Regular maintenance of coffee equipment is the key not only to a delicious drink, but also to the long life of your unit. The water used to make espresso or Americano contains calcium and magnesium salts, which eventually settle on the heating elements in the form of a solid plaque. This process is known as scale-upIt inevitably leads to a decrease in heat transfer, an increase in the cooking time of the portion and, ultimately, to the breakdown of expensive nodes.
Many owners coffee-machine They are thinking about finding alternatives to branded means for decalcination. Citric acid is one of the most popular and available reagents for this task. It effectively dissolves carbonate deposits without requiring complex purchase logistics or high cost. However, the use of this substance requires strict adherence to proportions and technology, so as not to damage the seals and internal tubes.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the chemical and physical aspects of the process, give exact recipes for solutions and describe the algorithm of actions for different types of equipment. You will learn why it is important to control concentration and how to properly complete the wash cycle so that there are no foreign flavors left in the cup. The security of your device depends on the quality of the ingredients used.
Process chemistry and citric acid efficacy
Scaling is predominantly calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which is poorly soluble in water. Citric acid (C6H8O7) reacts with these salts to form calcium citrate, which is easily washed out by water. Unlike acetic acid, citric acid does not have a pungent smell and acts more gently, making it preferable for the food industry and household appliances.
However, the efficiency of cleaning depends on the concentration of the solution and the temperature. Too weak solution will not be able to penetrate the dense layer of sediments on the thermal-blockOverly concentrated can aggressively affect rubber seals and silicone hoses inside the housing. Optimal is the use of food acid in the form of crystalline powder or a finished solution of a certain concentration.
It is important to understand the difference between quick cleaning and preventive cleaning. For regular care, less concentrated mixtures are enough, which prevent the formation of large crystals. If the machine has not been serviced for a long time, it may be necessary to repeat the procedure or use stronger specialized products based on sulfamic acid, which act deeper.
Why can't you use vinegar?
Acetic acid, although cheap, has an unpleasant odor that is difficult to wash out of the system, and can damage some types of rubber and plastic faster than lemon. In addition, vinegar is less effective against complex magnesium deposits.
Necessary tools and solution preparation
Before the decalcination procedure begins, the workplace and ingredients must be prepared. You will need the citric acid itself, which you can buy at any grocery store, and clean water. Water hardness plays a key role: the harder the water in your area, the more often you will have to clean. To prepare the solution, it is better to use distilled or filtered water, so as not to introduce new impurities into the system.
Proportions are a critical parameter. The standard recommendation for most manufacturers is to dilute 20-30 grams of crystalline acid (about 1-2 tablespoons) in 1 liter of water. Some users mistakenly increase the dosage, believing that “the porridge with oil will not spoil”, but this can lead to damage. hydrosystem. The solution should be transparent and not contain undissolved crystals that can clog thin capillaries.
You'll also need:
- 🧪 The container for mixing the solution (glass or plastic).
- 📏 Measuring glass or kitchen scales for exact dosage.
- 🧽 Soft fabric for cleaning external surfaces.
- 🗑️ Large capacity for draining waste liquid.
- 🧤 Gloves (optional, to protect the skin of the hands when working with concentrates).
Always pour water first and then add acid. This will prevent the concentrate from splashing and will ensure more uniform dissolution of the crystals.
General principles of decalcination of coffee machines
The process of decalcification, or decalcination, is based on the running of an acid solution through all the nodes of the coffee machine in contact with water. This includes a brewing unit, boiler, thermoblock, steam tube and internal hoses. The circulation of the liquid allows the acid to react with the sediments along the entire path, softening and removing them.
Most modern models coffee-machine They have a built-in cleaning program. In this case, you only need to pour the prepared solution into the tank instead of water and start the appropriate mode through the menu. The machine will pause for the chemical reaction and flush the system. If there is no automatic mode, the process will have to be controlled manually, alternately including water and steam.
The key step is the final washing. After the acid solution is finished, it is necessary to run at least 2-3 times through the clean water system. This is necessary to remove acid residues and dissolved salts. Ignoring this stage will cause the first coffee to have a sour taste and can be dangerous to health.
Instructions: Cleaning automatic coffee machines
Automatic models such as DeLonghi, Philips Saeco or BoschThey require a special approach due to the complexity of their internal design. The presence of electronic control allows you to automate the process, but requires strict adherence to the algorithm so as not to knock down the scale counter settings.
The procedure usually looks like this:
- 💧 Empty the water tank and wash it.
- 🧪 Pour the prepared solution of citric acid into the tank.
- ⚙️ Enter the service menu (often you need to pinch the button combination).
