Coffee is the Germans’ favorite drink and in many households, a fully automatic coffee machine is part of the kitchen equipment. However, you can only get coffee at the push of a button in the long run if the device is properly cared for and maintained. That’s why we have tips on how to properly clean and descale fully automatic coffee machines.
Why clean the coffee machine?
One factor that you should not neglect when using a modern fully automatic coffee machine is the cleaning effort of the machine. Proper cleaning of the machine is essential. This often depends on how the milk froth is prepared. Depending on the system, you have to spend a lot of time cleaning and maintaining the milk circuit. After all, you have to be meticulous about hygiene when using milk. Otherwise, bacteria have free rein. Mold also thrives in damp coffee residues, which is why a coffee machine can become a potential source of germs.
Clean the coffee machine properly
In the best case, you have a fully automatic coffee machine that is easy to clean. In addition to the milk froth unit, you have to clean other components of a fully automatic machine regularly in order to be able to rely on good taste and perfect functioning over the long term. Therefore, heed the following tips for cleaning fully automatic coffee machines:
- The Brew Group should be detachable for easier cleaning.
- Follow cleaning cycles to the letter.
- Carry out decalcifications regularly.
- Rinse the water tank daily.
- Clean collection containers, collection trays, and accessible hoses daily.
- Dishwasher-safe individual parts can be put in the dishwasher, which makes work easier.
- Coffee fats only dissolve at a water temperature of 60 degrees. Therefore, the machines should have a special cleaning program.
When to descale the coffee machine?
It is important to clean and descale the coffee machine regularly so that the machine can function properly and give you many years of pleasure. Scale is the machine’s worst enemy. Limescale deposits clog the pipes and have a negative effect on the aroma. Depending on how hard the water is, you will need to descale more or less often. As a rule, it is advantageous to descale every three months. Modern devices offer the option of storing the water hardness and automatically prompting you when it is time to tackle the next decalcification. But the following signs also indicate that your device needs to be decalcified:
- lack of temperature of the coffee,
- bland taste or
- too little water pressure.
Important after descaling:
After descaling the coffee machine, two to three runs with clear water are necessary to remove all residues from the machine. After that, it is ready to be used again to deliver an aromatic coffee.
How to properly descale a fully automatic coffee machine?
Even if cleaning vinegar has generally proven itself in the household, you must not use it for the coffee machine. Because then the plastic parts of the coffee machine can be damaged. It is therefore best to rely on the descaling agent recommended by the manufacturer. Use it as indicated in the instructions for use. You can collect the cleaning water in a sufficiently large container and use it to descale other devices, e.g. a kettle.
Alternatives to the recommended descaling agent
Descaling coffee machines require little effort, but has a big effect: it guarantees many years of good coffee from a reliably functioning machine. In addition, note tips for descaling the washing machine and dishwasher and simple instructions for descaling the kettle.
Since the agents recommended by the manufacturer are usually quite expensive, decalcification is often delayed. However, this can be quite expensive for you. Because such a lack of or no decalcification reduces the service life of the coffee machine. In addition, repairing this machine is very expensive if you do not carry out the maintenance properly and regularly. If you want to do without expensive manufacturers’ products, use descaling agents from household specialty stores or supermarkets. But note that these are not suitable for all coffee machines. Consequently, read the description on the bottle or packaging carefully! And as already mentioned, alternative agents such as cleaning vinegar, which is ideal for removing limescale in sinks or flower vases, are harmful to the coffee machine.
Frequently asked questions and answers
- Why do you have to clean a fully automatic coffee machine?
Bacteria and mold can collect in coffee and milk residues. Consequently, if the machine is not cleaned regularly, it can adversely affect health. In addition, regular cleaning and descaling increase the service life of the device. - How do I clean a fully automatic coffee machine?
You should follow the recommended cleaning cycles. It makes sense to clean the water tank, collection container, and accessible hoses daily or at least every two to three days. Dishwasher-safe individual parts can go in the dishwasher. In addition, the machine should have a special cleaning program so that coffee fats dissolve (from temperatures of 60 degrees). - When do I have to descale a fully automatic coffee machine?
Regular descaling is essential and often depends on the hardness of the water. However, as a rule, regular decalcification every three months applies. Further indications of a necessary decalcification are insufficient temperature of the coffee, bland taste or low water pressure, - How does the descaling of a fully automatic coffee machine work?
For descaling, the coffee machine, use a descaling agent recommended by the manufacturer. Then put this in the machine and follow the instructions for use. Consequently, you avoid short-term and expensive repairs to the device. - What alternative cleaning agents are possible for descaling?
Manufacturers of descaling agents are usually expensive. Therefore, use descaling agents from specialist shops or supermarkets as an alternative. However, note their suitability for fully automatic coffee machines. Do not use vinegar as a descaling agent, as this could damage plastic parts.
