What To Know
- In this guide, we’ll show you how to descale your Breville espresso machine using vinegar, a natural and effective descaling solution.
- Use a damp cleaning cloth to wipe down the exterior of the espresso machine, paying particular attention to the steam wand and any other areas where scale may have accumulated.
- If you notice a decrease in water flow, increased noise, or a change in the taste of your coffee, it may be time to descale.
Hard water is a common problem that can lead to scale buildup in your Breville espresso machine. This can affect the taste of your coffee, and it can also damage the machine over time. Descaling your machine is essential for maintaining its performance and longevity. In this guide, we’ll show you how to descale your Breville espresso machine using vinegar, a natural and effective descaling solution.
Materials You’ll Need:
- White vinegar
- Water
- Measuring cup
- Container
- Cleaning cloth
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Descaling Solution
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a container. The amount of solution you need will depend on the size of your espresso machine‘s water tank.
2. Empty the Water Tank
Remove the water tank from your espresso machine and empty it completely.
3. Fill the Water Tank with the Descaling Solution
Pour the prepared descaling solution into the water tank. Fill it to the maximum level.
4. Run the Descaling Cycle
Insert the water tank back into the espresso machine. Turn on the machine and select the “Descaling” or “Cleaning” cycle. The exact steps may vary depending on your machine model.
5. Let the Machine Run
Allow the descaling cycle to run its course. This usually takes around 30-60 minutes. The solution will circulate through the machine, removing scale buildup.
6. Rinse the Machine
Once the descaling cycle is complete, empty the water tank and rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Fill the tank with fresh water and run a few cycles to flush out any remaining vinegar.
7. Clean the Exterior
Use a damp cleaning cloth to wipe down the exterior of the espresso machine, paying particular attention to the steam wand and any other areas where scale may have accumulated.
Additional Tips:
- Descale your espresso machine every 3-6 months, depending on the hardness of your water.
- If you have very hard water, you may need to descale more frequently.
- You can also use commercial descaling solutions, but vinegar is a more natural and cost-effective option.
- Do not use bleach or other harsh chemicals to descale your espresso machine.
- If you have any concerns about descaling your machine, consult the user manual or contact Breville customer support.
Troubleshooting:
- My machine is not descaling properly. Ensure that you are using the correct descaling solution and that the water tank is filled to the maximum level.
- My machine is leaking after descaling. Check the water tank and make sure it is properly seated. Tighten any loose connections.
- My coffee tastes sour after descaling. Rinse the machine thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining vinegar.
Popular Questions
- How often should I descale my Breville espresso machine? Every 3-6 months, depending on the hardness of your water.
- Can I use other descaling solutions besides vinegar? Yes, you can use commercial descaling solutions, but vinegar is a more natural and cost-effective option.
- What if I don’t descale my machine regularly? Scale buildup can damage the machine over time and affect the taste of your coffee.
- How do I know if my machine needs descaling? If you notice a decrease in water flow, increased noise, or a change in the taste of your coffee, it may be time to descale.
- Can I descale my Breville espresso machine with citric acid? Yes, you can use a citric acid solution to descale your machine, but follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
