A complete guide to cleaning your carob coffee machine: from scale to oil deposits

A carob coffee machine is not just a kitchen appliance, but a real alchemical apparatus that turns beans into aromatic espresso. But, like any precision mechanism, it requires regular maintenance. Cleaning the coffee machine - this is not a whim of manufacturers, but a necessity: scale narrows the pipes, coffee oils clog filters, and the remaining milk in the cappuccino maker becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. If you ignore cleaning, after 6-12 months you will end up with a bitter taste, slow performance and the risk of breaking expensive parts.

In this article we will look at all stages of washing — from daily care to deep descaling, including nuances for popular models DeLonghi Dedica, Saeco PicoBaristo and Gaggia Classic Pro. You will learn what products to use (and why household chemicals can kill your machine), how often to carry out procedures, and what to do if the coffee machine Stopped heating water after rinsing - This is one of the most common mistakes made by beginners.

Why washing your carob coffee machine is not a luxury, but a necessity

Even if your coffee machine looks clean on the outside, processes occur inside it that gradually destroy the mechanism:

• 🧂 Scale - the main enemy of any technology that works with water. It is formed due to calcium and magnesium salts contained even in filtered water. Scale settles on the heating element, reducing its thermal conductivity, and narrows the tubes, which is why the machine takes longer to heat up and pumps water worse.
• ☕ Coffee oils — when brewing espresso, essential oils are released from the grain, which polymerize over time, forming a sticky coating on the horn, filter and internal surfaces. This not only spoils the taste, but also impedes the flow of water.
• 🦠 Bacteria and mold — humid environment + milk residues (if you have a cappuccino maker) = ideal conditions for the proliferation of microorganisms. This is especially dangerous for models with an automatic milk circuit.

It is no coincidence that manufacturers indicate washing schedules in the instructions. For example, DeLonghi recommends descaling every 200 cups or every 3 months, and Saeco - once every 1-2 months with hard water. Ignoring these recommendations leads to:

• ⚡ Increased energy consumption (scale causes the heating element to work for wear and tear).
• ⏳ Increased coffee preparation time (clogged tubes reduce pressure).
• 💸 Expensive repairs (replacing a heating element or pump will cost 30–50% of the cost of a new car).

⚠️ Attention: If your coffee machine begins to make unusual sounds (hissing, gurgling) or coffee flows in a thin stream instead of a powerful stream, these are the first signs that you need to flush it immediately. In 80% of cases, such symptoms are associated with scale in the system.

What you will need for washing: tools and supplies

Before you start cleaning, prepare everything you need. Using inappropriate products may not only not help, but also aggravate the problem. For example, vinegar or citric acid in high concentrations corrode rubber seals, and household detergents leave a film that then gets into the coffee.

Category	What do you need	Notes
Special means	De'Longhi EcoDecalk (for scale) Saeco Cafiza (for coffee oils) Urnex Rinza (universal)	Use only products recommended by the manufacturer of your model. For example, for Gaggia fits Puly Caff.
Tools	Soft brush (toothbrush or special brush for coffee machines) Microfiber cloth Brush for cleaning the cone Container for collecting liquid (capacity 1–2 l)	Do not use metal brushes or abrasives - they will scratch the surface.
Additionally	Distilled or filtered water Gloves (some products cause skin irritation) Table of water hardness in your region	If the water hardness is above 8°dH, descaling must be done more often.

Many owners try to save money using improvised means:

• 🍋 Citric acid - allowed only in diluted form (1 packet per 1 liter of water), but not more than once every six months. It is weaker than specialized products and may not cope with heavy scale.
• 🥛 Whey - sometimes used to remove coffee oils, but requires careful rinsing, otherwise the smell will remain.
• 🧼 Soda - is strictly prohibited! It leaves microcrystals, which then get into the mechanisms.

Step-by-step instructions: how to descale a coffee machine

Descaling is the most important and difficult procedure. It must be carried out regularly, even if the machine is working normally. Below are universal instructions suitable for most carob coffee machines (DeLonghi, Saeco, Gaggia, Rancilio etc.). For exact models there may be nuances - always check the instructions!

Turn off the coffee machine and let it cool for 10-15 minutes|

Remove the horn and filter and wash them separately|

Fill the tank with water to the maximum level|

Add descaling agent (dosage indicated on the package)|

Prepare a container for collecting liquid (volume of at least 1 l)|

Make sure the machine is on a level surface (vibrations during washing can move it) -->

Step 1: Start the cleaning cycle

1. Turn on the coffee machine and wait until it warms up (the ready light should light up).
2. If your model has a mode Descale (descaling), activate it. This is usually done by long pressing the power button or a key combination (for example, Power + 1 Cup at DeLonghi Dedica).
3. If there is no automatic mode, start manual rinsing: place a container under the dispenser and start draining water in 100-150 ml portions until the reservoir is empty.

