Descale your coffee maker effectively (vinegar or citric acid)
Is the coffee brewing slowly? Is it cooler? It's limestone. Here's how to dissolve it without chemicals.
Recommended Materials
- White vinegar
- Or Citric acid (gentler for joints)
- Water
Steps to follow
Step 1
Symptoms: Your coffee maker makes a lot of noise (gurgling, hissing), the coffee flows very slowly, it is less hot than usual, or worse, it tastes funny. It was the limescale that blocked the pipes and insulated the heating element.
Step 2
The miracle product: Forget expensive chemical descalers. Use White Vinegar (effective and inexpensive) or Citric Acid (natural powder, gentler on joints).
Step 3
The Vinegar recipe: Fill the tank with a mixture of 50% Water + 50% White Vinegar. Put an empty filter (for filter coffee maker).
Step 4
The Citric Acid recipe (Recommended for Nespresso/Senseo): Dilute 2 tablespoons of citric acid in 1 liter of lukewarm water. Pour into the tank.
Step 5
The process: Turn on the machine. Pour the equivalent of a cup. Stop the machine. Leave to act for 15 to 30 minutes (this is the pause time which allows the product to dissolve the encrusted limescale). Turn the light back on and run everything else out of the tank.
Step 6
Rinsing (Crucial): Once the tank is empty, rinse it well. Fill it with clear water (without product) and drain all the water. Repeat the operation 2 or 3 times to be sure that no vinegar taste remains. Your coffee will be better and hotter! A good rinse is the key to successful coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequency ?
Every 2 to 3 months if your water is hard (limestone). Some models have a 'Descaling' light that comes on. Do not wait until the machine is completely clogged.
Precautions
- Rinse well (otherwise the coffee will taste horrible).
- Do not use pure vinegar.
