How to descale your coffee machine naturally?

Your coffee machine works hard every day to give you the perfect espresso.
However, the invisible enemy, limescale, gradually builds up in your machine’s reservoir, pipes and nozzles.
Without regular maintenance, this can alter the taste of the coffee and even damage your machine in the long term. ☕

How often should I descale my machine?

In general, descaling every 6 to 8 weeks is recommended, but this depends on the hardness of your water and the frequency of use.
If you notice that your machine is making more noise, that the coffee flows slowly or that the taste is changing, it’s time to take action!

Home recipe for descaling your coffee machine

Ingredients required

Citric acid is a powerful natural descaling agent, biodegradable and harmless to health.

It effectively dissolves limescale without leaving chemical residues, unlike expensive industrial products.

An ecological and economical solution

With just a few spoonfuls of citric acid and hot water, you get a high-performance, inexpensive and environmentally-friendly mixture.

It’s the perfect solution for those who want to maintain their machine without harming the planet.

Preparation and application steps

Use 2 to 3 tablespoons of citric acid (approx. 30g).
Mix with 1 liter of hot water.
Pour the solution into your machine’s water tank.
Start a complete cycle without coffee.
Empty, then rinse the tank thoroughly with clean water.
Run two cycles with water alone to remove any residue.

☕ This method is simple, environmentally friendly and odorless – perfect for regular maintenance of your coffee machine.

Tips to extend the life of your coffee machine

Use filtered water
Filtered water contains less of the minerals responsible for limescale. By using it daily, you will naturally reduce the frequency of descaling.

Regularly clean the reservoir and nozzles
A simple weekly rinse with lukewarm water is all that’s needed to prevent deposits and keep the machine clean.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use white vinegar instead of citric acid?

No, vinegar is too aggressive and leaves a stubborn odour.
Prefer citric acid for a gentle, risk-free result.

Where can I buy citric acid?

You can easily find them in pharmacies, organic stores or online (see example here).

How long does it take to descale a machine?

Approx. 20-30 minutes for a complete rinse cycle.

Is this method suitable for all machines?

Yes, except for certain capsule machines with fragile seals.
In this case, limit descaling to once a month.

Do I have to dismantle my machine to clean it?

No, the internal descaling cycle is sufficient.
However, regular rinsing of the reservoir and coffee grounds container is recommended.

How do you know when scaling has been successful?

The water flows steadily again, the motor noise diminishes
and the coffee regains its full flavor.