How To Decalcify Your Espresso Maker

Decalcifying, which is the process used for removing harmful mineral build-up from the inside of your espresso maker, is the key to both your espresso makers longevity and the flavor of your brew. While the word may make the process seem complex, do not worry! Decalcifying is really very simple and because it is essential BeverageFactory.com has created the following step by step guide to help you face and conquer decalcification!

Decalcifying Super-Automatic Espresso Makers

Usually super-automatic espresso makers note on their digital displays when it is time to decalcify. Refer to your espresso maker's manual for their preferred decalcification solution and follow the instructions they lay out for you as each super-automatic espresso maker tends to be slightly different. If your super-automatic espresso maker does not automatically decalcify itself, you will want to do so manually.

Following is your 10 Step Guide to Manual Decalcification:

Step 1: Take out the water reservoir and empty it

Step 2: Fill the reservoir with fresh, clean warm water

Step 3: Add one packet of decalcifying solution to the reservoir and stir to dissolve

Step 4: Return reservoir to the espresso maker and turn on machine

Step 5: Place a container underneath steam wand

Step 6: Set machine so that hot water will stream from steam wand

Step 7: Open your espresso makers steam valve

Step 8: Decalcifying solution will now drain out of the valve and into the container

Step 9: Rinse empty water reservoir and re-fill it with your usual brewing water

Step 10: Run clean brewing water through the steam valve until reservoir is empty

Decalcifying Semi-Automatic Espresso Makers

For semi-automatic espresso makers, make it a habit to decalcify every 3 months and refer to your espresso maker's user manual for instructions and recommended solutions. One thing to keep in mind whether you own a super-automatic or semi-automatic espresso maker is remember to thoroughly rinse your espresso maker's reservoir with fresh water after decalcifying.

Following is your 10 Step Guide to Manual Decalcification:

Step 1: Take out the water reservoir and empty it

Step 2: Fill the reservoir with fresh, clean warm water

Step 3: Add one packet of decalcifying solution to the reservoir and stir to dissolve

Step 4: Return reservoir to the espresso maker and turn on machine

Step 5: Place a large container under steam wand and a small container under brew spout

Step 6: Set machine so that hot water will stream from steam wand

Step 7: Open steam valve and press brew button

Step 8: After water is dispensed, turn off brew button and close steam valve

Step 9: Repeat Steps 6 through 8 until all solution is cleared from espresso maker

Step 10: Replace water reservoir with normal brewing water and run a "blank shot" to further rinse out your espresso maker

See that was not so bad. As always, if you have any further questions you may call the BeverageFactory.com and speak to one of our espresso enthusiast/customer service representatives at anytime. Also if you have more questions on cleaning and maintaining your espresso maker, check out the links below:

Keeping Your Espresso Maker in Top Foam
In Depth Guide to Super-automatic Espresso Makers
In Depth Guide to Semi-automatic Espresso Makers