Descaling a fully automatic coffee machine & kettle with citric acid

In short: Citric acid is a proven descaler: It reliably dissolves limescale, has almost no smell, and rinses out easily. The key is the correct dosage and no heat above 60 °C during descaling. The easiest way is with our liquid descaler on a citric acid base – ready to use, without weighing out powder.

How to tell if it needs descaling

• The coffee is no longer properly hot or flows through more slowly.
• The machine gets louder or shows the descaling message.
• You see white deposits or limescale flakes in the water in the kettle.
• The tea tastes flat, and a film forms on the surface.

With hard water, descaling every 4 to 6 weeks depending on use makes sense, less often with soft water. With the fully automatic coffee machine, you follow the display.

Why citric acid – and what you need to pay attention to

Citric acid is an organic acid that reliably dissolves limescale without the pungent smell of vinegar. There is one thing you should know: If the solution is overheated or boiled, calcium citrate can form from the citric acid and limescale – a deposit that is almost impossible to remove. That is why:

• Do not boil the descaling solution, but use it cold to lukewarm (at most about 60 °C).
• Adhere to the dosage on the label – too little won't work, too much is useless.
• Always use the descaling program of the fully automatic coffee machine. It works at the correct temperature.

Descaling the fully automatic coffee machine step by step

1. Remove the water filter – it should not be in the tank during descaling.
2. Empty the drip tray and grounds container, place a large container under the spout and milk nozzle.
3. Descaler into the tank with cold water according to the label.
4. Start the descaling program and let it run completely.
5. Rinse the tank thoroughly, fill it with fresh water, and run the rinsing program.

Tip: If the manufacturer of your machine prescribes a specific agent, for example due to the warranty, stick to it. By the way, the milk system does not get limescaled, but becomes dirty with milk fat – for that, there is the milk system cleaner. More about this in the guide Cleaning the milk system.

Descaling the kettle

1. Put the descaler into the kettle with warm (not boiling) water according to the label, until the limescale layer is covered.
2. Let it work for about 30 minutes. Longer for thick deposits.
3. Pour out and help with a brush if there are still residues.
4. Boil two to three times with clear water and pour out the water.

The descaler is also suitable for egg cookers, irons (according to the manufacturer's specifications), showerheads, and faucets.

And vinegar?

Vinegar works against limescale, but attacks seals and rubber parts and leaves a smell. For coffee machines, it is therefore not recommended. For tiles or faucets, diluted acetic acid can be useful – how you dilute it correctly is explained in the guide Acetic acid 60%.

How to prevent limescale

• Change the water in the tank daily and rinse the tank regularly.
• Replace the water filter of the fully automatic coffee machine according to the manufacturer's specifications.
• Empty the kettle after use and let it dry open.
• Set the water hardness correctly on the device – it is on the website of your water supplier.

Safety

Citric acid is also an acid. Avoid splashes in the eyes, wear gloves for sensitive skin, and always rinse the device thoroughly with clear water after descaling before you prepare coffee or tea again. Do not use on natural stone such as marble.

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