There are many ways to make invigorating coffee. It is to cook, not brew instant. Someone prefers to cook it in a Turk, while others use coffee makers. But recently, many connoisseurs of this wonderful drink give preference to coffee machines. And this is not surprising, they greatly facilitate the preparation. All that is needed is to fill the filter with a portion of freshly ground coffee, lightly tamp it with a squeezer and place it in the holder, which, in turn, is attached to the coffee machine. A few seconds - and we get a rich, aromatic, with a wonderful foam of espresso or Americano, and you can cappuccino.
The appearance of scale
But coffee machines have an evil enemy, because of which they most often fail. Without proper care, deposits of solid calcium and other minerals that are contained in water are formed on the elements that heat the water. The scale clogs the culverts, complicating the flow of heated fluid in the system. It destroys rubber and plastic parts, damaging the unit. Scale can cause the following damage:
- when making coffee, water pours badly or not at all;
- when you turn on the coffee machine, water leaks on the body are visible;
- during the preparation of the drink, the volume of the pump is higher than usual;
- in steam mode, with the tap open, scale particles fly out of the tube.
To eliminate the above malfunctions, it is often necessary to lay out a round sum. Therefore, to prevent breakage, manufacturers recommend using a descaler for the coffee machine.
How to clean a coffee machine
As a rule, the instructions for the device describe in detail which cleaning method is best suited for their product. We will consider a universal approach. It is recommended to remove scale after preparation about 200-250 cups of the drink. Much depends on the hardness of the water. To clean the machine, we need a liquid descaler for the coffee machine. It can be purchased at a supermarket that sells appliances or accessories for a coffee shop. So, for processing the following actions are performed:
- Fill the reservoir with a solution that contains the descaler for the coffee machine, prepared as described in the instructions on the packaging.
- Turn on the device.
- Place a container under the cappuccino maker. The filter must be removed.
- Wait until the water heats up, the coffee machine indicator or display will inform you.
- Then drain about ¼ of the solution, wait 5 minutes and repeat the procedure for draining the water. So until the tank is completely empty. Release steam periodically if such a function is provided.
- Fill the reservoir again with clean water and empty the drain. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times.
It is important to remember that the descaler for the coffee machine must be stored out of the reach of children.
How to clean a coffee machine with automatic cleaning
The situation is simpler if the coffee machine has a built -in automatic cleaning function. Appliances with a display are equipped with a built-in portion counter. Thanks to this arrangement, the coffee machine signals that a cleaning is necessary. This is indicated by the corresponding inscription or signal. Typically, this function starts after the coffee machine has used 15-25 liters of water.
The method of cleaning such an apparatus is as follows. Take the descaler for the Saeco coffee machine.
- Pour the prepared cleaning solution into the tank. We prepare a pan intended for waste, it must be clean.
- Press the button designed to clean the device.
- As needed, add water and clean the pan. The coffee machine will do the rest in automatic mode.
Descaler
As a rule, branded manufacturers of coffee-making machines also make a descaler for a coffee machine of their own production. Using branded funds, you can count on warranty repairs in case of breakage without unnecessary claims. For example, Philips recommends descaling for Saeco coffee machines for cleaning . It is designed to remove scale and protect against corrosion. It also helps to get rid of the formation of calcareous sediment, which spoils the taste and aroma of the drink. In addition, regular cleaning extends the life of your coffee machine.
Limescale for coffee machine: liquid composition
Cleaning product packaging usually has little product information. Typically, most of the solution is citric acid, followed by non-anionic surfactants, malic acid, sodium citrate and various auxiliaries. Although most components are non-toxic, they still require careful handling. If liquid gets into your eyes or mouth, do not panic. Rinse with plenty of water; if irritation persists, consult a doctor.
Folk methods
Regular care is required for the coffee machine, and descaling agents are sometimes unavailable or not affordable. Some use folk methods. We learned that citric acid is the main ingredient in a cleaning product. Nobody bothers you with the help of citric acid to make your own solution. But no one will give guarantees that he will help get rid of the scale in the coffee machine.