A Helpful Guide for Cleaning and Descaling a Coffee Machine: Everything you Need to Know

Starting the morning with a great cup of coffee seems perfect if you have a coffee machine. Innovative coffee makers will become your best solution to wake up productive and get more work done. You may invest money to have the best coffee-making solution at home or in the office. No matter if it is an automatic coffee machine with advanced features or a manual coffee maker,  giving proper care is crucial. 

Why is it Important to Maintain your Coffee Machine?

There is a wide selection of coffee machines with self-care functions. If your coffee appliance does not have a self-clean button, you need to do it yourself! Regular cleaning has many benefits. Besides providing general hygiene, keeping your coffee machine clean will provide its better performance and impact on the taste and quality of your brew.  Don’t let your coffee appliance suffer from leaks.

Now you may be thinking “how often should I clean my coffee machine?” 

Everything depends on how often you use it! According to experts, those who use the coffee machine every day should descale and deep clean the coffee appliance at least once a month (or once in two months). If not, you can do it at least every three months. However, it is not about cleaning the brew basket, lid, or carafe, as you should clean it after every use. Below you will find how to clean each coffee machine for smoother work.

Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine

In comparison to capsule machines, bean-to-cup coffee machines require a bit more attention when it comes to cleaning. Due to the whole beans grinding technology, it allows enjoying the freshest coffee. Most coffee-machine brands (like Delonghi, Melita, and more) give detailed cleaning instructions. You can benefit from the manufacturer’s instructions or a built-in cleaning program. Besides it, you are recommended to carefully clean the stem pipe, brew group, and clean each part to provide its smooth performance. Most bean-to-cup machines come with cleaning reminders. If not, you can note down yourself on a piece of paper or set up a reminder on your phone.

Filter Coffee Machine

Making a deep clean is simple when it comes to Filter coffee machines. After turning off the appliance, you can just remove the filter, empty the decanter and carefully clean the grinds. After it, you can fill the water reservoir with water solution (p.s. you can use vinegar as well), and turn on the machine. After pouring it out, you can repeat the process once again with fresh water. It will allow rinsing the machine as it is required. The process is very important for avoiding mineral buildup, germs, and bacteria which can harm your coffee machine. Now you can have quality coffee enjoyment. 

Coffee Pod/Capsule Coffee Machine 

Similar to filter coffee machines, capsule and pod machines are also easy to clean. You can do it either with vinegar or water. You can follow the same process as filter coffee machines. Most coffee makers come with a descaling mode (check out the button in the menu). Based on the model you can follow the instruction to use the needed amount of water to eliminate dirt and bacteria. Most capsule machines come with a manual milk-frothing accessory. You should carefully clean it either by hand or in a dishwasher (you should make sure if it is dishwasher-safe). Don’t forget to exit the descaling mode after completing the process.

Traditional Espresso Machines 

Regardless of whether you use it at the workplace or home, if you use your espresso machine regularly, you should clean the portafilter and brew head every day. The careful implementation of the process will ensure a hassle-free experience. It is important to knock the used espresso grounds from the basket to make fresh coffee. Don’t forget to rinse it out with pure water. Check out the filter basket to avoid blocks and build-up pressure. These sometimes happen when coffee is over-tamped. Remember that your coffee machine has special instructions. For this, it is important to check out the details before you start the cleaning and descaling process.

Dolce Gusto Coffee Machines

You can flush Dolce Gusto coffee machines with water after a single use. What comes to descaling, you can do it every 3 months. Dolce Gusto offers a water descaler specially designed for them. Through it, the cleaning and descaling process becomes simple and hassle-free. The removable parts of Dolce Gusto machines are recommended to clean regularly. Apart from general recommendations, each model comes with a customized cleaning guide which you should follow for providing its longevity and enjoying all the functions.

Nespresso Coffee Machines

If you want to enjoy all the benefits of your Nespresso machine, it is important to remove milk residue and clear milk from inside the wand. The process will keep you away from any residual milk. The machine which comes with a built-in milk solution requires extra care after each use. Most of the coffee machine parts are dishwasher-safe, so after checking out you can clean all the components by hand or dishwasher. Due to the Nespresso descaling kit, you can experience a good-tasting coffee.

Some Evident Signs that Your Coffee Machine Needs Descaling

Regardless of the model or brand, there are a few hints which show that your coffee brewer needs deep cleaning and descaling:

• Poor coffee quality (coffee might smell different than usual)
• Your coffee machine has slowed down
• Not heating the way it is required
• Poor water flow 
• Change in the cream color
• Your coffee machine has become too noisy.

Conclusion

Every coffee machine has some easy-to-clean tips which you can implement. Cleaning your coffee brewing appliance is a must-do task for making great coffee and enjoying all the benefits of a coffee maker. Start your morning with a fresh cup of coffee.

Think how great it is to start the day with delicious coffee. Just a little effort to clean it will improve the coffee flavor and taste. Everything is simple if you do it as it is required.