What To Know
- Decalcifying your Breville coffee maker is an essential maintenance task that ensures the longevity of your machine and the quality of your coffee.
- Wipe down the exterior of the coffee maker with a soft cloth to remove any descaling solution residue.
- While lemon juice can be used as a natural descaling agent, it is not recommended for Breville coffee makers as it can damage the machine’s components.
Decalcifying your Breville coffee maker is an essential maintenance task that ensures the longevity of your machine and the quality of your coffee. Scale buildup, caused by mineral deposits in water, can clog the machine’s components and affect its performance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you decalcify your Breville coffee maker effectively and efficiently:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Breville coffee maker
- Descaling solution (Breville recommends using Breville descaling tablets)
- White vinegar (alternative to descaling solution)
- Clean water
- Measuring cup
- Soft cloth
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Descaling Solution:
- If using Breville descaling tablets, dissolve one tablet in 16 ounces of clean water.
- If using white vinegar, mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
2. Fill the Water Tank:
- Pour the descaling solution into the water tank of your Breville coffee maker.
3. Run the Descaling Cycle:
- Turn on the coffee maker and run a brew cycle.
- Let the machine complete the cycle fully.
4. Rinse the Water Tank:
- Once the descaling cycle is complete, empty the water tank and rinse it thoroughly with clean water.
5. Run a Rinse Cycle:
- Fill the water tank with clean water and run another brew cycle to remove any remaining descaling solution.
6. Repeat if Necessary:
- If your coffee maker is heavily scaled, you may need to repeat the descaling process.
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions for recommended descaling frequency.
7. Clean the Machine Exterior:
- Wipe down the exterior of the coffee maker with a soft cloth to remove any descaling solution residue.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Machine won’t turn on: Ensure the machine is plugged in and the power switch is turned on.
- Water not flowing through: Check if the water tank is empty or if the filter needs to be replaced.
- Scale buildup still visible: Repeat the descaling process or consult Breville customer support.
How Often Should I Decalcify My Breville Coffee Maker?
The frequency of descaling depends on water hardness and usage. Breville recommends descaling every 3-6 months.
Benefits of Decalcifying Your Coffee Maker:
- Improved coffee flavor: Scale buildup can affect the taste of coffee, making it bitter or metallic.
- Extended machine life: Regular descaling prevents scale buildup from damaging the machine’s components.
- Optimal brewing performance: A clean and scale-free coffee maker ensures optimal water flow and brewing temperature.
What You Need to Learn
1. Can I use other descaling solutions?
- Yes, but Breville recommends using their own descaling tablets for optimal results.
2. How do I know if my coffee maker needs descaling?
- Slow water flow, scale buildup on the heating element, and changes in coffee taste are signs of scale buildup.
3. Can I use lemon juice to decalcify my coffee maker?
- While lemon juice can be used as a natural descaling agent, it is not recommended for Breville coffee makers as it can damage the machine’s components.
