Cleaning the coffee machine with special tablets is a mandatory procedure to maintain hygiene and extend the life of the device. However, even experienced users sometimes get confused, where exactly to put the product: in the water tank, bean tray or special cleaning compartment. An error in placement can lead to equipment failure or ineffective flushing.

In this article we will look at exact places to place the tablets in coffee machines of different brands (DeLonghi, Jura, Bosch, Philips), we’ll explain why you can’t put the product in random containers, and provide step-by-step instructions taking into account the features of the models. You will also learn what mistakes owners most often make and how to avoid them.

The material was prepared on the basis of official manufacturer manuals and the experience of service centers. All recommendations are relevant for coffee machines produced in 2020–2026 with automatic and semi-automatic control.

Why is it important to place the tablet correctly?

Cleaning tablets contain aggressive components (for example, citric acid or special surfactants), which, if used incorrectly, can:

  • 🔥 Damage the rubber seals and hoses inside the car;
  • 💧 Clog the filters if the product gets into the water supply system;
  • ☕ Spoil the taste of coffee for several cycles if the tablet dissolves in an unintended place.

Manufacturers design coffee machines so that the cleaning solution passes through specific channels, washing the most contaminated nodes: brewing unit, water supply tubes, cappuccino maker. If the tablet ends up in the water reservoir, it will dissolve too quickly and not have time to clean critical areas.

📊 How often do you clean your coffee machine?
Once a month
Once every 3 months
Only when the indicator lights up
Never cleaned

Where to put the tablet: 3 main options

Placement depends on type of coffee machine and its designs. Let's consider all possible scenarios.

1. Special cleaning compartment (most automatic models)

In coffee machines DeLonghi Magnifica, Jura E8, Melitta Caffeo and similar ones have a separate tray or container indicated by a pictogram 🧼 or inscription Cleaning. It is located:

  • 📍 Next to the tray for coffee beans (most often);
  • 📍 Under the lid of the brewing unit (in models with vertical loading);
  • 📍 In the drawer to the right of the water tank (at Bosch TES60111).

The tablet needs to be put entirely - without chopping! — and start the cleaning program through the menu. On most machines this is done like this:

  1. Click Menu → Settings → Cleaning (or hold down the button ☕ + 💧 3 seconds).
  2. Select mode Decalcification or Cleaning Cycle.
  3. Wait for the machine to pick up the tablet and run it through the system.

Fill the tank with water to the maximum|

Make sure there is no coffee in the bean tray|

Place the tablet in the cleaning compartment|

Connect the machine to a power outlet (some models block cleaning when running on battery power) -->

2. Tray for coffee beans (for semi-automatic models)

For coffee machines without a separate cleaning compartment (e.g. Philips HD8827 or Krups EA8108) the tablet is placed directly into grain container. Important:

  • ⚠️ Remove all coffee from the tray first - even a few beans can block the mechanism;
  • 🔄 Launch the cleaning program immediately, otherwise the tablet will begin to dissolve from moisture;
  • 💡 Use only tablets for coffee machines, rather than universal means (for example, Durgol Swiss Espresso or Cafiza).
⚠️ Attention: If your model has a bean tray combined with millstones (as in DeLonghi Dedica EC685), don't put the pill there - this will lead to corrosion of metal parts. In such cases, the product is dissolved in water (see next section).

3. Dissolution in water (for manual cleaning or older models)

For coffee machines without an automatic cleaning program (e.g. Saeco Poemia or Gaggia Classic) the tablet is dissolved in 1 liter of warm water (temperature no higher 40°C!) and poured into the tank. Next:

  1. Turn on the machine and start the hot water mode (without coffee!).
  2. Drain 200–300 ml solution through the group head.
  3. Turn off the machine 15–20 minutesso that the product acts on the scale.
  4. Flush the system with clean water 3–4 times.
Brand Model Where to put the tablet Features
DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM 22.110 Compartment Cleaning to the right of the bean tray Requires the program to be launched via Menu → Descale
Jura E8 Piano Black Pull-out container under lid The tablet must be whole, not crushed
Bosch TES60111 Bean tray (after removing coffee) After cleaning, you need to reset the counter in the menu
Philips HD8827/01 Dissolve in water (1 tablet per 1 l) Use only original tablets Philips Saeco

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to breakdowns or ineffective cleaning. Here are the most common:

  1. Using inappropriate means: Tablets for teapots or washing machines contain abrasive particles that damage the seals of the coffee machine. Always check the labeling: it must indicate "For coffee machines" or "Espresso Machine Cleaner".
  2. Tablet crushing: Some owners crush the product to speed up dissolution. This leads to uneven cleaning and the risk of undissolved particles entering the pump.
  3. Ignoring flushing: After cleaning, it must be passed through the machine. 2–3 tanks of clean water, otherwise the remaining product will end up in the next coffee.
⚠️ Attention: If after cleaning the machine starts hiss or make unusual noises, turn it off immediately and flush the system manually with water. This is a sign that the product has entered channels not intended for it (for example, into the cappuccino steam system).
What to do if a tablet gets stuck in the mechanism?

