If you’re the kind of person that genuinely struggles to wake up in the morning and acts like a human being without a good cup of coffee then you’re probably going to own a coffee machine. Whether it’s a posh Nespresso machine, a budget Dolce Gusto machine or a more unique design, however, it’s going to require a little maintenance if you want your coffee to remain fresh and tasty.

Descaling your coffee machine is one of the more important maintenance tasks that help to remove the build-up of mineral deposits and scale from the interior of the machine. This build-up can affect the taste of your coffee and also reduce the performance and lifespan of your coffee machine.

Of course, installing a water filter and ensuring you only use filtered water in your machine is certainly going to help, but even those with home water filters installed might need to descale their machines occasionally.

What is descaling?

Descaling is the process of removing mineral deposits that have built up inside your coffee machine over time. These deposits are caused by minerals present in the tap water you use to brew your coffee and can affect the taste of your coffee and the performance of your machine. Descaling involves using a descaling solution to dissolve and remove the mineral deposits and scale, leaving you with clean coffee.

How often should you descale your coffee machine?

It is recommended that you descale your coffee machine around every three to six months, depending on how often you use it and the hardness of the water in your area. If you notice that your coffee tastes a little too bitter or has a strange aftertaste, or if your machine is taking longer to brew your coffee than usual, it may be time to descale your machine.

How to descale Your coffee machine

The exact process of descaling your coffee machine will depend on the specific model and brand, so it’s important to consult the manufacturer’s instructions before you start. However, there are some general steps that apply to most coffee machines:

Step 1: Prepare your machine

Before you start descaling your coffee machine, ensure it’s turned off and unplugged. Remove any remaining coffee grounds or water from the machine and remove the water filter, if your machine has one.

Step 2: Mix the descaling solution

Follow the instructions on the descaling solution to mix it with water in the right proportion. The solution may come in a powder or liquid form, and it is important to use the right amount of solution and water to ensure effective descaling.

Step 3: Run the descaling solution through the machine

Pour the descaling solution into the water tank of your machine and turn it on. Run the solution through your machine as if you were brewing coffee, but without using any coffee grounds. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific machine, as the process may vary.

Step 4: Rinse the machine

Once the descaling cycle is complete, pour out the remaining descaling solution and rinse the water tank and other parts of the machine thoroughly with clean water. Run one or two cycles of clean water through the machine to ensure that all the descaling solution has been removed.

Step 5: Clean and reassemble the machine

Clean any removable parts of the machine with soap and water and dry them thoroughly before reassembling the machine. Replace the water filter if necessary and fill the water tank with clean water.

Step 6: Run a test brew

Once your machine is reassembled and filled with clean water, run a test brew to ensure that everything is working properly. Discard the first brew to make sure that any residual descaling solution has been flushed out of the machine and then run a second brew to enjoy with a nice biscuit or five!