Timely decalcination of Saeco Lirika This is a critical maintenance step that directly affects the life of the heating elements and the quality of your espresso. Hard water contains calcium and magnesium salts, which when heated form a solid plaque known as scale. This layer has low thermal conductivity, causing the thermo unit to work with overload, which can lead to its overheating or even rupture of the tubes in the long run.
Coffee machine owners often ignore the flashing indicator, believing that the machine will work normally and continue, but ignore the signal. Descalc It can also block the possibility of making coffee. Modern models such as Saeco Lirika RI9840 or earlier versions RI9841They are equipped with an electronic counter, which requires a complete wash cycle to reset statistics. In this article, we will discuss in detail what means are best used, how to properly prepare the solution and what to do if the cleaning process is interrupted.
It is worth noting that the use of inappropriate chemicals such as vinegar or citric acid in high concentrations can damage rubber seals and plastic parts of the hydraulic system. Manufacturer recommend apply specialized liquids based on food acids, which effectively dissolve sediments without aggressively affecting the internal components. Understanding the chemical process and mechanics of pump operation will help you to perform the procedure as efficiently and safely as possible for your device.
Symptoms of pollution and the need for cleaning
The first and most obvious signal about the need for the procedure is a lit or flashing orange indicator with a symbol of drops or exclamation mark. However, electronics can work on a timer, even if the water in your area is relatively soft, so it’s important to pay attention to indirect signs of contamination. If you notice that the cooking time of the espresso portion has increased and the stream of coffee has become sluggish and intermittent, this is a sure sign that the passage section of the tubes and boiler has decreased due to deposits.
Another worrying symptom is the change in the taste characteristics of the drink. Scaling can give coffee an unpleasant metallic taste or smell that cannot be eliminated even by regular washing of the brewing unit. In addition, with severe pollution thermal-block The machine may start to make an uncharacteristic noise or humming during heating, as the pump has to put more effort into pumping water through clogged channels.
⚠️ Attention: If the coffee machine makes loud knocks or clicks when heated, stop using immediately and decalcify. Ignoring these symptoms can cause an expensive thermoblock or pump to fail.
It is important to distinguish between the need to clean the welding mechanism and decalcination of the hydraulic system. While you take out and wash the brewing block under the tap, you remove the coffee oils and the remnants of the ground grain. Decalcination is aimed exclusively at removing mineral salts from internal tubes, valves and boiler, which can not be reached manually without disassembling the machine.
Selection of scale removal equipment
The market of products for maintenance of coffee machines offers a wide range of solutions, but not all of them are equally safe for the use of coffee. Saeco Lirika. The best choice is liquid concentrates based on sulfamic or lactic acid, which are specially developed for the food industry. They effectively dissolve carbonate deposits at low temperatures without requiring aggressive boiling, which protects plastic structural elements.
Many users are wondering about the possibility of using citric acid. Thought citric acid It is indeed an effective solvent of scale, its use in its pure form requires an accurate dosage. The crystals may not completely dissolve in cold water and damage pump seals or get stuck in narrow valve channels. If you do decide to use this method, make sure that the powder is completely dissolved and the concentration does not exceed 20-30 grams per liter of water.
It is strictly not recommended to use acetic acid or means for removing scale in plumbing. Vinegar has a pungent odor that is very difficult to wash from silicone coffee machine tubes, and it can make the taste of coffee unpleasant for a long time. In addition, acetic acid is more aggressive to metals and rubber products, which reduces the resource of internal components.
Why can't you use pills for dishwashers?
Tablets for dishwashers contain chlorine and alkaline components that are designed to break down fats and proteins, not calcium salts. Their use in a coffee machine will lead to corrosion of metal parts and damage to rubber seals, and also make the machine unsuitable for cooking.
Preparation of the coffee machine for the procedure
Before the process begins, equipment must be properly prepared to avoid mixing the cleaning solution with the residues of coffee or water. First, empty the drip tray and the coffee grounds container, wash them with warm water. Then remove the brewing block and rinse it under running water without using detergents to remove all visible coffee residues.
Particular attention should be paid to the water tank. Wash it thoroughly, removing any plaque on the walls. To prepare the solution of the decalcinator, pour fresh water at room temperature into the tank to the maximum. It is to this water that a liquid or dissolved acid is added according to the instructions on the package. Usually, one cleaning cycle requires 100-150 ml of concentrate per full tank of water.
Make sure the steam and hot water supply spout (cappuccinator) is clean and not blocked by dried milk, as in some washing modes water may pass through these channels. If you use an external water filter (for example, a water filter) Intenza), it must be removed from the tank before the procedure, as the decalcinator may damage the filter components or reduce their effectiveness.