If after starting cleaning the machine gives an error or cannot pick up a tablet:

1. Unplug the device from the outlet.

2. Carefully remove the tablet with tweezers (do not use metal objects!).

3. Check to see if there are any coffee beans or debris blocking it.

4. Start cleaning again.

If the problem persists, contact service: the capture mechanism may be worn out.

Let's look at the nuances of cleaning using the example of three common coffee machines. If your model is not listed, use general principles from previous sections.

DeLonghi Magnifica ECAM 22.110

Algorithm:

  1. Open the cleaning compartment cover (to the right of the bean tray).
  2. Place 1 tablet (for example, DeLonghi EcoDecalk).
  3. Press and hold the button 💧 (water) and ☕ (coffee) simultaneously for 5 seconds.
  4. Follow the instructions on the display. The process will take 20–25 minutes.

After cleaning, reset the counter in the menu: Settings → Reset Descale Counter.

Jura E8

The peculiarity of this model is automatic tablet recognition. If the product is not original, the machine may display an error E85.

  • 🔹 Use only tablets Jura Cleaning Tablets;
  • 🔹 Place the tablet in pull-out container under the lid;
  • 🔹 Start cleaning after Menu → Maintenance → Cleaning.

Bosch TES60111

In this machine, the tablet is placed in the bean tray, but there is a nuance: if the coffee machine has not been cleaned for a long time, it may be necessary double dose (2 tablets).

After cleaning, be sure to:

  1. Flush the system 3 times;
  2. Reset the cleaning indicator: Menu → Service → Reset.
💡

If your coffee machine gives an error after cleaning (for example, E01 or Descale), try unplugging the plug for 10 minutes. This will reset the internal settings and often solves the problem.

How often should you clean your coffee machine?

Manufacturers recommend cleaning:

  • 📅 Every 2–3 months - with daily use;
  • 📅 Once every 6 months — if the machine is used 2–3 times a week;
  • 🚨 Immediately - if the indicator appears on the display Clean or Descale.

However, these terms are provisional. The frequency of cleaning is affected by:

  • 💧 Water hardness (with high hardness you need to clean more often);
  • ☕ Type of coffee used (dark roast leaves more oils);
  • 🏠 Humidity in the room (scale forms faster in a humid climate).
Sign What to do
Coffee flows slower than usual Run a cleanup within a week
The drink has a bitter or metallic taste Clean and rinse 2–3 times
The machine makes more noise when working Check for scale in the heating element
Indicator Clean flashing red Immediate cleaning is mandatory!
💡

Ignoring signals about the need for cleaning can lead to damage to the heating element (replacement cost starts from 5,000 rubles). Regular cleaning is cheaper than repairs!

Alternative Cleaning Products: Pros and Cons

In addition to tablets, the following are used to clean coffee machines:

1. Liquid cleaners

Examples: Puly Caff, Urgenta Caffetto.

  • ✅ Dissolve faster and distribute more evenly;
  • ✅ Suitable for machines with complex channels (e.g. Jura Z10);
  • ❌ More expensive than tablets (in terms of one use).

2. Citric acid (independent solution)

Can be used only as a last resort, if there are no specialized tools. Proportions:

  • 20 g acid per 1 liter of water;
  • Water temperature - 30–40°C;
  • Exposure time - no more 15 minutes.
⚠️ Caution: Citric acid does not remove coffee oils and may damage rubber parts if used frequently. Don't use it more often 1 time per year.

3. Vinegar

Strongly not recommended! Vinegar:

  • 🚫 Corrodes aluminum parts;
  • 🚫 Leaves a lasting smell that persists even after 10 washes;
  • 🚫 May cause corrosion of the heating element.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Can kettle tablets be used in a coffee machine?

No! Detergents for teapots contain aggressive components that damage the seals and hoses of the coffee machine. In addition, they do not remove coffee oils that accumulate in the brewing unit.

What should I do if my coffee tastes bitter after cleaning?

This means that the product has not been completely washed out of the system. Drive through the car 3–4 tanks of clean water, then make a test drink. If the taste remains, repeat washing.

How to clean the cappuccino maker?

To clean the steam wand:

  1. Remove the nozzle (if it is removable).
  2. Immerse in warm soapy water 10 minutes.
  3. Clean with a brush (usually included).
  4. Pass steam through the tube 2–3 timesto remove any remaining milk.

For automatic cappuccino makers (e.g. in Jura Giga 6) use a special product Jura Milk System Cleaner.

Is it possible to clean a coffee machine without tablets?

Yes, but only mechanically:

  • Remove and wash the removable parts (bean tray, drip grid);
  • Clean the brewing unit with a brush;
  • Pass through the system 1–2 liters of hot water.

However, this will not replace a complete cleaning of scale and oils. Tablets or liquid products are required once every 3–6 months.

Why doesn't the machine start the cleaning program?

Possible reasons:

  • 🔌 Unsuitable product (for example, a tablet for another model);
  • 💧 There is not enough water in the tank;
  • 🔧 The tablet gripping mechanism is blocked (check for foreign objects);
  • 📱 Software failure (try turning off the machine for 10 minutes).

If the problem persists, contact the service center.