If the coffee machine Krups signaling the need for maintenance or you notice that the coffee has become less fragrant and flows a thin stream, so it's time to carry out a comprehensive cleaning with tablets. Owners of automatic systems often ignore the indication or confuse decalcination modes with washing, which leads to rapid wear of the brewing unit and the appearance of bitterness in the drink. Proper use of cleaning tablets allows you to dissolve coffee oils and residues of ground grains where water can not cope with them.
The process of regeneration of the hydraulic system requires strict adherence to the sequence of actions, since aggressive components of the means can damage seals with incorrect dosage. In this instruction, we will discuss how to start cleaning mode on the series models. Esspresso, Nespresso other devices to restore the pressure and quality of grinding. Ignoring this procedure leads to clogging of nozzles and failures in the pump.
Why you need to clean the Krups coffee machine with special tablets
The main reason for using special cleansing-pill It is their ability to break down the lipids contained in coffee beans. With regular preparation of espresso, these fats are oxidized and form a solid plaque on the inner walls of the brewing unit, which ordinary washing with water cannot be removed.
The accumulation of coffee oils leads to a change in the taste profile of the drink, giving it a rancid hue, and creates a favorable environment for the reproduction of bacteria. The tablets contain active substances that react with contaminants, softening them and allowing them to be washed out of the system under high pressure.
Regular maintenance with the help of chemistry prolongs the life of the moving parts of the mechanism and prevents jamming of pistons. Without such prevention, the owner will have to disassemble the device manually or contact a service center for mechanical cleaning, which is much more expensive.
- 🧼 Dissolve old coffee oils and resins.
- 🦠 Kill bacteria and prevent the appearance of mold.
- ⚙️ Keep the mobility of the parts of the brewing unit.
- ☕ It restores the rich taste and aroma of coffee.
Required funds and equipment preparation
Before starting the procedure, make sure you have original or certified coffee machine pill analogues on hand. Krups. The use of household chemicals, vinegar or citric acid in cleaning mode is strictly prohibited, as it can cause corrosion of metal elements and damage to rubber seals.
You will also need a capacity of at least 1 litre to collect dirty water that will drain from the system during the washing process. The water tank should be empty and clean so that the remnants of the old remedy do not mix with the new solution.
⚠️ Warning: Never use scale removal tablets (decalcinerators) in coffee oil purification mode and vice versa. These are different chemical compounds designed for different types of contaminants.
Prepare a soft fabric to wipe the outer surfaces and drip pallet. If your model is equipped with a removable brewing unit, it is better to pre-rinse it under running water, removing large remnants of cake, but do not remove it from the device unless the instruction requires the opposite.
Step by step: start of cleaning mode
The process of activating the cleaning mode may vary slightly depending on the specific model. KrupsThe algorithm is the same for most automatic devices. First, make sure that the device is turned off, then turn it on and wait for the completion of the heating cycle when the readiness indicator lights up.
Place one or two tablets (depending on the tank volume and manufacturer’s recommendations) directly in the water tank or in a special compartment if it is provided by the design. Pour fresh cold water to the maximum mark and mix until the product is completely dissolved.
Combinations of buttons for different series
For the Nespresso series: press and hold the Lungo button for 3 seconds. For the Esspresso series: a combination of the steam and espresso buttons.
Activate the cleaning mode by following the instructions for your model: usually a long press of a certain button or key combination. The machine will start pumping the solution through the system, making pauses to soak the internal channels.
- 💧 Pour the solution of the pill into the water tank.
- 🔘 Activate the cleaning mode with the appropriate button.
- ⏳ Wait until the end of the cycle (about 15-20 minutes).
- 🚿 Wash the system with clean water 2-3 times.
Table of service modes for different models
Different lines of coffee machines Krups They have their own characteristics of management and indication. Below is a summary table that helps to identify the required mode and frequency of the procedure depending on the intensity of use.
