Regular maintenance of a coffee machine is not just a tribute to instructions, but a necessity to maintain the quality of your morning espresso. The water we use to make the drink contains calcium and magnesium salts, which eventually settle on the heating elements in the form of a solid limestone plaque. For the owners of the equipment Philips This issue is especially acute, since modern models are equipped with sensitive electronics and thermal units that require careful treatment.
If you ignore the decalcination process, performance It will start to fall, and the taste of coffee will become much worse. Many users are faced with a situation when the machine begins to make noise stronger than usual or give out less steam. It is at such times that special help comes to the rescue. scale-upDesigned to effectively dissolve mineral deposits without damaging the internal tubes.
In this article, we will discuss in detail why it is important to use specialized products, how to properly conduct the cleaning procedure and what alternatives exist on the market. You will learn about the nuances of working with the system AquaClean You will learn how to extend the life of your kitchen assistant for many years to come.
Why is the scaling dangerous for Philips coffee machine
Scale is a porous structure that has extremely low thermal conductivity. When a layer of salts covers the heating element, the machine takes significantly more time and energy to heat the water to the desired temperature. This leads to overloading of the electrical network and premature wear and tear. heating-block.
In addition, particles of the detached stone can get into the brewing mechanism or narrow channels of water supply. In the series models Saeco or Philips LatteGo This often causes errors in the hydraulic system. The machine can be blocked, requiring service intervention, although the problem is solved by simple prevention.
⚠️ Attention: Using ordinary citric acid in high concentrations can damage rubber seals and gaskets inside the Philips coffee machine, leading to leaks.
Regular removal of deposits allows you to maintain a stable pump pressure. This is critical for proper coffee extraction, as it is the 9 bar pressure that provides the very thick cream on the surface of the cup. Without proper care, you risk drinking hot brown water without taste or aroma.
Replace the AquaClean water filter every 2 months or after 50 liters of water to delay the need for decalcification as much as possible.
Philips CA6700 and its features
The manufacturer has developed its own line of care products that are guaranteed to be safe for all units of the device. Pills. Philips CA6700/10 They are based on active components that react with calcium carbonates, turning them into soluble compounds. They do not contain aggressive acids that can eat metal.
The feature of the original product is the absence of smell and minimal foaming. When dissolved, the tablets do not create excess pressure in the system, which is important for automatic washing cycles. The package usually contains 5 or 10 pieces, which corresponds to 5-10 complete cleaning cycles depending on the hardness of the water in your area.
Using certified products allows you to keep the warranty on the device. In case of breakdown, the service center may request confirmation of the use of recommended consumables. This is especially true for expensive series models. Philips 5400 or 2200.
The original pills provide a balance between cleaning efficiency and safety of plastic and rubber components of the coffee machine.
Alternative brands: can you save money?
There are many analogues on the market from third-party manufacturers of household chemicals. Popular brands like Top House, Filtero or Topperr They offer their solutions to fight the scaling. Often their price is much lower than the original, which makes users think about the feasibility of overpayment.
Most high-quality analogues have a similar chemical composition and cope with the task no worse than the original. However, it is important to pay attention to the dosage and instructions. Some concentrates require dilution in a larger volume of water than the original pills, which can knock off the standard washing cycle of a coffee machine.
When choosing an alternative, the following factors should be considered:
- 🧪 Safety certificates for food equipment.
- ⏱ The speed of dissolution of the tablet in cold and warm water.
- 🌿 Environmental composition and the possibility of wastewater disposal.
Do not chase the lowest price, buying funds from unknown Chinese manufacturers. Their composition can be unstable, and the reaction with the materials of your coffee machine – unpredictable. It is better to choose a proven European brand analog than risk the cost of the entire device.
Comparative table of decalcination funds
To make it easier for you to navigate in the variety of offers, we have prepared a comparison of the main characteristics of popular tools. Pay attention to the number of cycles and the special marks of manufacturers.
| Brand-funded | Form of issue | Packaged quantity | Compatible with AquaClean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philips CA6700 | Pills. | 5 pcs | Complete. |
| Top House | Fluid | 250 ml | Requires removal of the filter |
| Filtero 04 | Pills. | 5 pcs | Complete. |
| Topperr 3005 | Powder | 125 | Requires removal of the filter |
As can be seen from the table, tablets are the most convenient form for dosing. You don’t need to measure the liquid or weigh the powder, risking to break the proportions. Just throw one tablet into the tank and it will dissolve during the program.
Step by step: how to clean the coffee machine
The decalcination process on coffee machines Philips It is automated as much as possible, but requires user participation at certain stages. Before starting, make sure there is no filter in the water tank. AquaCleanIf you use liquids or analogues in tablets that are not compatible with the filter.
First, empty the drip tray and the cake container. Then pour 1 liter of clean room temperature water into the water tank. Dissolve one tablet of the product in water (or pour liquid concentrate according to the instructions on the package). Stir until completely dissolved.
☑️ Preparation for decalcination
Next, the cleaning mode must be started. On most models, this is done through the menu: click the menu button, select the "Groom" or droplet icon, then "Decalcination". The machine will start pumping the solution through the system. In the process, she will pause, demanding to empty the pallet or add water to the tank.
It is important not to interrupt the process until it is complete. After the main phase with the solution, the machine will automatically go to the rinse phase, where it will be necessary to rinse the system several times with clean water. This is necessary to remove the residues of chemistry.
⚠️ Warning: If a water scarcity indicator lights up during a cleaning cycle, don’t ignore it. Add water to the tank, otherwise the pump can grab air and burn.
What if the car doesn’t see the pills?
Sometimes the tablet does not have time to completely dissolve before the start of injection. In this case, you can pre-dissolve the tablet in a separate container in a small amount of warm water, and then pour the concentrated solution into the tank of the coffee machine.
AquaClean System: Myths and Reality
Many owners of coffee machines Philips system AquaClean They mistakenly believe that they will never have to remove the scale. That's not exactly true. The filter significantly softens the water, extending the intervals between cleanings to 5000 cups (provided the filter is activated in the menu).
However, if you haven’t changed the filter for a long time or used water of extreme hardness, scale will still form, albeit slower. Moreover, the filtration system itself requires periodic flushing so that bacteria do not multiply inside the cartridge.
The indicator on the display of the coffee machine itself will tell you when the filter life is coming to an end. Ignoring these signals will cause the machine to require decalcification, even if the filter is still installed. At this point, the use of tablets becomes mandatory.
Timely replacement of filters and use scale-up In conjunction with them is the best way to ensure a long life for your device. Don't forget that Thermoblock warranty is often cancelled if there are traces of corrosion or critical overgrowth of scale..
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should I clean a Philips coffee machine from scale?
The frequency depends on the hardness of the water and the intensity of use. On average, when using the AquaClean filter - once every 3 months. Without a filter - once every 2-3 weeks or after every 200-300 prepared drinks. The machine will remind you of this with a flashing indicator.
Can I use vinegar instead of pills?
It's not recommended. Acetic acid is too aggressive for the rubber seals and aluminum elements of the Philips heater. It can cause corrosion and unpleasant taste in coffee, which is difficult to wash.
What to do if the coffee becomes sour after cleaning?
There are probably leftover funds in the system. Start the cycle of cooking hot water (without coffee) 2-3 times to completely wash the brewing unit and tubes. If the problem persists, check the grinding and temperature settings.
Are Philips tablets suitable for Saeco coffee machines?
Yes, because Philips owns the Saeco brand and the technology they share is the same. The CA6700 is ideal for all automatic coffee machines manufactured under the auspices of this corporation.