How to clean a coffee machine

Aromatic coffee is so invigorating in the morning, it is impossible to make it correctly without a coffee machine. But, like any equipment, this device requires careful care and cleaning.

The coffee machine needs regular cleaning. Any device must be carefully monitored, otherwise it will perform its functions much worse. In the case of a coffee machine, this will result in increased energy consumption, deterioration in the quality of the prepared coffee, and breakdown of the expensive unit.

A distinctive feature of any home appliance that makes it easier to perform household duties is the requirement for maintenance.

In order for coffee to have a pleasant aroma and perfect taste, the machine for preparing it must be descaled. This procedure will extend the life of the product. Regular cleaning is carried out for the following reasons:

• The appearance of scale gives the coffee an unpleasant taste and also significantly increases electricity costs. Timely cleaning of the product should be carried out even when using distilled water; over time, plaque still settles on the bottom of the device. If you do not properly care for the device, then its breakdown is not excluded, and in the near future;
• Removing grease from all parts of the machine is also a mandatory procedure. For this purpose, specialized tablets are used, which are cleaned within twenty minutes.

The instructions for each coffee machine indicate the period after which it must be cleaned.It is usually expressed in brewed cups of coffee and averages around 200-300 cups. You also need to take into account the hardness of the water.

It is best to clean the coffee machine before problems occur., but in some cases, owners condescend to this procedure only after the following signs appear:

• The coffee machine indicator lights up indicating a malfunction;
• Lack of hot water supply;
• Case leakage;
• Pieces of scale come out of the coffee machine along with water or steam;
• Excessively loud sounds when the coffee machine is operating;
• The coffee machine turns on, but does not perform the necessary actions;
• The coffee temperature is lower than usual;
• Reduced coffee pouring speed;

Important! You also need to constantly wash other parts of the coffee machine - the cappuccino maker, tray, body, waste container. They can be washed with a sponge and soda.

The procedure for caring for a coffee machine consists of several stages:

• The choice of decalcifying agent - it can be a purchased composition or citric acid, depending on the choice, the proportion of the composition and water is determined;
• Before turning on the unit, all possible particles of coffee beans are removed;
• Next, the hydraulic system is cleaned;
• The hopper is then completely rinsed by starting a coffee brewing program.

There is an option for automatically descaling the product; this function must be provided in the device:

• The container is emptied of coffee;
• Next, water is poured into the container and anti-scale agent is added;
• The auto-cleaning function starts;
• After 10 minutes of operation of the device in this mode, the spout is turned to the right, which releases steam, until the red indicator lights up;
• Then the tray is rinsed from drops, water is poured in and the vessel is placed, and the faucet is turned to the left. This is how the internal cleaning of the machine is carried out;
• Then all that remains is to wait until the green indicators appear, which will notify you that the cleaning of the product has been successfully completed.

This option should be used systematically, but not too often; the housing, outflow and all existing containers and parts must be cleaned.

How to descale a coffee machine

The process itself takes no more than half an hour, the frequency of cleaning depends on the type of water used; if it is from the tap, it means it increases. When using a purified version of the liquid, cleaning is carried out approximately twice a month.

Before cleaning the coffee machine, check that there are no coffee beans left in it. For cleaning, you can buy special products or use simple citric acid. In most cases, citric acid works very well.

The easiest way to clean a coffee machine is with an automatic cleaning function. Typically, for such machines, the instructions provide a list of suitable cleaning products. The automatic cleaning procedure is simple:

• Empty the container and coffee cleaner;
• Pour water in the specified amount and add cleaning agent according to the instructions;
• Start the automatic cleaning system;
• After completing the procedure, drain the water;
• At the end, all indicators should light up, so the coffee machine signals the end of cleaning;

Let's take a closer look at the care options for various models of coffee machines:

a) How to descale a delonghi coffee machine?

The first stage is the selection of a cleaning agent - this may be a choice in favor of a specialized substance that Delonghi produces for its household appliances.

It produces environmentally friendly products that are also used to care for teapots; the compositions are absolutely harmless to human health. One bottle is enough for four times, which significantly increases the performance of the equipment.

