 bar of pressure to produce quality espresso.
Regular lubrication of the brewing unit with food-grade silicone after each decalcification increases its service life by 2-3 times.
Common mistakes and precautions
Many users make mistakes that ruin all efforts or even damage the equipment. The most common of these is using hot tap water to prepare the solution. Such water already contains salts, which will precipitate when heated, creating new scale instantly.
Another mistake is ignoring the final rinse. Residues of citric acid can oxidize metal parts during prolonged contact in an idle device. If you do not plan to use the coffee machine for several days after cleaning, make sure that it is completely dry inside.
Do not try to speed up the process by using concentrated acid in the hope that “you won’t spoil the porridge with oil.” Concentrated acids can damage aluminum alloys, from which heat exchangers of budget models are often made.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave citric acid solution in the coffee machine tank overnight or for long periods of inactivity. An acidic environment promotes corrosion and destruction of plastic joints.
Preventing scale formation
The best way to deal with scale is to prevent it from forming. Use filtered or reverse osmosis water. This will significantly reduce the calcium and magnesium content. Ideally, water hardness should not exceed 2-3 mEq/l.
Ensure regular maintenance. If you use your coffee machine intensively (more than 5 cups a day), carry out preventative cleaning with citric acid every 2-3 months. For office conditions where the load is higher, the interval should be reduced to 1 month.
Remember that timely decalcification is not only a matter of coffee taste, but also budget savings. Replacing a burnt heating element or a clogged thermoblock will cost much more than a pack of citric acid and an hour of your time.
☑️ Monthly check-up
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to clean a coffee machine with citric acid if the instructions say to use only branded products?
Technically, citric acid is the main active ingredient in many branded tablets. However, manufacturers may add corrosion inhibitors or defoamers. Using pure acid, you take responsibility for the condition of the seals, but if the proportions are observed (no more than 30g per 1 liter), the risk is minimal.
How often should decalcification be carried out?
The frequency depends on the water hardness and intensity of use. On average, when using tap water - once every 2-3 months or after every 200-300 cups prepared. If the water is filtered - once every six months.
Will the lemon flavor remain in the coffee after cleaning?
Not if you did the final rinse step correctly. It is necessary to run at least 1 liter of clean water through the system (preferably two cycles through the tank). Citric acid is volatile and is completely washed out, leaving no aftertaste.
What to do if the coffee machine stops pumping water after cleaning?
It is possible that large pieces of loose scale have clogged the valve or tubes. Try carefully blowing out the system or removing the water supply spout and rinsing it separately. If the problem persists, the valve may need to be disassembled and mechanically cleaned.