Regular maintenance of coffee equipment is not just a matter of aesthetics, but a critical procedure to preserve the quality of the drink. If you notice that espresso became bitter, the water spill slowed down, or large bubbles appeared on the surface of the cream, then it’s time to start working on it. hydraulic your car. Most often, the problem lies in the contamination of the dissector, which in a professional environment is called a “sitchen” or shower group.
Scaling, coffee oils and small particles of cake eventually turn into a dense substance that cannot be removed by simply washing with water. Ignoring this process leads to uneven pressure distribution and, as a result, to low-quality extraction. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to safely dismantle and clean this node without damaging the delicate mechanisms of your device.
Before starting any work, you need to make sure that the device is completely cooled and disconnected from the power grid. The pressure in the boiler should be relieved, and the device itself should be in a cold state to eliminate the risk of burns or damage to seals from a temperature drop. DeLonghi, Gaggia and other popular brands have a similar design, but may differ in the nuances of attachment.
Diagnostics of pollution and preparation of tools
To understand that the strainer requires immediate cleaning, you can by indirect signs of the coffee maker. The stream of water from the group should be flat and conical, without "spitting" trickles to the sides. If the water flows from only one hole or the pressure is noticeably weaker than usual, then the channels are clogged with mineral deposits. It is also worth paying attention to the color of the flowing water at the idle strait.
To carry out a high-quality procedure, you will need a minimum set of tools that are found in the home of most masters. Do not use aggressive chemicals, unless there is an urgent need, as the residues of funds can spoil the taste of coffee. It is better to resort to proven methods of mechanical and soft chemical cleaning.
Prepare the following equipment before starting work:
- 🔧 A small flat screwdriver or a special key to remove the net (often included).
- 🧼 Food citric acid or specialized powder for decalcination.
- 🥣 A container with warm water for soaking parts.
- 🪥 An old toothbrush with soft bristles for delicate cleaning.
⚠️ Warning: Never use metal brushes or abrasive sponges to clean the holes of the strainer. You can scratch the surface of the metal, and in these microdamages will be clogged even more dirt, which will be impossible to clean.
Soak the metal parts in a solution of citric acid (20 g per 1 liter) for 30-40 minutes. This will soften even the old scale without the use of aggressive acids.
The process of dismantling the water dissector
Removing the net is the first and most important step. Depending on the model of your coffee maker, the design of the mount may differ. Most home models Bork or Vitek The strainer is simply screwed into the group or is kept on screws. It is important to act carefully so as not to tear the thread or damage the screw head.
If you see screws around the perimeter of the grid, use a screwdriver of the appropriate size. When unscrewing, hold the group itself with your hand so as not to loosen the attachments inside the body. In some cases, the screws may be “stommered” due to high temperature and moisture. Here will help preliminary warming (not strong) or the use of penetrating lubricant, but with subsequent thorough washing.
There are models where the grid is removed without tools, by turning counterclockwise. This may require effort, as the rubber seal creates additional resistance. If you can’t pull your hands off, you can use a rubber harness for better grip, but don’t use metal pliers directly.
☑️ Safe withdrawal algorithm
After removing the metal plate, carefully examine the rubber seal (gassing). It is on him most often complain owners when the water flows from under the horn. If the rubber has lost elasticity, is covered with cracks or has a flat, pressed shape, it must be replaced. The new gasket is inexpensive, but it radically changes the hydraulics of the process.
Cleaning and scale removal methods
The main problem of the strain is calcium deposits that block the thin channels. Mechanical brushing with a toothbrush is only effective for removing coffee oils and fresh plaque. To combat solid scale requires a chemical reaction. Citric acid is a great choice as it is safe for food contacts and is easily washed off.
Place the removed net and screws in the prepared warm solution. Leave them for 30 to 60 minutes. You'll see gas bubbles start to emerge, which is the acid that dissolves the carbonates. After soaking, thoroughly rub the details with a brush, paying attention to each hole. Illuminate the grid into the light: all holes should be clean and transparent.
To compare the effectiveness of different methods, you can refer to the table:
| Cleaning method | Anti-scale effectiveness | Safety for metal | Time of exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citric acid | Tall. | Absolutely safe. | 30-60 minutes. |
| Specialized chemistry | Very high. | Safe when flushed | 15-30 minutes |
| Acetic acid | Medium | May affect the smell | 40-60 minutes |
| Mechanical cleaning | Low (oils only) | Safe. | 5-10 minutes |
Why can't you use vinegar?