- ▶️ Start the program “Decalcification” or “Scalp Cleanup”.
- ⏳ Wait for the cycle to end, adding clean water for rinsing at the request of the machine.
During the program, the machine can make unusual sounds – this is normal, since the pump operates in different modes. If you notice leakage during the cleaning process, immediately interrupt the procedure, disconnect the device from the network and check the connections. After the cycle is complete, the machine usually resets the scale counter automatically, but in some models this must be done manually through the use of a scale counter. Settings → Care → Resetting the counter.
☑️ Checklist before launch
Features of cleaning carob and capsule models
Carbon coffee makers (e.g., Polaris, Vitek) and capsule machines (Nespresso, DeLonghi Piccolo) are not equipped with complex electronics for automatic washing, so the manual circulation method is used herein. In such devices, it is important to clean not only the boiler, but also the holder (horn) and steam pipe, if any.
For carob models, pour the solution into the tank, turn on the heating and run the water through a coffee-free holder, collecting the liquid into a cup. Repeat the operation 3-4 times until the tank is empty. Then thoroughly rinse all the details with water. For capsule machines, the procedure is often initiated by a combination of buttons (e.g., espresso and lungo buttons being pressed for 3-5 seconds at the same time), after which the machine goes into pumping mode.
Pay special attention to the steam tube. It forms scale very quickly due to high temperatures. Blow the tube with steam before cleaning, then pass through it part of the acid solution, lowering the nose into the container. This will prevent the hole from clogging with salt crystals.
Table: Comparison of decalcination funds
To help you choose the best option for your device, we have prepared a comparative table of various methods and tools. Citric acid wins in availability, but is inferior to specialized liquids in the speed of action and the presence of corrosion inhibitors.
| Parameter | Citric acid | Specialized gel/liquid | Acetic acid | Pills. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | Tall. | Very high. | Medium | Tall. |
| Safety for rubber | Tall. | Maximum | Low. | Tall. |
| Cost | Low. | Tall. | Low. | Medium |
| Convenience of dosage | It requires a scale. | Ready to use | Requires calculation | Maximum. |
| Effect on taste | Neutral (when washed) | Neutral. | Residual smell | Neutral. |
Specialized products contain lubricating components for seals, so for older coffee machines with rubber parts, they are preferable to home chemicals.
Typical errors and precautions
Using aggressive environments always carries risks. The most common mistake is using too hot water to prepare the solution. Boiling water can cause a violent reaction and damage to the plastic tank. Dissolve the acid in water at a temperature not higher than 40-50 degrees Celsius.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave the acid solution in the coffee machine overnight or for a long time without circulation. Concentrated acid can corrode aluminum alloys and damage gaskets with prolonged static contact.
Another mistake is ignoring the filter. If there is a mesh filter in the water tank, it must be removed before pouring the solution, as it can delay the acid crystals or, conversely, dissolve if made of an inappropriate material. Also make sure that the solution does not fall on the external lacquered or chrome surfaces of the case - immediately wipe the drops with a wet cloth.
⚠️ Attention: If after cleaning you feel a metallic taste in the coffee, then the washing was not carried out thoroughly enough. Repeat the cycle of running clean water 2-3 times.
Do not use citric acid if the instructions for your coffee machine explicitly prohibit the use of acid decalcinerators (this happens in some models with boilers of alloys, although this is rare). In such cases, use only the original brand funds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use citric acid in coffee machines with ceramic millstones?
Yes, you can. Ceramic millstones do not come into direct contact with water during the brewing process (water is served separately), but even if spray falls on them, citric acid will not damage the ceramics. The main thing is to thoroughly wash the brewing block after the procedure.
How often should citric acid be cleaned?
The frequency depends on the hardness of the water and the intensity of use. On average, when using a filter-jug, the procedure is carried out every 2-3 months or after preparing 200-300 cups. If the water is very hard, once a month.
What if the machine says “Cleaning is required” immediately after the procedure?
In some models (e.g., DeLonghi Magnifica) the counter shall be reset manually. This is usually done by turning off the machine, squeezing the steam button and turning on the power, holding the button for a few seconds. Find the exact combination in the instructions for your model.
Is citric acid dangerous to your health if you stay in your car?
Citric acid is a dietary supplement (E330) and is safe in small amounts. However, its presence in coffee will change the taste of the drink to unpleasantly sour. Careful water washing solves this problem completely.
Can I mix citric acid with other drugs?
It is not recommended to mix citric acid with chlorine-containing agents or other chemicals. This can lead to the release of toxic gases. Use only one type of cleaning product per cycle.