Every owner of an automatic coffee machine Philips Saeco sooner or later you encounter a situation where the taste of the coffee changes and an unpleasant film appears on the surface of the drink. This is a sure sign that the internal mechanisms are contaminated with old fats that cannot be removed by regular washing with water. Coffee oils oxidize upon contact with air, giving the drink a bitterness and rancid taste that cannot be masked even by expensive varieties of grains.
Ignoring the problem leads to brewing unit begins to jam, and the pressure in the system drops. In this article, we will look in detail at how to properly deep clean coffee oils, what products are best to use, and why regular soap is absolutely not suitable for this procedure.
Timely maintenance extends the life of the device by years. Many users mistakenly rely only on automatic programs, forgetting about the need for mechanical cleaning of hard-to-reach places.
Why coffee oils are dangerous for your coffee machine
During the grinding and brewing process, the grain releases coffee oil, which is a natural component of Arabica and Robusta. While it is fresh, it gives the drink a rich aroma and dense foam. However, remaining on the machine parts, it quickly oxidizes and turns into a sticky, viscous substance resembling tar.
This substance accumulates in the grinder grinders, on the walls of the brewing unit and in the ground coffee receptacle. Over time, the layer of oxidized oils hardens, interfering with the movement of mechanisms. Philips Saeco equipped with units where the gaps are minimal, and even a small amount of hardened fat can disrupt the tightness of the system.
⚠️ Attention: Using harsh household chemicals such as dishwashing detergent or chlorine-containing solutions can damage the plastic seals and lubrication of the infuser bearings.
In addition to mechanical problems, old oils become an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and mold. This not only impairs the hygiene of the drink, but can also cause an unpleasant odor that is difficult to get rid of simply by washing. Regular decalcification does not solve this problem, since it is aimed at removing scale, not organic deposits.
Oxidized coffee oils are the main cause of changes in the taste of coffee and mechanical breakdowns of the brewing unit, and not scale.
Symptoms of contamination and the need for cleaning
You can understand that your coffee machine needs urgent cleaning of oils by a number of characteristic signs. Often, users ignore the first signals, attributing the deterioration in the quality of the drink to a new pack of beans or grinding settings.
- ☕ The coffee has acquired a pronounced bitter or sour taste, uncharacteristic of the variety used.
- 💧 On the surface of the espresso, instead of thick golden foam (cream), a whitish, loose foam or oily film is formed.
- 🔊 The brewing unit makes strange sounds: creaking, grinding or humming during operation.
- 📉 The coffee flow becomes sluggish, intermittent, or splashes even though the grind settings have not been changed.
If you notice any of these symptoms, a visual inspection is necessary. Remove the brewing unit (if the model allows it) and assess its condition. The presence of a dark, sticky coating on the pistons and filter mesh is a direct indication of the need dry cleaning.
Some models Philips Saeco With the display, the maintenance indicator may light up, but it more often indicates scale. Therefore, you should rely specifically on the organoleptic properties of coffee and the condition of the internal components. The sooner you start the procedure, the easier it will be to remove contaminants.
Choosing the Right Cleaner
To effectively remove coffee fats, special alkaline solvents are required. They are designed to break down organic matter without damaging metal and food-grade plastics. The market offers many options, but it is important to choose trusted brands.
Original tablets Philips Saeco or Urnex Cafiza considered the gold standard. They have a precisely calculated composition that is safe for the rubber seals of your car. Cheap analogues may contain too aggressive alkali, which will dry out the piston rubber over time.
| Product type | Release form | Features of application | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Tablets | Pressed powder | Dissolves in water, convenient dosage | High (for regular cleaning) |
| Liquid concentrate | Liquid | Requires precise dosing, works faster | Very high (for heavy soiling) |
| Powder | Loose mixture | Economical, but may not dissolve well in cold water | Average |
When choosing, pay attention to the mark “for automatic coffee machines.” Products for carob coffee makers or French presses may have a different chemical composition. It is also important that the product is certified for food equipment.
Always check the expiration date of cleaning tablets. Expired chemicals may lose effectiveness or, conversely, become too aggressive.
Preparing the coffee machine for cleaning
Before starting the active cleaning phase, the device must be properly prepared. This ensures that the cleaner is as effective as possible and is not diluted by old coffee or water residue.