To ensure cleaning of the product, several steps must be completed, which must be consistent with the instructions. If there is no automatic cleaning, you need to pour the product and about a liter of water into the device yourself, then turn on the equipment, drain about two cups of the solution and close the lever. Prepare several cups of the product, the volume of which is equal to the amount of liquid poured earlier. After the solution leaves the container, repeat the process with cold water.

It is important to know! Cleaning the coffee machine is carried out strictly according to the instructions. Only a specialized solution is used for the process. Do not use household compounds; they can damage system elements.

b) How to clean a Bork coffee machine?

An automatic cycle is used to carry out the process. When a full cycle is required, the indicator light will appear. To carry out the manipulation, you need to install the cleaning disk in a specialized holder, then place a tablet of the product, and the element is installed in the cooking unit.

The tank is filled with water to the maximum level; in the off mode, you need to press two buttons - on/off and preparing a coffee drink. The buttons are held for 3 seconds and the full cleaning cycle begins.

To remove scale, you need to use a specialized liquid with water. Next, the steam supply and drink preparation modes are switched on alternately, and the process continues until the poured solution runs out. Then the tank is rinsed with clean water and the process is repeated, only you will need to fill it with clean water.

c) How to clean a capsule coffee machine?

There are two methods - manual washing and using a cleaning capsule. The first option can be used 1-2 times a week. The following elements of the product are washed:

• Bunker from under the capsule;
• Container;
• Boiler compartment.

Weekly care of the device will maintain its appearance and working condition.

Capsule coffee machines are also cleaned using a specialized capsule, which removes all scale from hard-to-reach places. It is placed in the machine where the coffee capsule is installed, the coffee maker is turned on for two minutes and cleaning occurs. Used after every thirty cups of the drink, the capsule is absolutely safe for the body, the cleaning process is simple and quick.

If the nespresso function is not available, then hand washing is used.

Important! Poor quality capsules should not be used.

How to descale a coffee machine with citric acid?

Manufacturers prudently produce cleaning products for their models; you can select options for universal cleaners, they are available in the form of a liquid substance or tablets.

Important note! You cannot use a product intended for the care of the bathroom or kitchen, nor do you use ordinary formulations.

Citric acid is considered the best universal composition. It has a number of advantages:

• efficiency;
• harmlessness;
• no toxic fumes;
• low cost;
• You can purchase it at any convenience store.

To understand the meaning of the process, you need to carefully study the recommendations:

1. Proportions of components, features. In this case, it is necessary to maintain the proportion, since a too concentrated solution can damage the parts of the product. It is prepared at the rate of 30 grams of acid per 1 liter of water.
2. Disassembly. The convenience of the method lies in its simplicity; there is no need to disassemble the product.
3. Process description. This action takes no more than 40 minutes, if the scale is old, then a little more. The device is disconnected from the power supply, the solution prepared in advance is poured into the water container, then it is installed in the device. The coffee machine is connected to the network and the automatic cleaning function is set (if available). If there is no such mode, you need to carry out the cleansing manually. To do this, you need to wait about 20 minutes and start making coffee, the procedure is repeated until the citric acid solution is completely used up. Next, the product is turned off, and the container is washed thoroughly twice. Clean water is collected into it and placed back into the device, and the drink preparation mode is turned on. The effectiveness of the procedure is achieved after complete cleaning and two washings of the container.
4. Precautionary measures. Despite the simplicity of the procedure, it should be remembered that the concentration of the solution must strictly comply with the standards.Otherwise, problems may arise with the internal elements of the product; acid in high concentrations corrodes the metal. It is also advisable to use hand gloves.

Conclusion

To properly clean the coffee machine, it is enough to follow its instructions, use high-quality ingredients and carry out cleaning in a timely manner. Only then will the product last a long time and the coffee will be aromatic.

The procedure is carried out at least once every 2-3 months, or rather after brewing 250 cups of coffee. Household appliances significantly speed up the execution of daily tasks; the main thing is to properly and systematically care for them, sparing no time and effort.