What Can You Use To Descale An Espresso Machine (A Quick Guide)

Last Updated on August 23, 2023 by Barry Gray

If you have been regularly using an espresso machine at home, you have probably already experienced the side effects of not keeping the device in good condition. 

Weird-tasting coffee, no coffee being released from the device, and even illness can occur if you have neglected coffee machine hygiene. 

Descaling your espresso machine can be done by using descaling tablets designed for the machine in question. Alternatively, using citric acid in a mix and rinsing it through your machine can also work.

Keeping your espresso machine as clean as possible is crucial to continually producing some stunning coffee. So, everything I have to say over the next few minutes should prove to be important.

Limescale Is The Biggest Problem Area 

It’s essential to consider the type of water you’re using in your machine and whether limescale buildup is an issue.

Additionally, it’s crucial to keep track of how often you’re cleaning (or not cleaning) your device, as not paying attention to this maintenance can lead to bacterial illness and clogged machines. Even without limescale issues, bacteria can build up. 

I admit I have been a culprit of this crime and have been confused when pressing the button for my coffee, only to be met with noise and no coffee appearing. 

It is possible to clean machines excessively, but it is better to be cautious considering the types of bacteria that can accumulate. 

The Bacteria Types You Might Be Dealing With

I don’t want to turn this into some biology lesson, but I feel it’s important to know what you may be dealing with if you don’t care for your espresso machine.

I admit that some sound particularly scary when it comes to the bacterial types.

• Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria commonly found on the skin and nose. It can cause food poisoning, leading to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A bacteria found in water. It can cause infections in the lungs, ears, and skin.
• Enterobacteriaceae: This group of bacteria can cause food poisoning and other infections.
• Legionella pneumophila: This bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe lung infection.

It’s scary to note that these bacteria can make your coffee machine their home over time, and the longer it is left, the more bacteria become present. The buildup can occur independently but is even more prolific if limescale is present. 

So, what do you do? Well, it’s pretty easy to keep on top of things.

Follow Your Coffee Machines Directions For Cleaning

To prevent limescale buildup, clean your kettle and espresso machine regularly. Some devices come with cleaning products or recommend specific ones for their machine.

I’d follow their advice as your first port of call when keeping your espresso machine clean.

But that aside, here are some tips to prevent bacteria from building up in your coffee machine.

• Use filtered water: Filtered water will remove the minerals that can cause scale buildup and the chlorine that can kill beneficial bacteria.
• Change the water reservoir regularly: The frequency with which you need to change the water reservoir depends on how often you use your machine and the quality of your water. You should change the water reservoir daily if you use your device daily. If you use it less often, you can change the water reservoir every few days. I use fresh water daily. 
• Clean the machine regularly: You should clean your espresso machine regularly to remove any buildup of coffee oils and residues. This will help to prevent bacteria from growing.
• Descale the machine regularly: Descaling removes the mineral deposits that can build up in the machine and clog it. Descaling your espresso machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions would be best.

Following these tips can help keep your espresso machine clean and bacteria-free.

Hard Water Areas vs. Soft Water Areas

You will experience more limescale buildup if your area is a hard water area. Let’s look at the difference between soft and hard water and what it means for your coffee machine. 

Hard Water 

Hard water contains more minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, than soft water. 

These minerals can give hard water a salty taste and can also leave behind deposits, known as limescale, on surfaces and appliances over time. This buildup can damage appliances, clog pipes, and even affect the taste of coffee.

Soft Water 

Soft water, on the other hand, has a lower mineral content than hard water. This means that it is less likely to cause limescale buildup and can also improve the taste of coffee. It’s worth it for the better-tasting coffee alone!

The Differences Between Hard Water And Soft Water 

So, to sum up the issue of hard water and soft water, here are the key differences between the two.

Hard Water

• High mineral content – that will build up over time
• Salty taste
• More likely to cause limescale buildup
• Can affect the taste of coffee
• Can damage appliances

Soft Water

• Low mineral content
• Bland taste
• Less likely to cause limescale buildup
• Improves the taste of coffee
• Less likely to damage appliances

How to Improve Your Coffee For Hard Water Areas 

If you live in an area with hard water, there are a few things you can do to make your coffee taste better:

• Use filtered water: Filtered water will remove some of the minerals from hard water, making it less likely to affect the taste of your coffee.
• Descale your coffee machine regularly: This will remove any limescale buildup that has already occurred and help to keep your device running smoothly.
• Use a water softener: A water softener will remove all minerals from hard water, making it completely neutral. This will ensure that your coffee tastes its best.

How Do You Soften Water In Hard Water Areas?

There are a few different types of water softeners that you can use for coffee machines. Some popular options include salt-based, ion-exchange, and reverse osmosis water softeners.

Salt-based water softeners are the most common type of water softener and are relatively easy to install and maintain. They use salt to remove the minerals from hard water.

Ion-exchange water softeners are more expensive than salt-based softeners but are more effective. They use a resin to remove the minerals from hard water.

Reverse osmosis water softeners are the most effective type of water softener but are also the most expensive. They use a semi-permeable membrane to remove the minerals from hard water.

