How to Descale an Espresso Machine Like a Pro

There are a number of methods used to descale an espresso machine, depending on the make and model. Descaling regularly is key to maintaining a high level of quality within the flavour of the espresso you produce and extending the life of your machine. You should be descaling your machine at least three or four times a year to avoid the unwanted buildup of limescale, coffee residue, and other harmful bacteria. 

Why Descaling Your Espresso Machine Matters

There are many factors that can hinder the quality of your coffee, including not maintaining a regular cleaning routine. Here are some of the key reasons why descaling your espresso machine is so important. 

Taste Will Suffer

One of the first signs that your espresso machine needs descaling is a noticeable change in taste. As scale builds up inside the machine, it affects the water temperature, which in turn impacts the coffee extraction process. Low brewing temperatures lead to low extraction yield, resulting in weak, under-extracted coffee. Conversely, high brewing temperatures cause over-extraction, making your coffee bitter and harsh. 

Scale buildup reduces the water temperature over time, leading to an overly acidic and unpleasant brew. For anyone serious about their coffee, maintaining a consistent temperature is key, and regular descaling ensures your machine performs at its best. Using filtered water can also help, as it reduces the minerals that contribute to limescale buildup. 

Risk of Frequent Machine Breakdowns

Limescale is not just a taste issue—it can lead to serious mechanical problems with your espresso machine. The scale can build up to the point where it obstructs the flow of water inside your machine. If the pipes become clogged, water flow to the brew head and steam wand is restricted, making it difficult to brew coffee or steam milk effectively. 

In extreme cases, the scale can completely block the pipes, preventing the machine from producing steam or milk at all. The machine may also struggle to detect the correct water levels, leading to overfilling, overflowing, and potential damage to the boiler. Regular descaling helps prevent these costly issues, ensuring your machine runs smoothly and reliably. 

Descaling a Heat Exchange Espresso Machine

If your office is based in a hard-water area and you use your espresso machine up to six times per day, we recommend descaling your espresso machine every three weeks to avoid scale buildup. However, if you’re in a soft-water area, descaling every three to four months should suffice. 
Some espresso machines come with automatic descaling cycles, pulsing water through at regular intervals using a full reservoir of water and taking up to 20 minutes to complete. But if your machine doesn’t have an automatic descaling option, you’ll need to do it manually. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process: 

1. – Prepare the Machine: Turn your machine on and let it heat up to its operational pressure. Once ready, turn it off and open the hot water valve. 
2. – Discharge Water: Discharge water from the heat exchanger by operating the brew lever. Once all the water has been discharged, close the hot water valve. 
3. – Prepare the Descaling Solution: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare your descaling solution. If you’re using a powder-type solution, ensure it’s completely dissolved. 
4. – Fill the Water Tank: Pour the descaling solution into the machine’s water tank and switch the machine back on. The pump will activate, filling the boiler with the solution. 
5. – Descale the Expansion Valve: Place the portafilter with the blind filter into the brew group and lock it in place. Operate the brew group lever three times, holding it for 20-30 seconds each time. After each operation, move the lever to the lowest position to descale the expansion valve.
6. – Let the Solution Work: Allow the descaling solution to react in the boiler for no longer than 20 minutes. 
7. – Release Remaining Solution: Operate the brew group lever once the 20 minutes are up to release any remaining descaling solution from the machine. 
8. – Clean the Water Dispenser: Switch off the machine and remove the nozzle from the hot water dispenser. 
9. – Rinse the Water Tank: Open the hot water valve and remove the water tank. Rinse the tank thoroughly with warm water before replacing it. Switch the machine back on and allow it to refill the boiler with fresh water. 
10. – Rinse the Heat Exchanger: Once the boiler has refilled, operate the brew group lever for 60 seconds to rinse the heat exchanger. Repeat this step up to five times to ensure the boiler is fully rinsed. 
11. – Drain the Boiler: Turn off the machine and operate the hot water valve to drain the boiler. Refill the water tank and turn the machine back on. Once the machine reaches its operating pressure, turn it off again, open the hot water valve, and drain the machine. 
12. – Final Rinse: Repeat the previous steps five times to ensure the boiler is fully rinsed of any descaling solution. 

By following these steps, you can ensure that your heat exchange espresso machine remains in peak condition, delivering great-tasting coffee every time. 

How to Descale a Super-Automatic Espresso Machine

If your machine has an automatic descaling cycle, refer to the manual for instructions on how to descale the machine. For those machines without an automatic cycle, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process: 

1. – Prepare the Descaling Solution: Dissolve your chosen descaling agent in a full reservoir of water. Then, run a cup of water out of your steam wand to ensure the solution fills the boiler. Make sure to close the steam wand afterward. 
2. – Allow the Solution to Work: Turn off the machine and let it sit for 20 minutes, allowing the descaling solution to break down the scale. 
3. – Flush the System: After 20 minutes, run about half of the reservoir out through the steam wand. 
4. – Repeat the Process: Turn the machine off again and let it rest for another 20 minutes. 
5. – Final Rinse: Flush the remaining descaling solution out of the steam wand. Finish by running a reservoir of clean water through the machine to rinse out any remaining solution. 

Following these steps will help you keep your super-automatic espresso machine clean and efficient, ensuring you can enjoy consistently excellent coffee. 

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Recommended Descaling Products

When it comes to descaling your espresso machine, choosing the right product is crucial. Here are some of the best options available in Ireland:

Jura Descaling Tablets

Jura Descaling Tablets are highly recommended for use with Jura coffee machines. These tablets are specially formulated to remove scale and maintain the performance of your machine. They’re available in packs of 9 or 36, making them a convenient choice for both small and large commercial users.

K-Fee Descaler Liquid

K-Fee Descaler Liquid removes limescale deposits that have accumulated in the capsule machine. Keeping your machine working at it’s best.

Schaerer Descaler Calcpure

The Schaerer Descaler is used to descale your Schaerer coffee machine. Available in a 750ml bottle. Watch our helpful video on how to descale a Schaerer coffee machine.

Keep Your Espresso Machine in Optimal Condition

Regular descaling is essential to maintaining the performance and longevity of your espresso machine. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast at home or managing a busy café, following the correct descaling routine will ensure that your machine consistently produces high-quality espresso. By choosing the right descaling products and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can descale your espresso machine like a pro, keeping it in top condition for years to come. 

If you have any questions or tips on descaling, feel free to share them in the comments below. Happy brewing!