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Descaling a coffee machine for office use should always be an important part of the overall maintenance process of an office kitchen, ensuring that staff members and customers have access to a delicious cup of Joe! Limescale can build-up over time, impacting the taste of your coffee and the longevity of the coffee machine.
Signs Your Coffee Machine Needs Descaling
How do you know when commercial coffee machines require maintenance?
Limescale in your coffee
This is the easiest way you can tell if there has been too much of a build-up of limescale, as you’ll see some lightly coloured deposits floating in your drink.
The machine is taking too long
Is it taking ages for your cup of coffee to be ready in the morning? This could mean that there has been a build-up of limescale in your coffee machine that you need to clean to get it running at optimal performance levels.
The cleaning light is on
In some cases, a warning that coffee machine maintenance is required is simple. Some models of coffee machines have an in-built alert, where a light comes on if it is time to clean up the limescale inside the machine.
Unusual noises
Another sign that you need to clean your coffee machine is that there are gurgling sounds and other unusual noises coming out of the machine during the brew cycle!
Step-by-Step Guide to Descaling
Here are some cleaning tips to help you when descaling your coffee machine:
- Use softened or filtered water in your machine to help minimise mineral build-up
- Change water filters regularly
- Look at the user guide for your specific coffee machine
- Use a commercial descaling solution or a white vinegar solution
- Always remove any coffee grounds, water filters, pods/capsules from the machine before cleaning
- Once the descaling process has completed, run through several cycles with fresh water to fully flush out the system
How Often Should You Descale Your Coffee Machine?
It is important to properly descale coffee machines at regular intervals. A clean coffee machine leads to a better coffee taste, a smoother texture, and a longer-lasting coffee machine.
Tips for Different Types of Coffee Machines
When it comes to choosing a coffee machine it will really depend on taste and the intended use. A coffee machine for personal use at home will require a different function to a commercial coffee machine in a café or for staff use in a workplace. This will impact how you are effective in descaling a coffee machine.
Drip coffee makers
- Empty the machine of any coffee grounds and filters
- Mix one part descaling solution (a commercial descaler or white vinegar) with one part water
- Pour into water reservoir and start a brew cycle until reservoir is half empty
- Turn machine off for 30 minutes, then complete the brew cycle
- Rinse the machine 2-3 times with fresh water
Single-serve pod/capsules
- Remove any used pods or capsules
- Pour descaling solution into water reservoir
- Start a brew cycle without inserting a pod or capsule
- Follow specific machine instructions (specific number of cycles)
- Rinse with fresh water for several cycles
Espresso machines
- Remove coffee grounds and portafilter
- Run descaling solution through a brew function, allowing it to pass through group head and steam wand
- Turn off machine and let sit for 20 minutes
- Thoroughly rinse with fresh water for several cycles and wipe down with clean cloth
Bean-to-cup machines
- Remove any coffee beans and empty the drip tray
- Pour descaling solution into water reservoir
- Refer to machine-specific descaling mode
- Rinse with fresh water for several cycles
- Wipe down exterior with clean cloth
With this guide you can descale your coffee machine regularly, maintaining a high standard of coffee and lengthening the lifespan of the machine.