When choosing a water softener for your coffee machine, you should consider the following factors:

• The hardness of your water
• The size of your coffee machine
• Your budget

If you still feel confused about which water softener to install, lurk around coffee lover forums. They often give great advice or use filtered water if it all sounds too much. 

Using Filtered Water 

Using filtered water can make a huge difference, but knowing which one to get can be tricky. So, here are a few suggestion of water pitchers that will filter the water and help improve your coffee.

• Brita pitchers: Brita pitchers are a popular and affordable option for filtering water. They are easy to use and can be refilled with tap water.
• Pur water filters: Pur water filters are another popular option for filtering water. They are available in various sizes and styles, and you can install them under your sink or countertop.
• ZeroWater pitchers: ZeroWater pitchers are a more advanced option for filtering water. They remove 99.6% of all contaminants, including lead, chlorine, and fluoride.
• Aqueon water filters: Aqueon water filters are a good option for those who want to filter water for their entire home. They are available in various sizes and styles that fit perfectly under your sink or countertop.
• Aquasana water filters: Aquasana water filters are a top-of-the-line option for filtering water. They remove 99.9% of all contaminants, including lead, chlorine, and fluoride.

But if you do decide to get a water filter, do your homework first. I suggest these four simple tips to make life easier.

• Read reviews from other users: Before you buy a filtered water appliance, read reviews from other users to see what they recommend. The comments often contain more information than the device’s descriptions and features. 
• Consider your needs: Consider how much water you use and what contaminants you want to remove. Limescale could be affecting more of your household appliances than the coffee machine. 
• Ask your water company: Your water company can recommend a filtered water appliance that is right for you. Go to the source of the water (excuse the pun). They might even know where to get the filter and offer deals. 
• Get professional installation: If you are uncomfortable installing the filtered water appliance, hire a professional.

Here’s How to Descale Your Coffee Machine 

But now, after letting you know how limescale builds in your coffee machine, here is how to counteract it and get everything clean once again.

I see there as being two methods. You can keep it simple by purchasing a recommended descaler, or you can do it yourself :

Using The Vinegar Method 

One of the first methods most people use, when not using descaling tablets, is the vinegar method.

White vinegar is a natural acid that can help to dissolve limescale buildup. To descale your coffee machine with white vinegar, you will need:

• 1 cup of white vinegar
• 4 cups of water
• A funnel
• A clean cloth

1. Fill the water reservoir with 1 cup of white vinegar and four cups water.
2. Run the coffee machine as usual until the reservoir is empty.
3. Allow the vinegar solution to sit in the reservoir for at least 30 minutes.
4. Rerun the coffee machine with plain water until the vinegar smell is gone.
5. Wipe down the inside of the coffee machine with a clean cloth to remove any remaining vinegar residue.

But vinegar is not your only option for a home descaler.

The Lemon Juice Method 

Another option is lemon juice. Here, you will take advantage of the citric acid in the lemons to help remove the limescale.

Lemon juice is another natural acid that can help to dissolve limescale buildup. To descale your coffee machine with lemon juice, you will need:

• 1 cup of lemon juice
• 4 cups of water
• A funnel
• A clean cloth

1. Fill the water reservoir with 1 cup of lemon juice and 4 cups of water.
2. Run the coffee machine as usual until the reservoir is empty.
3. Allow the lemon juice solution to sit in the reservoir for at least 30 minutes.
4. Rerun the coffee machine with plain water until the lemon smell is gone.
5. Wipe down the inside of the coffee machine with a clean cloth to remove any remaining lemon juice residue.

But you still have another option.

The Citric Acid Method

Another option is to purchase some citric acid. This is often the preferred method for many, and it’s just as easy to use as the other options.

Citric acid is a natural compound that can also help to dissolve limescale buildup. To descale your coffee machine with citric acid, you will need:

• One tablespoon of citric acid
• 4 cups of water
• A funnel
• A clean cloth

1. Dissolve one tablespoon of citric acid in 4 cups of warm water.
2. Pour the solution into the water reservoir.
3. Run the coffee machine as usual until the reservoir is empty.
4. Allow the solution to sit in the reservoir for at least 30 minutes.
5. Rerun the coffee machine with plain water until the citric acid smell is gone.
6. Wipe down the inside of the coffee machine with a clean cloth to remove any remaining citric acid residue.

Which Method to Use?

The best method will depend on the severity of the limescale buildup in your coffee machine. Use white vinegar or lemon juice if the buildup is not too severe. If the buildup is severe, you may need to use citric acid.

How Often Should You Descale?

The frequency with which you need to descale your coffee machine will depend on the hardness of your water and if you are using filtered water. If you live in an area with hard water, you may need to descale your coffee machine every month. If you live in an area with soft water, you may only need to descale your coffee machine every few months.

Are There Any Safety Precautions?

When descaling your coffee machine, it is crucial to take the following safety precautions:

• Wear gloves and eye protection to protect yourself from the acids.
• Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid breathing in the fumes.
• Do not use boiling water, as this can damage the coffee machine.

There are many ways to keep your coffee machine hygienic; you will settle on one method that suits you. If you have hard water issues, this is something you need to take care of for all the appliances in your household, making your coffee machine easier to clean.