Step 2: Flush the system

After the solution has passed through the system, leave it inside for 15–20 minutes (this time is needed to dissolve the scale). Then:

4. Run the solution through the system again, dumping it into the container.
5. Pour clean water into the tank and run it 2-3 times to remove any remaining product. This is critical: if you don’t flush the system, your next coffee will have a chemical taste.

Step 3. Completion

After washing:

• Wipe dry all external surfaces.
• Reinstall the horn and filter.
• Run a coffee test cycle (without powder) to ensure that the water flows evenly.

⚠️ Attention: If after washing the machine does not heat the water or displays an error (for example, E01 at Saeco), this may mean that scale has blocked the temperature sensor. In this case, repeat washing with an increased dose of the product or contact service.

Cleaning the Coffee Bean and Filter: How to Remove Coffee Oils

The brewer and filter are the parts of the coffee machine that come into direct contact with the coffee, so they need to be cleaned daily. Coffee oils not only spoil the taste, but also create a sticky film that attracts coffee particles, clogging the filter holes.

Daily cleaning:

1. Immediately after use, remove the cone and discard the coffee tablet.
2. Rinse the horn and filter under running warm water using a soft brush. Pay special attention to the filter holes - they need to be cleaned with a brush.
3. Wipe the parts dry with a microfiber cloth. A wet cone left overnight may become moldy.

Deep cleaning (once a week):

To remove polymerized oils, use special tablets (for example, Cafiza) or whey solution (1:1 with water). Algorithm:

1. Immerse the cone and filter in the solution for 30-60 minutes.
2. Brush, paying attention to threads and holes.
3. Rinse thoroughly under running water.

For models with hornless brewing unit (for example, Saeco Xelsis) the process is more complicated:

• 🔧 It is necessary to remove the brewing unit according to the instructions (usually this is done after removing the top cover).
• 🧽 Rinse it under running water, removing the remaining coffee with a wooden stick (not metal!).
• 🔄 Lubricate moving parts with silicone grease (use only food grade lubricants, e.g. Molykote 111).

What happens if you don't clean the horn?

If you ignore cleaning the horn, after 2-3 months the filter holes will become so clogged that water will flow unevenly. This will lead to:

- Under- or over-exposed coffee (due to uneven pressure).

- Particles of old coffee entering a new portion (bitterness and unpleasant odor).

- Pump breakdown due to increased load (if the filter is clogged, the pump has to work at the limit).

Cleaning the cappuccino maker and milk circuit

If your coffee machine is equipped with a cappuccino maker (manual or automatic), cleaning it is a different story. Milk is an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, and if you do not rinse the system after each use, in a week you will not get a cappuccino, but a “biological weapon” with a corresponding smell.

For a manual cappuccino maker (steam vent):

1. After each use, run 50-100 ml of hot water through the steam vent to remove any remaining milk.
2. Wipe the outer tube with a damp cloth.
3. Once a week, soak the tip in a solution of milk system cleaner (for example, Urnex Milk Frother Cleaner) for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with water.

For automatic cappuccino maker (milk circuit):

Type systems Saeco HygieSteam or DeLonghi LatteCrema require more careful care:

1. After each use, start automatic rinsing (usually the button Clean or Rinse).
2. Once a day, disassemble the milk tube and rinse it under running water.
3. Once a week, carry out deep cleaning using a special product (for example, De'Longhi LatteClean). To do this:
• Pour the product into the milk tank.
• Run the cleaning cycle (described in the model instructions).
• Flush the system 2-3 times with clean water.

⚠️ Attention: Never use descaling agents to clean the milk circuit! They contain acids that can damage rubber seals and hoses. Milk requires alkaline compounds.

If you notice that the milk is foaming less well or there is an unpleasant odor coming from the milk frother, this is a sign that bacteria have accumulated in the system. In this case:

• Pass a solution of water and baking soda (1 tsp per 200 ml) through the cappuccino maker, then rinse thoroughly.
• If the smell remains, disassemble the tube and soak it in the solution Cafiza for 1 hour.

How often should you wash your coffee machine: maintenance schedule

The frequency of flushing depends on three factors: water hardness, intensity of use and type of coffee machine. Below is a universal table, but for exact recommendations, always check the instructions for your model.