First, empty the bean container and ground coffee hopper. If there is coffee left in the machine, it will mix with chemicals and cleaning will be wasted. Wipe the dry compartments with a paper towel to remove any dust or fine crumbs.
Next, you need to remove the brewing unit. Most models Philips Saeco this is done through the service door. If the unit is removable, wash it with warm water without detergents to remove surface dirt. This will allow the tablet to act directly on stubborn oils.
☑️ Preparing for cleaning
Make sure there is no old water left in the water tank. Fill with fresh cold water to the maximum level. It is into this water that the cleaning agent will be added. Hot water should not be used as this may activate the reaction too quickly.
Step-by-step instructions: cleaning with tablets
The most common and safe method is the use of special tablets. This method is suitable for regular maintenance once every 1-2 months. The process is automated, but requires your control at certain stages.
Place one cleaning tablet in the ground coffee compartment (bypass). In some models, the tablet must be placed directly into the brewing unit or into a special tray - consult manual for your specific Philips Saeco model. Usually the machine itself will tell you where to place the product by displaying a corresponding message on the display.
Menu → Care → Cleaning → StartStart the cleaning program through the menu. The machine will begin to draw water, dissolve the tablet and drive the resulting solution through the system. The process can take from 10 to 20 minutes. At this time, a dark, dirty liquid with a characteristic odor will come out of the spout.
⚠️ Attention: Do not interrupt the cleaning process once it has started. If you turn off the machine mid-cycle, the concentrated solution will remain in the system and may damage the seals.
After the main cycle has completed, the machine will ask you to rinse the system. You will need to fill the tank with clean water several times and run the rinsing program until clear water comes out of the spout without a chemical smell. Typically 2-3 rinse cycles are required.
What to do if the tablet does not dissolve?
If after a cycle you see tablet residue in the tray, it means the water was too cold or the tablet was left in the dry compartment for too long. Repeat the rinse cycle.
Mechanical cleaning of the brewing unit and coffee grinder
Dry cleaning does not always cope with a thick layer of carbon deposits, especially if the car has not been serviced for years. In such cases, manual operation is required. Brewing unit Philips Saeco it is designed so that it can be washed under the tap, but there are some nuances.
Use warm water and a soft brush (usually included with the machine). Carefully go through the strainers and pistons. If the plaque is very strong, you can soak the block in a cleaning solution for 15-20 minutes, but no longer.
- 🚿 Rinse the unit with a jet of water under pressure, directing it at an angle to wash away coffee residues from hard-to-reach places.
- 🧼 Do not use brushes with metal bristles - they can scratch the Teflon coating of the pistons.
- 🛢️ Once every 6 months, lubricate the side guides of the brewing unit with food-grade silicone lubricant.
The coffee grinder requires special attention. You can't pour water in there! To clean the millstones, use special cleaning grains (rice tablets or starch grains). They gently abrasively clean the millstones, absorbing oils, but do not dull the metal like a regular abrasive.
Scroll 30-50 grams of cleaning beans through a coffee grinder at the coarsest grind. Then grind 20 grams of regular coffee and throw it away to remove any remaining starch. This will return the millstones to their original efficiency.
Mechanical cleaning of the brewing unit under running water is required at least once a week, even if you use chemical tablets.
Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting
Can citric acid be used to remove oils?
No, citric acid is intended solely for removing scale (calcium deposits). It does not dissolve fats and coffee oils. Using an acid instead of a degreaser will not work, and frequent use may damage the metal parts of the infuser.
How often do you need to do a complete oil cleanup?
The recommended frequency depends on the intensity of use. For an office or a large family (more than 10 cups a day) - once every 2-3 weeks. For home use (3-5 cups) once every 1-2 months is enough. If you change the type of coffee, it is also advisable to clean it.
What should I do if my coffee still tastes bitter after cleaning?
If chemical and mechanical cleaning do not help, the problem may be over-roasted beans, too fine a grind, or worn-out coffee grinder burrs. Also check the brewing temperature in the machine settings.
Are septic tank tablets safe?
Most certified coffee machine products are biodegradable and septic tank safe when diluted with water during the flushing process. However, always read the instructions on the specific manufacturer's packaging.
Can the brewing unit be washed in the dishwasher?
Absolutely not. High temperatures and aggressive detergents in the dishwasher will deform plastic parts and wash away the factory lubricant from the guides, which will lead to squeaking and breakage of the mechanism.