Indicator Calc coffee-machine control panel Krups lights up in red, signaling the accumulation of lime plaque in the hydraulic system, which requires the immediate start of the decalcination cycle using a special means. Ignoring this warning leads to a decrease in pump pressure, a deterioration in the quality of coffee extraction and eventual failure of the heating element due to overheating. To restore factory parameters of work, you need to purchase original tablets decalcinateSince the use of citric acid or vinegar can damage the rubber seals and internal gaskets of the device.
The cleaning process takes about 30-40 minutes and consists of several automatic steps, during which the machine will alternately supply solution and clean water through the system. It is important to prepare a container for waste liquid with a volume of at least 1.5 liters in advance, since during the cycle decalcination A significant amount of water will be drained. Properly following all the steps of the instructions ensures that up to 99% of the mineral deposits are removed and prolongs the life of your coffee machine.
Preparation for the decalcination procedure
Before starting the main process, you need to make sure that there are no residues of old liquid in the water tank, and the container itself is thoroughly washed under running water. In a dry and clean tank should be placed two tablets of a special product. decalcinateThis is specifically for coffee machines. Krups. Do not attempt to accelerate the dissolution of the tablets with hot water, as the chemical reaction must take place under controlled conditions as prescribed by the manufacturer.
After laying the tablets, pour fresh cold water into the tank to the maximum mark. Max. The liquid should completely cover the pills, but not overflow over the edge. Leave the tank alone for a few minutes to allow the active substances to dissolve, although complete homogenization will occur within the system during the cycle.
⚠️ Warning: Never use vinegar, citric acid or dishwashers for decalcination, as they can cause corrosion of metal parts and destroy silicone seals.
Install a drop pallet and make sure it is empty, as some water may be discharged into it during the initial stages of system diagnostics. Also check if there are enough free tablets in the package for future treatments so that you don’t interrupt service at a critical time.
Starting the cleanup regime
To activate cleaning mode on most models Krups press and hold the button with the image of the drop or icon Calc 3-5 seconds until the indicator starts to flash. In some modifications, such as the series Essenza or NespressoIt requires simultaneous pressing of the key combination, so it is recommended to check with the manual of your particular model.
After entering the maintenance mode, the machine will begin pre-heating, and you will hear the characteristic sound of the pump. At this point, the system checks the tightness of the contour and readiness to pump aggressive environment. If the indicator flashes slowly, it means waiting for confirmation; if fast, the heating process is underway.
When the indicator lights up with a steady light, press the start button again to confirm the start of the cycle. From this point on, the process becomes fully automatic, and it is not recommended to interrupt it, so as not to disrupt the internal channel washing algorithm. The machine itself will determine the required number of cycles of supply of solution and pauses for dissolution of scale.
Scaling process
During the main stage of the coffee machine Krups will periodically supply portions of the decalcinator solution through the brewing unit and the heater. You will notice how a liquid with a characteristic hissing will begin to come out of the coffee nozzle and cappuccinator, which indicates the reaction of the acid with carbonate deposits.
The cycle consists of feeding phases and waiting phases (pauses). During the pause, the chemically active solution remains in the system, intensively acting on the walls of the tubes and temperature-block. This is a critical stage that cannot be forced by artificial power outages.
- 🔹 The solution penetrates into the microcracks of scale and softens the hard calcium deposits.
- 🔹 Disinfection of internal cavities, removal of coffee oils and bacteria.
- 🔹 The permeability of the valves is restored, which normalizes the pressure in the system.
The total length of the dissolution step can vary from 15 to 20 minutes depending on the water hardness set in the device settings. At this time, do not open the tank lid or try to remove the capsule receiver.
Clean water washing of the system
After the decalcification cycle is completed, the washing phase will automatically begin, for which you will need to refill the tank with clean water. On the display or indicator will appear a signal to add water, ignoring which will lead to a stop and error.
Pour a full tank of fresh water and press the confirmation button. The machine will start pumping clean liquid through the system, washing away the remnants of the chemical and dissolved scale. This step can be repeated twice to ensure that any traces of the cleaning substance are removed.
