How to descale a coffee machine

For Philip Sowels, Saga Magazine's Product Tester and in-house coffee guru, prevention is better than cure.

“The secret is to use filtered or bottled water in the first place,” he says. “Scale is the death of most coffee machines.”

Don't worry, though, if you've neglected your coffee machine. Descaling is straightforward, meaning your normal tasty coffee will soon be back on the menu.

The type of coffee machine you own – be it a filter coffee maker or espresso machine – will slightly affect how you descale it, but the same basic principles apply to all machines.

3. Add the descaler to your machine

Following the manufacturer's instructions, prepare your descaling solution. If you're using a powdered solution, mix it in until it dissolves completely. Pour this solution into the machine's water tank and switch the machine on.

4. Run your machine as usual

The next step is to run your machine as you normally would if making a cup of coffee. If your coffee is usually dispensed straight into a cup, remember to place something there to catch the discharged liquid.

It's also best to keep your distance when the descaling solution is running through the machine as it can splash up when it comes out of the machine into the bowl.

Some machines will have a special descaling mode, so double check your manual before you start. For example, for the Nespresso Citiz (pictured above), you'll need to press both the ‘espresso’ and ‘lungo’ buttons at the same time to start the descale mode.

For espresso machines, you'll want to run a cup of water out of your steam wand. Once that's done, close the steam wand and then turn the machine off and let it sit there for around 20 minutes to allow the solution to work.

If your steam wand needs extra descaling, mix up some solution and allow the wand to sit in it for 20 minutes.

5. Run the machine again – and again

Once the descaler has worked its magic, give the water tank a good wash. Then refill it and run your machine through again, making sure you catch any water if needed.

Repeat the process again, replenishing the water each time. This will make sure it removes any traces of the descaling product. Remember to use fresh water when brewing your first cup of coffee post-descaling.

6. Wipe your machine over

Once you've descaled your machine, it's ready to go back into action. While descaling, it's also a great time to give it a general clean. Run a damp microfibre cloth over the outside to remove any dirt or grease.