The decrease in the pressure of hot water from the steam tube and the appearance of a characteristic cod when the pump is working signal that the internal channels corn-machine They were covered with limestone. Ignoring these symptoms leads to overheating thermal-block and eventual breakage of the heating element, so the procedure for removing scale should be carried out immediately. At home, you can restore the performance of the device with the help of specialized means or proven acid solutions, observing a strict sequence of actions.
The cleaning process is known as decalcificationIt requires not only the running of fluid through the system, but also the mechanical cleaning of removable elements such as the dissector and filter. The water used to make espresso contains calcium and magnesium salts that settle on the walls of narrow tubes with a diameter of only a few millimeters. Regular maintenance avoids expensive repairs and preserves the taste of the drink, preventing the appearance of a metallic aftertaste.
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare a container for collecting waste water and make sure that the machine is completely cooled. It is important to distinguish between the concepts of washing from coffee oils and removal of mineral deposits, since different chemical compositions and methods of exposure are used for these purposes. Properly executed procedure extends service life boiler And it stabilizes the brewing temperature.
Signs of pollution and the need for cleaning
Determine the moment when it is time to clean the carob coffee machine, you can by a number of indirect and direct signs that appear during operation. The first alarm is often a change in the sound of the pump: instead of a smooth hum, the device begins to emit intermittent sounds or whistles. This indicates that scale narrowed the passage section of the pipes, and the pump has to work with increased load, pumping water through the resulting plugs.
Visual inspection also provides important clues about the state of the internal nodes. If you notice that the steam stream from the cappuccinator has become sluggish and intermittent, or it drips with difficulty from the hot water spout, then the channels are clogged. Also on the surface. metallic filter There may be whitish spots that cannot be washed away with ordinary water.
- 📉 A marked decrease in the volume of outgoing water over the standard time of the strait.
- 🌡️ Instability of the temperature of the finished drink, the appearance of cold bursts.
- 👃 The appearance of an extraneous smell of burning or mustyness when the steam mode is turned on.
- 💧 Difficulty piercing tablet coffee or uneven extraction.
⚠️ Attention: If the indicator of the need for decalcification on the control panel caught fire in red, you can not postpone the procedure. Prolonged work with the indicator turned on can lead to the failure of the electronics.
Selection of scale removal equipment
The effectiveness of cleaning depends on the correct choice of chemical agent. The market offers a wide range of solutions, from specialized liquids to traditional methods, but not all of them are equally safe for the materials from which your product is made. coffee-machine. Acid solutions react with carbonates, softening and dissolving solid deposits, but aggressive components can damage rubber seals and aluminum alloys.
Specialized tools such as Durgol or DeLonghi EcoDecalkIt is designed with the specifics of coffee equipment in mind. They contain corrosion inhibitors and surfactants that leave no smell or taste after thorough washing. The use of such drugs is especially important for models with brass boilers or a complex thermoregulation system.
The table below compares the popular types of cleaners to help you make an informed decision:
| Type of instrument | Basis | Safety for rubber | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialized liquid | Sulfamic/Lactic acid | Tall. | Very high. |
| Decalcination pills | Organic acids | Tall. | Tall. |
| Citric acid (solution) | Citric acid | Medium | Medium |
| Acetic acid | vinegar | Low (eating seals) | High but risky. |
Why you should not use vinegar
Acetic acid has a pungent smell, which is extremely difficult to wash from the internal channels of the coffee machine. In addition, it is aggressive to rubber pads and can accelerate their aging, which will lead to leaks in the future.
Preparation of equipment for the procedure
Before pouring the cleaning solution, a number of preparatory operations must be performed. This will ensure the safety of the process and maximum contact of the active substance with contaminated surfaces. First, disconnect the device from the power grid and let it cool completely if it has been recently used.
Remove all removable elements: horn, filters, pallet for drops and disc dissector. Rinse them with warm water with a mild detergent, removing the remnants of coffee oils and cake. Pay special attention to the mesh filter - its cells should be completely free from blockage.
- 🧼 Wash the water tank thoroughly by removing mucus from the walls.
- 🔍 Check the condition of the steam tube and, if necessary, clean its hole with a thin needle.
- 💧 Fill the tank with fresh water for initial rinsing of the system.
- 🔌 Make sure that the drop pallet is installed correctly and empty.
