Fully automatic coffee machines are susceptible to limescale deposits if the tap water has a high degree of hardness. We show you how to properly descale your fully automatic coffee maker.
The options at a glance
Descaling your coffee maker with home remedies
Home remedies are all that is needed to decalcify an automatic coffee maker and all its components. Besides vinegar or vinegar essence, lemon juice, citric acid and baking soda are also suitable. You should dilute these liquids before running them through to prevent damage. Although the agents are not aggressive, they can damage the sensitive seals if used in the wrong dosage.
To decalcify the coffee machines, you must add the liquids to the water tank. For stubborn deposits, you should run the descaling programme on the coffee machine several times. Place individual components of the machine in a container and leave the household remedy to work for a sufficiently long time.
Descaling an automatic coffee maker with descaler
A descaler is specially designed to remove even stubborn limescale deposits from the fully automatic coffee maker. You can pour the descaler solution into the water tank either diluted or undiluted. You will find the instructions for correct use on the packaging.
Press the button to start the descaling programme on the coffee machine. One cycle is usually sufficient. If your water contains a lot of limescale and even thin pipes are completely blocked, you should run the programme a second time. Immersing the machine in the descaling solution can remove the remaining limescale without leaving any residue.
Product recommendations
Descaling tablets
Bosch TCZ8002A Descaling Tablets for Vero Series Fully Automatic Coffee Machines, Fully Automatic Machines and Benvenuto Range
- 2-in-1: removes limescale and protects against corrosion
- Longer device life thanks to optimal protection against limescale deposits
- Optimised for the automatic descaling process of Bosch fully automatic coffee machines
Descaling tablets not only protect the automatic coffee maker from corrosion, but also reliably remove limescale deposits. They are usually specially optimised for the automatic descaling process. These tablets are usually added to the water in the water tank and dissolved in it. The descaling process can then be started by a programme.
Descaler liquid
DELONGHI DESCALER ECODECALK DLSC500 Bottle 500ml (Pack of 1)
- Used regularly extends the life of the machine, preserves the energy efficiency and guarantees the best coffee flavour and crema
- It is powerful, fast, safe and ecological. De’Longhi EcoDecalk uses only natural materials
Liquid descalers are poured into the water in the tank to start the descaling programme. They are formulated in such a way that even stubborn limescale is removed completely. The agent is also suitable for cleaning fine channels in the fully automatic coffee maker. Depending on the product, the agents are used pure or must be diluted for descaling.
Mobile limescale filter
BRITA Marella fridge water filter jug for reduction of chlorine, limescale and impurities, Includes 1 x MAXTRA+ filter cartridges, 2.4L...
- Slim design, fits most fridge doors with 1.4 L filtered water capacity, 2.4 L total capacity - dishwasher safe (except lid)
- Includes 'PerfectFit’ feature for optimal filtration guarantee with MAXTRA+ filters
Households often have a high water hardness and the coffee machine calcifies very quickly. To prevent calcification as much as possible, you can use a mobile water filter. This does not have to be integrated into the mains supply and can be placed anywhere. Pour the tap water through it and you will get limescale-free water that you can fill into the water tank of the coffee machine.
Instructions: Descaling a coffee machine with vinegar in 4 steps
1. Fill in
Fill the water tank of the coffee maker with water. Add vinegar or vinegar essence to the water. Do not use the vinegar undiluted, otherwise damage may occur.
2. Starting the descaling programme
Start a descaling programme. Most fully automatic coffee machines have the correct programme for descaling.
3. Refill
Empty out the remains of the vinegar water and fill clear water into the water tank.
4. Rinse
Use the water to perform a rinse cycle. This removes the remains of the vinegar from the pipes and the taste during the first cups does not suffer. Now you can brew coffee again and your machine is free of any limescale deposits.
Tools:
- None
Materials: Water, Vinegar or vinegar essence
Possible problems & solutions
After descaling, the coffee tastes strange
If the coffee tastes funny immediately after descaling, it is because the machine was not rinsed properly. Carry out another rinse with clear water.
My water contains a lot of lime
If you have water with a high limescale content, it helps to use filters in the pipe or as a mobile device. This traps the limescale and prevents it from getting into the fully automatic machine. In addition, the filter also protects against bacteria and impurities.
The descaling programme does not start
If the descaling does not start, take a look at the operating instructions for the coffee machine. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer of the machine.
Also of interest: Dolce Gusto Machines
FAQ
How do I protect myself from a calcified automatic coffee maker?
If the water hardness is high, you should install a filter in the water pipe. You can also use a mobile filter for descaling.
Why does the coffee machine calcify?
High water hardness causes limescale to get into the coffee machine. Since there are many small nozzles and pipes, the limescale deposits quickly clog them.
How often should a coffee maker be descaled?
Descaling the automatic coffee maker is recommended on a regular basis. At the latest, however, when the taste or the water flow rate decreases. If the water is hard, you should descale more frequently.
How do I descale an automatic coffee maker correctly?
Fill the water tank with vinegar and start the descaling programme. After the process, start a rinse cycle with clear water.
What home remedies can I use to descale fully automatic coffee makers?
Home remedies such as vinegar and vinegar essence, lemon juice or citric acid and baking soda are suitable for descaling fully automatic coffee machines.
Elizabeth Green
Elizabeth Green is a seasoned home chef and culinary expert who has a passion for all things kitchen-related. With her extensive knowledge of the latest kitchen products and appliances, Elizabeth provides insightful reviews and recommendations to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. Whether you're looking for a new refrigerator, blender, or cookware set, Elizabeth is your guide to finding the best kitchen products available in the UK.
