Descaling a coffee machine is a process that needs to be done regularly to maintain the performance of the machine. And also to make every cup of coffee taste really perfect. This is because minerals from the water can build up in the coffee machine and these can affect not only the functionality of the machine, but also the taste of the drink.

Why descale a coffee machine in the first place?

Minerals and limescale that build up in the machine can really affect the taste of the coffee. And it would be really weird to buy expensive coffee that you can’t enjoy because of the minerals in the coffee maker. Plus, of course, a cleaned coffee maker works much more efficiently. Descaling will ensure that the machine brews coffee at the right temperature and at the right pressure. Last but not least, the descaling process is important for the life of the machine. Limescale could damage the internal components and you would have to repair the machine expensively or replace it completely.

Cleaning and descaling. Is there a difference?

The simple answer is yes. Descaling is not cleaning. However, it is necessary to do both. Daily cleaning of the coffee maker involves washing out coffee and oil stains. However, these contaminants can only be rinsed off with water. However, additional means are needed to descale. You can buy special descaling products from the store or make do with what you normally have at home. It’s up to you which procedure you decide on. Whatever you use for descaling, you need to repeat the process regularly.

However, it is preferable to use natural descalers. The reason is simple. Natural products that can descale a coffee machine are much more affordable and you will save money on top of that. In fact, special coffee machine descalers are quite expensive. Then, of course, there is another aspect. Natural descaling methods are more environmentally friendly and pose less environmental risks compared to chemical descalers.

━━ ( Source: humonia /  iStockphoto )

Domestic methods

The most convenient way to remove limescale from a coffee machine is to use a homemade vinegar solution. Vinegar is acidic and because of this, it can break down mineral deposits in the coffee maker. It’s a really great option. Vinegar is cheap and everyone has it at home. However, never use it undiluted. Fill the container half with vinegar and half with water. After descaling, be sure to rinse the container so you don’t get a vinegar aftertaste in your coffee.

Don’t have vinegar or a special decalcifier at home? Then you can use, for example, lemon juice, which has similar properties to vinegar, or you can also use baking soda. Just use one heaped tablespoon of soda per litre of water. Pour the solution into the water tank and rinse again with water after cleaning. It’s a really simple and gentle solution.