The frequency of cleaning with tablets directly depends on the number of cups prepared and the fat content of the coffee used. If you brew coffee from beans with a high oil content or make more than 5 cups a day, the procedure should be carried out more often.
| Coffee machine series | Indicator of necessity | Cycle duration | Frequency(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Krups Nespresso | Button blinking | 15 minutes. | Every 300 cups |
| Krups Esspresso | Red indicator | 20 minutes. | Every 2-3 months |
| Krups (XN series) | Message on display | 25 minutes. | Every 200 cups |
| Krups Dolce Gusto | Calc/drop indicator | 10 minutes. | Once in 3 months |
Please note that some modern models with digital-display They calculate the need for cleaning based on the algorithms of usage tracking. In such devices, ignoring the signal can block the possibility of making coffee before the service.
System washing and removal of chemical residues
After the machine cycles the solution with the tablet, it is critically important to thoroughly rinse the hydraulic system with clean water. Residues of the cleaning product can spoil the taste of the first portions of coffee and cause irritation of the mucous membrane when consumed.
Empty the drip tray and flush the tank. Pour fresh water without any additives and start the washing mode or simply prepare a few cups of "idle" stroke (without coffee) until the water is clear and odorless.
☑️ Wash checklist
If you still feel the taste of chemistry after rinsing, repeat the procedure with clean water again. For models with a capuchinator, remember to also blow the steam supply tube to remove the residues of milk fat and cleaning solution from there.
⚠️ Note: Do not use tap water for the final flushing if you have very hard water. It is better to take filtered or bottled so that immediately after cleaning, you do not start accumulating new scale.
Common mistakes when cleaning the coffee machine
One of the most common mistakes is to interrupt the cleaning cycle. Users often turn off the device in the middle of the process, thinking that it is hovering, or simply not waiting for the end. This causes the concentrated solution to remain inside the mechanisms, causing corrosion.
Another mistake is the use of expired or improperly stored tablets. If the packaging was opened long ago and the tablets crumbled into powder or were covered with plaque, their chemical activity could decrease, and the proper effect of cleaning will not be.
Some owners try to speed up the process by pouring hot water instead of cold water. This can not be done, since the reaction of some components can go too violently, with the formation of foam, which will overflow over the edge of the tank and get on electronic boards.
- ❌ Interrupt the program in the middle of the cycle.
- ❌ Using hot water for dissolution.
- ❌ Use of non-original or expired chemistry.
- ❌ Ignoring the final washing stage.
Care for the brewing block after chemical cleaning
Chemical cleaning with tablets is effective for internal channels, but does not replace mechanical cleaning of the brewing unit (if it is removable). After completing all the washing cycles, it is recommended to remove the block, gently shake off the remains of the coffee cake and wipe it with a wet wipe.
Lubricate with silicone lubrication the moving parts of the brewing unit after each cleaning is not necessary, this is done less often, as the creak or tight stroke appears. However, a visual inspection for cracks or wear of seals after an aggressive environment will be helpful.
Expert advice: After cleaning, leave the door of the brewing compartment ajar for the night so that the insides of the car are completely dry and there is no smell of dampness.
The regular combination of chemical cleaning with tablets and gentle mechanical care ensures that your Krups It will be a great coffee for many years to come. Don’t neglect these simple steps and the device won’t require expensive repairs.
Can I use tablets from other brands, such as DeLonghi or Bosch?
The use of tablets from other manufacturers is possible if they are designed for automatic coffee machines and do not contain abrasive particles. However, the original funds Krups selected taking into account the materials of seals of this brand, so the risk of damage is minimal.
What if the car makes a strange sound after cleaning?
The noise may be due to air traffic jams that enter the system during water replacement. Perform a cycle of steam preparation or water running without a pill several times to expel the air. If the noise persists, check the water level in the tank.
How often should I change the water filter when using the pill?
The filter cartridge (if installed in the tank) does not require replacement immediately after cleaning with tablets, if it has not yet exhausted its life time (usually 2 months). However, if you have used a very aggressive remedy, it is better to replace the filter so that it does not absorb the residues of the chemistry.
Why doesn't the car go out of cleaning mode?
The device can "hang" in cleaning mode, if the water in the tank has run out or the feed faucet has been closed (in models with a connection to the water supply). Add water, make sure the drop pallet is installed correctly, and try restarting the machine by turning it off and on.