How to effectively describe your coffee machine: our full guide
Time to read 3 min
Table of Contents
Why Descaling is Essential
Descaling your coffee machine is an essential step to extend its lifespan and ensure optimal taste with every cup. Over time, the limescale present in water accumulates in the pipes and internal components. This buildup can slow heating, increase energy consumption, and eventually cause costly breakdowns.
Regular maintenance, along with replacing water filters when necessary, helps preserve your machine’s performance and lets you enjoy coffee with intact aromas.
How Often Should You Descale?
The frequency mainly depends on two factors: the hardness of your water and your daily coffee consumption.
As a general rule:
-
Soft water (1–5°dH) : every 3 to 4 months
-
Medium water (6–15°dH) : every 2 to 3 months
-
Hard water (16°dH and above) : every 1 to 2 months
Image ChatGpt
General Steps for Descaling
Before you begin, always refer to your machine’s manual and the descaling product to check specific instructions. However, the general procedure remains similar:
-
Empty the water tank and remove the water filter if installed.
-
Prepare the descaling solution : dilute the tablets or liquid descaler in the amount of water indicated on the product.
-
Fill the tank with the prepared solution.
-
Start the descaling program from the machine menu.
-
Rinse thoroughly : after the cycle, fill the tank with clean water and run one or two rinse cycles.
Descaling by Machine Type
Automatic Machines
These machines are generally equipped with automatic programs that guide the user step by step. Simply follow the on-screen instructions and use only the products recommended by the brand.
Manual machines (espresso with portafilter)
Descaling is performed manually by running the descaling solution through the water circuit, then rinsing thoroughly. The process must be repeated on the coffee group and the steam wand.
Capsule Machines
The process varies by brand but generally follows the same steps: descaling solution in the tank, passing the liquid through in cycles, then rinsing.
Mistakes to Avoid
Using white vinegar: it’s too acidic and can damage seals and internal components.
Neglecting to rinse after descaling.
Leaving the water filter in during descaling.
Waiting for problems to appear before taking action.
Tips to Space Out Descaling
A water filter suited to your machine, such as Claris filter cartridges for Jura coffee machines, reduces limescale formation. Also use filtered water if possible, and empty the tank if you don’t plan to use the machine for several days.
Regular maintenance of the milk frother and the lines also helps preserve the machine as a whole.
Image ChatGpt
Good to know: if your machine remains unused for more than a week, empty the tank, run a rinse cycle with clean water and, when restarting, discard the first two extractions. This simple routine helps to:
- prevent stagnation,
- limit deposits, and
- prepare the system for more effective descaling, while preserving seals and sensors.
In Summary
Descaling prevents limescale buildup and extends your machine’s lifespan.
Frequency depends on water hardness and your consumption.
Always use the products recommended by your machine’s brand, especially during the warranty period.
Remove the filter before descaling and rinse thoroughly afterward.
A suitable water filter helps space out descaling.
FAQ
Can I use a universal descaler?
During your appliance’s warranty period, use the product recommended by your brand. Once the warranty has expired, it’s at your discretion. We will always recommend using your brand’s products, which are studied and designed for your machine.
Does descaling remove all impurities?
It mainly removes limescale. For coffee oils/grease, use specific cleaning tablets.
Can I continue using the machine if the “descale” light comes on?
Yes, but it increases the risk of rapid limescale buildup. It’s best to descale as soon as the alert appears.
Do filters replace descaling?
No, they reduce it but do not eliminate it completely.
Does descaling change the taste of coffee?
Yes—positively! A clean, descaled machine better preserves your coffee’s aromas. You’ll taste the difference in your cup.
Gaelle, Store & Marketing Manager
Has a big weakness for espresso, but also cappuccino with Sproud pea milk.