Acetic acid has a specific smell that can be absorbed into rubber seals and persist for a long time, transmitted to the taste of coffee. In addition, it is less effective against complex calcium compounds than citric acid or professional remedies.
Seal maintenance and lubrication
The rubber gasket is this. critical tightness of the system. Even a perfectly clean strainer won’t work properly if the sealer lets water or steam through. After cleaning the scale of the rubber must be inspected. It should be free of tears, sticky plaque or fossils.
If the gasket is in good condition, but just dry, it can return to elasticity. For this, food silicone lubricant is used. It has no smell, taste and is safe at high temperatures. Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the seal surface that comes in contact with the group metal and the horn.
Lubrication performs a dual function: it provides tightness and facilitates the insertion of the horn. Many users complain that it is difficult to twist the holdinger after cleaning - this is just a sign of dried rubber. Regular maintenance prolongs the life of the sealer by 2-3 times.
⚠️ Note: Use only food-grade silicone lubricant. Technical lubricants (Litol, solidol, graphite) are strictly prohibited, since they are toxic and when heated can release harmful substances, as well as spoil the taste of the drink.
Assembly and testing of the system
After all the parts are cleaned, washed and dried, you can start the assembly. Install the rubber seal in place, making sure it lay flat in its groove. Then gently screw the metal mesh. Do not pull the screws overly, especially if they are screwed into an aluminum case - you can easily tear the thread.
Twisting the screws cross-cross, gradually tightening them to ensure a uniform fit of the mesh. This will prevent sloshing and leakage in the future. If the design involves screwing the entire mesh, use a rubber harness or a special nozzle so as not to damage the chrome coating with the tool.
The first launch after maintenance should take place without coffee. Insert the cone (better with an idle basket or without it at all to start) and turn on the water supply. Check if there are any drops of water around the group or under the screws of the mesh. The water pressure should be strong and uniform.
If you notice leaks, try to tighten the mounts a little more. If water flows from under the horn itself when closed, it is possible that the seal has become crooked or needs replacement. Normally, water should only go through the holes of the strainer.
Uniform cone-shaped flow of water without spraying to the sides is the main indicator of successful cleaning and proper assembly of the shower group.
Prevention and maintenance schedule
In order not to disassemble the coffee maker every month, it is worth implementing simple rules of operation. The main enemy of the strainer is the remains of coffee, which dry out and turn into stone. Therefore, rule number one: immediately after making coffee, knock out the pill and wipe the group with a wet cloth.
The regularity of deep cleaning depends on the hardness of your water. If the water is hard, the scale will form faster. In this case, it is recommended to run a decalcination solution through the machine or simply hot water with citric acid once a week without indiscriminate design.
Key recommendations for care:
- ☕ Rub the group after each use, removing the remaining coffee dust.
- 💧 Use filtered water to make coffee, this will reduce scale formation by 80%.
- 🗓️ Carry out a complete dismantling and cleaning of the strainer every 3-6 months.
- 🔄 Change the rubber seal of the group once a year or if there are signs of wear.
Compliance with these simple rules will allow you to coffee-maker serve for years, delighting with stable pressure and delicious espresso. Clean hydraulic system is the key to the health of your equipment and the enjoyment of each cup.
Can I wash the sieve in the dishwasher?
Theoretically, the metal will withstand the sink, but this is not recommended. Aggressive detergents can damage the rubber seal if not removed, and high water pressure does not guarantee the cleansing of the internal channels from dense scale. Better to use soaking.
What if the screws of the strainer are rusty and not spinning?
Do not use excessive force so as not to break the screw head. Treat the connection site with penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40, but wash thoroughly afterwards!), leave for a few hours. If it does not help - heat the group with a hairdryer (carefully), the metal will expand, and the screws can move.
How often should the band’s rubber pad be changed?
The average life of the seal is 12 months with active use. However, if you notice that the water leaks from under the horn even with normal tightening, or the rubber has become hard and brittle - change immediately, without waiting for the planned date.
Does the purity of the tea affect the taste of coffee?
Absolutely. Old coffee oils in the holes of the strainer are oxidized and give the drink a rancid, musty taste. In addition, clogged holes disrupt the uniformity of the strait, leading to uneven extraction and the appearance of acidic or bitter notes in the cup.