If you are a coffee lover, you know that a good cup of coffee starts with a clean and well-maintained coffee maker. Water scale is one of the main enemies of electric coffee makers, as it can accumulate in the pipes and internal parts of the coffee maker, which can affect the taste of the coffee and reduce the life of the machine. In this article, we will provide you with detailed information on how to clean and descale your coffee maker to ensure that you always enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.
Why is it important to clean and descale your coffee maker?
Proper cleaning and maintenance of your coffee maker are essential to ensure that the coffee has a delicious taste and does not have a metallic taste. The buildup of scale in the pipes and internal parts of the coffee maker can affect the taste of the coffee and reduce the life of the machine. In addition, the buildup of residue in the coffee maker can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can be harmful to health.
How to prevent the calcification of your coffee maker?
The best way to prevent the calcification of your coffee maker is to descale it regularly and use filtered water to make coffee. The frequency with which you should descale your coffee maker depends on the type of coffee maker you have and the hardness of the water in your area. In general, it is recommended to descale the coffee maker every three months if you use tap water and every six months if you use filtered water.
In addition, it is important to clean the exterior of the coffee maker regularly to prevent residue from sticking to it. You can clean the coffee maker with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. It is also recommended to store the coffee maker disassembled to avoid rancid odors.
How to descale your coffee maker?
There are different effective methods to descale any type of coffee maker. Below are some popular methods:
Method 1: White vinegar
White vinegar is a natural and effective descaler that can be used to descale your coffee maker. Follow these steps to descale your coffee maker with white vinegar:
- Fill the water tank of the coffee maker with a mixture of half water and half white vinegar.
- Turn on the coffee maker and let the water and vinegar mix and heat up.
- Let the water and vinegar mixture filter through the coffee maker and empty into the carafe.
- Repeat the process several times until the water coming out of the coffee maker is clean and without a vinegar smell.
- Rinse the coffee maker with clean water several times to remove any vinegar residue.
Method 2: Citric acid
Citric acid is another natural descaler that can be used to descale your coffee maker. Follow these steps to descale your coffee maker with citric acid:
- Fill the water tank of the coffee maker with a mixture of water and citric acid according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Turn on the coffee maker and let the water and citric acid mix and heat up.
- Let the water and citric acid mixture filter through the coffee maker and empty into the carafe.
- Repeat the process several times until the water coming out of the coffee maker is clean and without a citric acid smell.
- Rinse the coffee maker with clean water several times to remove any citric acid residue.
Method 3: Descaling products
You can also use specific descaling products for electric coffee makers. These products are designed to remove the buildup of scale and other residues in the pipes and internal parts of the coffee maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to use the descaling product correctly.
How to make a homemade descaler?
If you prefer to use a homemade descaler instead of commercial products, you can make one with ingredients that you probably already have at home. Follow these steps to make a homemade descaler:
- Mix one cup of water with one cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients.
- Spray the vinegar and water solution on the internal parts of the coffee maker and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Rinse the coffee maker with clean water several times to remove any vinegar residue.
How long does a bottle of resin from a descaler last?
The duration of a bottle of resin from a descaler depends on the size of the bottle and the frequency of use. In general, a bottle of resin from a descaler can last from three to six months if used regularly.
How to clean the coffee maker with vinegar?
To clean the coffee maker with vinegar, follow the steps outlined in Method 1 above.
When to change the cationic resin?
You should change the cationic resin of your descaler when the ion exchange capacity of the resin has been exhausted. The ion exchange capacity of the resin is measured in French degrees (°F). When the ion exchange capacity of the resin has been exhausted, the hardness of the water coming out of the descaler will be equal to the hardness of the water entering the descaler. In general, it is recommended to change the cationic resin every three to five years, depending on usage and the hardness of the water in your area.
Our advice
Proper cleaning and maintenance of your coffee maker are essential to ensure that the coffee has a delicious taste and does not have a metallic taste. Regular descaling of your coffee maker is an important part of coffee maker maintenance. You can use white vinegar, citric acid, descaling products, or a homemade descaler to descale your coffee maker. In addition, it is important to clean the exterior of the coffee maker regularly and store the coffee maker disassembled to avoid rancid odors. With these tips, you can enjoy a delicious and well-prepared cup of coffee at any time.
