For the coffee machine to work for a long time, it requires careful care. It involves the implementation of various procedures designed to improve the functioning of the device. One of them is the decalcification of a coffee machine, so that you can get rid of scale.
Normal water, in addition to distilled water, causes a hard crust of salts to appear on the walls of the device. Salt sediment negatively affects the functioning of the device and affects the taste of the drink. Moreover, the scale penetrates into the tubes, and therefore the coffee machine becomes clogged. If decalcification is not performed on time, then other particles will penetrate the cup instead of coffee.
When is cleaning required?
Decalcification of the coffee machine should be carried out regularly. Specialists are advised to do this every month, especially if hard water is used. If it is soft, then the procedure can be performed less frequently. The latest machines have a counter of cooked cups, it tells you about the need for cleaning. As a rule, the apparatus requires cleaning after 200 servings.
The reasons why you need to perform cleaning include:
- coffee does not have the former taste, aroma, bitterness, white precipitate;
- the preparation of the drink lasts slower;
- coffee is poured in a thin stream;
- the appliance is noisy.
These are the main reasons why decalcification is required. After that, the operation of the device is restored.
How is the procedure performed?
The Delongi coffee machine has its own descaler. If you use it constantly, it will not affect the quality of work. Other brands also have their own products that effectively clean the device. The procedure does not need to be done with vinegar.
Cleaning options
The processing method of the device is determined by the amount of scale inside, as well as the characteristics of the device. For example, the processing of geyser, drip, filtration machines can be carried out with plain water. If decalcification is performed regularly, then there will be no scale.
When the device has not been cleaned for a long time, you need to buy a special tool for decalcification of the coffee machine. Now there are a lot of them, and each of them has an effective effect. You can buy them in specialized stores and supermarkets. They are sold in liquid and tablet form.
The use of citric acid
Decalcification of the coffee machine is performed using citric acid. To do this, you need 1 pack of product, which must be dissolved in hot water (4 cups), after which cold (4 cups) is added. The liquid is poured into the coffee machine, but first you need to clean the filter. The device must be turned on and wait until the liquid is half full. Then the device should be left for 20 minutes.
The coffee machine is then turned back on to allow the remaining liquid to flow out. The device must be rinsed and 8 glasses of water passed through it. This is the decalcification of the coffee machine with citric acid.
Using special tools
Experts do not recommend the use of citric acid, it is better to use special products. The Delongi coffee machine can be cleaned using the following instructions:
- hot water and agent are poured into the tank;
- turn on the machine until all fluid has drained;
- 3 servings of coffee should be brewed, only it should not be drunk.
If there is a large amount of scale, the procedure is repeated, and if not, then once will be enough.
Tablets
There are special tablets for decalcifying the coffee machine, allowing you to perform high-quality cleaning. They are produced by popular manufacturers of coffee makers. If you choose the right tool for your device, then it will fit perfectly. Generic tablets are also sold.
After the procedure, the machine must be thoroughly rinsed, driven away with water, as components harmful to humans can remain. If the tablets are NSF certified, then they can be used with different metals. They are also absolutely safe.
How often to clean?
The device does not have sensors to detect the level of contamination of the hydraulic system. The device operates on the basis of those parameters that were set when you first turned on. If nothing has been changed, the factory settings are set. The instructions contain information about setting the degree of water hardness. This affects the report of the amount of water passed.
If the water is hard, then the device will give signals about the need for cleaning. Some devices have different rigidity settings, but the principle of operation is the same. Therefore, it is better to clean about once every 1-2 months.
If decalcification is not required?
In some devices, the machine cannot be decalcified due to the fact that the device did not signal this. This usually relates to techniques where a water filter is present.
It turns out that the menu has a “water filter installed” program, and therefore the descaling function will not work. Since the reminder service does not work, you need to do the cleaning yourself and regularly.
Decalcification program hanging
Sometimes it happens that the coffee machine works in one mode and does not turn it off. Then the device must be disconnected from the outlet. Then turn on and restart the device. Usually this defect is eliminated. When repeating the freeze, professional help is needed that only the master can do.
Sometimes you need to turn off the device for a while, let it just stand. After that, you can perform cleaning, rinsing, as well as preparing the drink. Use only suitable means so as not to damage the operation of the device.
What is forbidden to do?
When decalcifying, do not add water to the hopper if the device does not require this. It is forbidden to remove the pan, brew unit, drip tray during program operation.
When descaling, the appliance must not be turned off, unless this function is set by the manufacturer. If you perform the procedure correctly, then after cleaning the coffee machine will run smoothly.