Procedure	Frequency for home use	Frequency for office/cafe	Signs it's time to clean
Daily cleaning of the horn and filter	After each use	After each use	Remains of coffee in the filter, bitter aftertaste
Rinsing the cappuccino maker	After each use (quick rinse), deep - once a week	After each use, deep - 1 time every 3 days	Bad foam, sour milk smell
Cleaning coffee oils (horn, brewing unit)	1 time per week	Daily	Sticky coating, slow water flow
Descaling	Once every 2–3 months (for water hardness up to 8°dH) or once a month (for water hardness above 8°dH)	Once a month (regardless of hardness)	Takes longer to heat up, weak pressure, heating errors
Replacing water in the tank	Daily (if not used)	2 times a day	Stagnant odor, cloudy water

If you are using filtered or bottled water, the interval between descaling can be increased by 20–30%. But remember: even in filtered water, salts remain, just in smaller quantities.

For models with built-in filter for water softening (for example, Saeco Incanto with the system AquaClean) the washing schedule may vary. Such filters reduce hardness, but they need to be changed every 2-3 months, otherwise they themselves become a source of bacteria.

Typical washing mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced coffee machine owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to breakdowns or deterioration in the taste of the coffee. Here are the most common of them:

• 🚫 Using vinegar in high concentration - it corrodes rubber gaskets and leaves a persistent odor. If you do use vinegar, use no more than 100 ml per 1 liter of water and rinse the system thoroughly.
• 🚫 Neglecting rinsing after cleaning - Residues of descaling agent or oils get into the coffee, giving it a chemical taste. Rinse the machine with clean water at least 3 times.
• 🚫 Cleaning the horn with metal objects — scratches on the inner surface accelerate the formation of plaque. Use only plastic or wooden chopsticks.
• 🚫 Ignoring errors after flushing - if the machine produces an error code (for example, E05 at Gaggia), this may mean that scale has blocked the valve or sensor. Repeat cleaning immediately.
• 🚫 Keeping the horn wet - this leads to the appearance of mold. Always dry parts after washing.

Another common problem is The coffee machine does not turn on after rinsing. This can happen for two reasons:

1. Water getting on the electronic board (if you washed the machine upside down or poured liquid into holes not intended for this purpose).
2. Blocking of the water level sensor due to scale (in this case, repeated washing with an increased dose of the product will help).

If the machine does not respond to buttons or makes unusual sounds (for example, a continuous buzzing pump), unplug it and let it sit for 24 hours. This often helps the contacts dry out. If the problem persists, contact service.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about cleaning coffee machines

Is it possible to use citric acid instead of special products?

Yes, but with reservations:

• The concentration should not exceed 1 packet (20 g) per 1 liter of water.
• Do not use it more than once every 6 months - it is less effective against scale than professional products.
• After rinsing with citric acid, be sure to run 1-2 liters of clean water through the machine to remove any residue.

For models with aluminum parts (e.g. Rancilio Silvia) Citric acid is not recommended - it can cause corrosion.

How can you tell if your coffee machine needs urgent cleaning?

Look out for the following signs:

• The coffee flows in a thin stream instead of a powerful stream.
• The machine takes longer than usual to warm up (more than 5 minutes).
• A bitter or metallic taste appears.
• The display shows errors related to heating (E01, HEAT etc.).
• Milk with flakes or an unpleasant odor comes out of the cappuccino maker.

If you notice any of these symptoms, do not delay cleaning.

Do I need to rinse my new coffee machine before using it for the first time?

Yes, definitely! During production and during transportation, technical oils, dust or preservatives may remain inside the machine. Before turning on for the first time:

1. Pass 1–2 liters of clean water through the system (without products!).
2. Rinse the horn and filter under running water.
3. Wipe all external surfaces with a damp cloth.

This will remove any possible contaminants and prepare the machine for use.

What should you do if, after washing, the coffee tastes better, but the machine makes more noise?

This is normal as long as the noise is not accompanied by vibrations or errors. After descaling:

• The pump is running at normal load, but without obstructions, so the sound may become louder.
• If the noise sounds like a "gurgling" sound, there may be air left in the system. Run the hot water cycle 2-3 times to flush it out.

If the noise does not disappear after 1–2 days or extraneous sounds appear (grinding, knocking), check the fastening of the horn and, if necessary, contact service.

Can the coffee machine be washed in the dishwasher?

No! Neither the brewer nor any other removable parts of the coffee machine are dishwasher safe. High temperatures and aggressive detergents can:

• Deform plastic parts.
• Destroy the rubber seals.
• Leave a chemical residue, which will then end up in the coffee.

Exception - some models Nespresso are marked dishwasher safe on removable parts, but this does not apply to carob coffee machines.