After mechanical cleaning, assemble the machine in reverse order, but do not turn on the heating mode for now. Preparation takes no more than 10-15 minutes, but it is critical to the success of the entire operation.
☑️ Preparation for decalcination
Step-by-step instructions for decalcination
The process of removing scale requires care and observance of time intervals. Dilute the selected product in water according to the instructions on the package, observing the proportions. Pour the resulting solution into a water tank.
Turn on the coffee machine and wait for the exit to work mode. If your model has an automatic decalcination program, activate it through the menu. In this case, the machine itself will alternate the supply of solution and pause, as well as wash the system with clean water. If there is no automatic mode, act manually: open the hot water tap or turn the strait through the horn (without coffee) for 10-15 seconds, then turn off the car for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the solution to dissolve the deposits.
Repeat the on and off cycles until the tank is empty. It is important to prevent the pump from working "dry", so watch the level of liquid. After using the cleaning product, the system must be thoroughly washed.
For high-quality washing, use soft bottled water. This will help avoid re-formation of scale immediately after cleaning and remove the residues of chemistry faster.
Pour clean water into the tank and run it through the system at least twice. The water at the exit should be completely transparent and odorless. Only after that, you can assemble the car completely and prepare a trial coffee, which is better to pour to make sure there is no taste.
Cleaning of the brewing block and hydraulic system
In addition to removing mineral deposits, the carob coffee machine requires cleaning from coffee oils, which are oxidized and give the drink bitterness. The hydraulic system can be washed with special oil-cleaning tablets (backflush tablets), if the machine design allows reverse washing. For this purpose, a blank filter or a filter with a rubber gasket is used.
Place the tablet in the filter, insert the horn and turn on the strait for a few seconds. Let the solution infuse, then turn the strait back on. Repeat the cycle 5-7 times. Then, perform the same actions with clean water to wash away the residues of the cleaning agent and dissolved dirt.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use tablets to remove oils to clean scale and vice versa. These are different chemical compounds with different pH, and mixing or misapplication can damage the boiler’s interior coatings.
If your model is equipped with a removable brewing unit (although this is less common for carob machines than for automatic ones, but some nodes may be available), remove it and rinse it under running water. Use a soft brush to remove old coffee particles from hard-to-reach places.
Regularly clearing the oils (every 1-2 months) is more important for the taste of coffee than frequent decalcination if you use soft water.
Prevention and care of the coffee machine
To the question "how to clean the carob coffee machine" does not arise too often, it is important to pay attention to prevention. The main enemy of the equipment is hard water. Installation of a filter-jug or the use of bottled water will reduce the rate of scale formation at times.
After each coffee preparation, be sure to wipe the horn and capuchinator with a wet cloth. The residues of milk in the cappuccinator tube dry instantly and become an ideal environment for the reproduction of bacteria, as well as making it difficult for the passage of steam. Remove the dissecter regularly and wash it from coffee dust.
- 📅 Make a maintenance schedule: decalcination every 3-6 months.
- 💧 Always drain the remaining water from the tank unless you plan to use the machine for a few days.
- 🧹 Use only fresh beans, as older coffee contains more oils.
- 🔧 Check the condition of the sealing rings on the horn once a year.
Compliance with these simple rules will allow you to coffee-machine Serve for years, delighting you with steady pressure and a perfect espresso every morning.
Can I use citric acid instead of special products?
Citric acid can be used, but with caution. The solution should be weak (no more than 20-30 grams per liter of water). However, special products contain additives that protect metal and rubber, so they are preferable.
How often should I change the filter in the water tank?
Water softeners (if they are designed, such as Brita for coffee machines) should be changed every 2 months or after 50 cooking cycles, whichever comes first.
What to do if the coffee is still sour after cleaning?
If the taste has not improved after decalcination and washing, the problem may not be in scale, but in the degree of grinding, water temperature or the quality of the grains themselves. It is also worth checking whether the rubber seals have oxidized.
Is it dangerous to get a cleaning solution into the cup?
Yeah, it's dangerous. Chemicals for decalcination are toxic when taken orally. Always drain the first portions of water when washing and make sure there is no smell of the product at the outlet before brewing coffee.
Why does the coffee machine make noise after cleaning?
Noise can be associated with air traffic jams that formed when the system was filled. Let the car run in the water spill mode without coffee for a couple of minutes to expel the air. If the noise persists, it is possible that the pump contamination has not been eliminated completely.