How to descale a filter coffee machine?

To descale your filter coffee machine and keep it working optimally, HG offers specially developed products such as HG coffee machine descaler, based on lactic acid or citric acid. These safely and quickly remove limescale deposits from your machine. Alternative household methods include using vinegar, lemon juice or cola, although these may be less effective. Regular descaling, ideally every 1 to 2 months, and using filtered or softened water help prevent limescale build-up and ensure great coffee and a longer lifespan for your machine.

HG solutions for descaling and cleaning your coffee machine

To keep your coffee machine working at its best and brewing great coffee, it is important to descale and clean it regularly. HG offers the following solutions:

• HG coffee machine descaler: This descaler safely and quickly removes limescale deposits from your espresso or pod coffee machine. Choose the descaler based on your machine manufacturer's advice.
• HG coffee machine cleaning tablets: These tablets remove built-up coffee oils and residues from the internal system and pipework of your automatic or fully automatic coffee machine. Regular use ensures optimal coffee flavour and a longer lifespan for your machine.

For more information on descaling your coffee machine, you can also read the guide on how to descale a coffee machine on the HG website.

Solutions for descaling your filter coffee machine

While HG always recommends using specially developed products to descale your filter coffee machine, there are a few household alternatives you can try. Bear in mind that these methods are not always equally effective and may carry certain risks. Here are some options:

• Vinegar: Fill the water reservoir with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Run the machine through a complete cycle, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• Lemon juice: Mix the juice of two lemons with water and pour it into the water reservoir. Run the machine through a cycle, then rinse well.
• Cola: Pour cola into the water reservoir and run the machine through a cycle. Then rinse the machine several times with clean water to remove all cola residue.

Regardless of which method you choose, it is essential to rinse the machine thoroughly with clean water after descaling to remove any remaining residue that could affect the taste of your coffee.

Causes of limescale in a filter coffee machine

Limescale build-up in a filter coffee machine is caused by several factors:

• Hard water: When you use water with a high mineral content, also known as hard water, limescale will form more quickly in your coffee machine.
• Frequency of use: The more often you use your coffee machine, the faster limescale will build up.
• Lack of regular maintenance: If you do not regularly clean and descale your coffee machine, limescale will accumulate and eventually cause problems.

To prevent limescale build-up in future, you can take the following steps:

• Use filtered or softened water to reduce the mineral content in your water.
• Descale your coffee machine regularly according to your machine manufacturer's instructions, usually every 1 to 2 months, depending on how often you use it and the hardness of your water.
• Use a specialist descaling product for coffee machines, or a natural solution such as water with citric acid or white vinegar. Regular maintenance not only ensures optimal performance but also extends the lifespan of your machine significantly.