A coffee machine left uncleaned develops limescale and old coffee oils that gradually affect both taste and performance. Regular descaling and cleaning keeps your coffee tasting as it should and extends the machine’s working life.
How Do You Clean a Coffee Machine?
To clean a coffee machine, run a descaling solution of water and citric acid or a dedicated descaler through a full brew cycle, followed by two to three cycles of plain water to rinse, then wash removable parts separately in warm soapy water. Limescale buildup inside the machine is the main cause of reduced performance and off-tasting coffee over time.
What You Will Need
- Citric acid or a dedicated descaling solution for your machine type
- Warm water and washing-up liquid
- A soft brush, for tight spaces
- A microfibre cloth
- A jug, for measuring descaling solution
How to Descale a Coffee Machine: Step by Step
1. Check Your Machine’s Guidance
Many machines have a built-in descaling programme, so check your specific manual first, since the exact process varies between drip filter, pod, and bean-to-cup machines.
2. Prepare the Descaling Solution
Mix citric acid with water according to the guidance for your machine, or use a dedicated descaling product designed for coffee machines, following its specific dilution instructions.
3. Run It Through the Machine
Pour the solution into the water reservoir and run it through a full brew cycle, without a coffee pod or grounds, allowing it to circulate through the internal pipework where limescale collects.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
Run two to three full cycles of plain water through the machine to clear any remaining descaling solution before making coffee again.
5. Clean Removable Parts
Wash the drip tray, water reservoir, and any removable filter baskets in warm soapy water, drying fully before reassembling.
6. Wipe the Exterior
Clean the outside of the machine, including the group head or pod area, with a damp cloth, removing any dried coffee residue that has built up around the brewing mechanism.
Cleaning a Milk Frother
For machines with a milk frother, run hot water or a dedicated milk system cleaner through it immediately after each use, since dried milk residue is one of the more stubborn and unhygienic things to clean if left to sit. Most modern frother wands can also be wiped externally with a damp cloth after each use to prevent buildup.
If you are maintaining several kitchen appliances, our guide to descaling a kettle covers a similar limescale problem in another commonly used appliance.
How Often Should You Descale?
In hard water areas, descaling every one to two months keeps most coffee machines performing well. In softer water areas, every two to three months is generally sufficient, though many machines will indicate when descaling is needed through a warning light.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I descale my coffee machine?
Every one to two months in hard water areas, and every two to three months in softer water areas, though your specific machine may have an indicator light that signals when descaling is due.
Can I use vinegar instead of citric acid to descale a coffee machine?
Vinegar can work, but it often leaves a stronger residual taste that takes more rinse cycles to fully clear, so citric acid or a dedicated descaler is generally the preferred option for coffee machines.
Why does my coffee taste different after not cleaning the machine?
Limescale buildup and old coffee oils inside the machine can affect both temperature consistency and flavour, which is why regular descaling and cleaning noticeably improves taste.
Do pod coffee machines need descaling too?
Yes. Pod machines still have internal pipework that limescale can build up in, so regular descaling is just as important as for drip filter or bean-to-cup machines.
How do I clean a milk frother properly?
Running hot water or a dedicated milk system cleaner through the frother immediately after each use prevents dried milk residue building up, which is far harder to remove once it has fully dried.
Always check your specific coffee machine manufacturer’s guidance for the correct descaling solution and cycle before cleaning.
About the Author
Spire Homes Editorial Team researches and writes practical, UK focused home improvement guides covering renovation planning, financing, interior design, and home appliances. Our content is reviewed for accuracy and updated as guidance changes.