☑️ Wash checklist
It is important to carefully monitor the color and transparency of the outgoing jet. If the first portions of water still visible turbidity or foam, the cycle of washing should be repeated manually, if the model allows, or wait for the end of the automatic program.
| Phase | User action | Duration | Indication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Dissolution of the pill | 2-3 minutes | Calc button on fire |
| decalcination | No (auto) | 15-20 minutes | Blinking indicator |
| Washing 1 | Add water. | 5-7 minutes | Clear lights |
| Washing 2 | Add water. | 5-7 minutes | Green. |
Completion and verification of the result
When the coffee machine Krups complete all the washing stages, the indicator Calc It will go out and the indicator of readiness will light up in green. This means that the device is back in normal operation mode and ready to make coffee.
It is recommended to make several blank water (without a pill and without coffee) through the nose to finally make sure that there is no taste of chemistry. Only then you can lay a capsule or ground coffee to prepare the first cup.
Technical details of the process
Inside the Krups coffee machine, an electronic water volume meter is installed, which automatically calculates the need for cleaning. Reset this meter manually without special service software is impossible, so a full cycle with a tablet is the only legal way of maintenance.
Be sure to rinse the pallet for drops and the container for used capsules, as they could get water with dissolved scale, which when drying forms a new solid plaque. Regular cleaning of external elements complements internal cleaning.
Cleaning of the brewing unit (for models with extractor)
Unlike capsule systems, automatic coffee machines Krups with the function of preparing coffee from grains are equipped with a removable brewing unit, which also requires regular care. Although the tablet cleanses the hydraulics, the mechanical parts need to be washed with warm water without detergents.
Remove the brewing block by following the instructions for your model and thoroughly rinse it under a stream of water, removing the remnants of coffee dust and oils. For deep cleaning once a month, you can use special cleaning tablets for brewing blocks, dissolving them in water and soaking the node.
- 🔹 Lubricate silicone seals of the brewing block with food silicone after each cleaning.
- 🔹 Check the integrity of the filter mesh for cracks or deformations.
- 🔹 Make sure that the moving parts of the mechanism walk freely and without creaking.
⚠️ Warning: Never wash the brewing unit in the dishwasher and do not use aggressive detergents, as this will be able to special lubrication and will lead to jamming of the mechanism.
After drying, collect the knot back to the characteristic click. If the brewing unit is installed incorrectly, the machine will give an error and will not start working, so make sure that the fixation is reliable.
Frequent errors and their elimination
Sometimes after the procedure, the scale indicator does not go out or lights up again after a short time. This may indicate that the cycle has been interrupted, or the concentration of the solution was insufficient due to the use of the wrong tablets.
In the event of an error E03 or a similar code indicating a water circuit problem, try repeating the decalcination cycle, making sure all the covers are tightly closed and water is available. If the problem persists, a service diagnosis of the pump or sensors may be required.
Use only filtered or bottled water to make coffee and dilute the decalcinator to maximize the intervals between cleanings.
Don’t forget to reset the cleaning counter if your model requires manual confirmation of the procedure’s completion via the settings menu. The absence of reset will cause the machine to be constantly reminded of the need for maintenance.
Regular cleaning with a tablet every 2-3 months increases the service life of the Krups coffee machine twice and preserves the rich taste of coffee.
Maintenance schedule is the key to the stable operation of your coffee machine. Simple care activities take a little time, but prevent costly repairs in the future.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another brand of pill instead of the original Krups?
The use of third-party means is possible if they are designed for automatic coffee machines and do not contain aggressive acids. However, the original pills Krups Guaranteedly safe for internal seals and have the optimal dosage.
What to do if the pill is not completely dissolved?
If after a cycle you find the remains of the pill in the tank, this is normal. Some pill fillers do not dissolve completely. Just dispose of the rest and thoroughly rinse the tank.
How often should you clean the pill?
The frequency depends on the hardness of the water and the intensity of use. On average, it is recommended to carry out the procedure every 2-3 months or after making 300 cups of coffee, or when the indicator is sunbathing. Calc.
Is it harmful to drink coffee immediately after cleaning?
Drinking coffee immediately after cleaning is not recommended, as the system may still have a taste of chemistry. Be sure to perform a clean water wash cycle and make 1-2 blank straits before preparing the drink.