How to clean a coffee machine

For most people, the day begins with a cup of aromatic coffee. Some people can't fully wake up in the morning without taking an invigorating dose of caffeine. That is why coffee lovers' best friends - coffee machines - have taken root in homes and offices.

Created for convenience and saving time, they carefully grind grains, brew drinks and whip foam. The owners' task is to maintain the device in working condition. Timely flushing of the system and parts will protect equipment from costly repairs.

How do you know when it’s time to wash your coffee machine?

1. Indicator. A light on the instrument panel will light up to indicate that cleaning is required.
2. Hum. During operation, extraneous noise appeared.
3. The water/steam pressure has weakened.
4. White flakes appeared in the drink.
5. The taste of the coffee has changed and a musty smell has appeared.
6. The operating time has exceeded 2 months, or more than 200 cups of drink have been prepared.

The most common cause of breakdown is scale. Formed from hard water. The tougher it is, the faster the plaque will build up. Mineral formations have a porous structure, bacteria collect in them, and the boiled layers can flake off and get into the drink, which worsens its taste and gives it an unappetizing appearance.

Methods for washing a coffee machine

The easiest way – press the self-cleaning button. It is available in many devices. To do this, read the instructions.If the manual is not saved, find the electronic version and read it.

Use a decalcifier. The product copes well with settled calcium deposits formed as a result of the use of hard water. May be in liquid or tablet form.

Each manufacturer indicates in the instructions which cleaning composition and which brand is best to use. If you can’t buy a specific decalcifier, you should look for an analogue or choose a universal one. The average cost of a package is from 1200–1500 rubles.

Important! Do not use kitchen utensil cleaners or dishwashing liquid.

Place the tablet in the desired compartment, fill the reservoir with clean water and start the cleaning cycle or coffee brewing process. For advanced cases, repeat the manipulations several times.

Then, fill the compartment with filtered water again and repeat to rinse off any remaining product. Remove coffee from the tank before cleaning. If the device does not start without it, leave it in the compartment. But remember: prepared coffee liquid should not be consumed!

Install a magnetic softener. This is a special tube that is installed inside the device and, due to its repulsive properties, does not allow scale to settle. Sold in specialized and hardware stores. The price is around 1500–2000 rubles. You can install it yourself according to the instructions or invite a specialist.

To clean the internal reservoir from oils and coffee particles, you can purchase special compressed tablets. They are placed in the water tank, dissolved there and, during the cleaning process, rid the car of oil deposits. All waste liquid must be poured out and a couple of cycles run for final washing.Before use, carefully read the instructions for the product. The price is around 800 rubles per pack.

In addition to specialized products, there is an alternative “folk” analogue - citric acid. Sold in packaged powder at any grocery store. Costs 10–15 rubles per 10 grams.

How to clean a coffee machine with citric acid

Citric acid copes well even with heavy plaque. The product does not harm human health or the environment, is non-toxic and does not emit harmful substances when heated, is cheap and can be found in any store.

Features and proportions

Recommended proportion: 10 g per liter of water. If the scale is old and lies in a thick layer, then the dosage can be increased to 30 g. A standard sachet contains just 10 grams.

Cleaning technology

Prepare a cleaning solution in the required proportion, wait until the acid crystals dissolve. Pour the liquid into the water compartment. Start the cleaning function and watch the indicator panel - the device will prompt you with the sequence of steps. If this option is not available, then start the standard cooking cycle by placing a container or cup under the spout. Repeat until the reservoir is empty. Then fill the compartment with clean water, prepare several portions for the final cleaning of the system.

What to pay attention to when cleaning

• Once a month, for preventive purposes, you can remove the internal removable parts of the machine. Rinse thoroughly with a sponge and wipe dry. It is not recommended to completely disassemble the machine unless absolutely necessary. It's better to leave this to the master.

Important! The machine should only be disassembled when it is turned off.

• The infuser, if it is removable, should be washed regularly under running water.
• It is easy to rinse the cappuccino maker to remove any remaining milk mixture by lowering the intake hose into a glass of water and releasing steam several times. As soon as clean water begins to flow out, the process is completed.
• It is better to clean a glass flask using soda. It will not leave a chemical smell or aftertaste, unlike detergent, and will do an excellent job of removing stuck residues and stains. Apply powder to a damp sponge and rub inside and out. The same method is suitable for washing the holder.
• It is better to wipe plastic parts and parts of the body with a damp sponge and wipe dry. In case of heavy soiling, use a mild detergent.

Important! Do not use hard brushes or cleaning products containing abrasive particles. Multiple scratches will remain on the plastic and the appearance of the device will become dull and unattractive.

• Rinse the waste coffee compartment and drip tray daily under the tap and wipe dry. This will protect the car from mold forming inside.
• Use purified water to make coffee to avoid rapid scale build-up. Bottled or filtered is suitable.
• If the machine has not been used for a long time, be sure to clean the system and removable parts. Pour in fresh coffee and start using it.

The procedure for washing the coffee machine is necessary to maintain the equipment in working condition, as well as for hygienic purposes. Make it a rule to regularly pay attention to cleaning and you will be able to delight yourself and others with a fragrant invigorating drink for a long time.