☑️ Preparation for decalcination
Step-by-step instruction for starting the cleaning mode
The process of starting the cleaning mode may vary slightly depending on the modification of your Saeco LirikaBut the overall algorithm of actions remains the same. Turn on the coffee machine and wait for the transition to readiness. If the decalcination indicator is constantly on, the machine is ready to start. If the indicator flashes, you may need to press and hold the steam button or a special cleaning button for 5-10 seconds until the indicator lights up with a constant light.
After activation of the mode, the machine will begin preparation: the pump will make several beeps, and liquid will begin to flow out of the nozzle for supplying hot water (or from the capuchinator, depending on the model). It's a normal workflow. Substitute a container of at least 1.5 liters under the nose to collect waste liquid. Do not use glassware to avoid burns or breaking the container in case of accidental fall.
The cleaning cycle takes place in several stages with pauses. The machine will pass the solution through the system, then take breaks to allow the acid to act on scale. During pauses, the corresponding symbol may appear on the display or the process indicator may simply burn. Don't turn it off. The coffee machine is off the grid during this process, as this can knock down the program and require the entire procedure to be repeated again.
| Phase | Action of the machine | User actions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Air pumping, heating. | Set the container | 1-2 minutes |
| 2. Main flushing | Serving solution in portions | Keep an eye on the level in the tank. | 10-15 minutes |
| 3. Pause | Waiting (indicator flashes) | Wait automatically | 5-10 minutes |
| 4. Gargling | Clean water supply | Replace the water in the tank | 5-7 minutes |
It is important to monitor the level of fluid in the tank. If the tank is empty before time, the machine can capture air, which will lead to suffocation of the system. In this case, the process will have to be interrupted, add water and, possibly, start the water pumping mode again. To avoid this, you can pour clean water into the tank during operation, if the tank design allows it, or use a tank of increased volume, if the model supports this option.
The most common mistake is interrupting the process during the pause stage. The machine itself has to move on to the next stage, artificially shutting down resets the cleaning timer.
System washing and cycle completion
After the tank with the decalcinator solution is empty, the coffee machine usually signals the need for rinsing. The display will light up an indicator that requires clean water. Thoroughly rinse the tank from the residues of the chemical and fill it with fresh drinking water to the maximum level. This is a critical step, as the remaining acid in the system will spoil the taste of the first servings of coffee.
The machine will automatically continue the cycle, passing clean water through all the nodes of the hydraulic system. This step can be repeated several times until the system is completely washed. In the process, you may notice that the water at the outlet becomes clear and odorless – this is a good sign. If after the cycle you feel a sour taste in the first cup, repeat the water washing regimen again without adding any means.
After all the stages, the machine will give a message about the successful completion of the procedure. The decalcination indicator will go out, and the coffee machine will go into ready-to-make coffee mode. Now it is necessary to return the brewing block to its place, insert a pallet and a container for grounds. It is recommended to prepare and pour the first cup of coffee (or simply pass the water through the nose) to finally make sure that the system is clean.
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to speed up the washing process by turning off or turning the machine on. The electronic controller must record the full volume of water flown to discharge the scale counter.
Problem Solving and Error Codes
Unforeseen situations may occur during decalcification. For example, if a machine stopped pumping water or started making intermittent sounds, it is likely that air entered the system or an air traffic jam formed. In this case, you can try several times to quickly open and close the steam supply tap (if the model allows) or start the hot water supply mode to push the air out.
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the decalcination indicator does not go out even after all the procedures are completed. This may mean that the cycle has not been completed or has been interrupted. In this case, you may need to log in to the service menu or repeat the procedure from the beginning. For some models Saeco Lirika There is a method of "hard" discharge, but it should be used with caution.
If an error code appears on the display (such as flashing numbers or specific characters), refer to the user's instructions. Often errors are associated with overheating or lack of water flow. Check if the vapor nozzle is clogged with a needle-like object (only in a cold state!), as the clog can create excessive pressure in the system.
To prevent tube congestion after decalcination, let the machine stand off for about 30 minutes before making the first coffee. This will help stabilize the temperature and pressure in the system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use citric acid instead of branded products?
Yes, you can, but with caution. Use only dietary citric acid in a concentration of no more than 20-30 grams per 1 liter of water. Make sure the crystals are completely dissolved so as not to damage the pump. However, liquids are preferred as they contain corrosion inhibitors.
What if the car is turned off during decalcification?
If the power goes out, just turn the car on again. In most cases, Saeco Lirika He will remember the stage and continue with it or require water to be added. If the process is interrupted due to lack of water, add water and start the washing mode again.
How often should I decalcify?
The frequency depends on the hardness of the water and the intensity of use. On average, when using tap water, the procedure is carried out every 2-3 months or after preparing 200-300 cups. If a water filter is installed, the interval increases to 3-4 months.
Why did coffee taste sour after cleaning?
This means that the system was not well rinsed with clean water. Conduct an additional cycle of washing the tank with clean water (no chemistry), passing 1-2 full tanks through the machine until the taste of the water at the exit becomes neutral.