How to Descale Your Coffee Machine

The Secret to Better Tasting Coffee

If your morning coffee has started tasting bitter, or if your machine is brewing slower and louder than usual, it's likely suffering from scale buildup. Descaling is the process of removing mineral deposits (limescale) left behind by boiling water.

Natural Descaling with Vinegar

You don't always need to buy expensive descaling solutions. White vinegar is a highly effective, food-safe alternative for most standard drip coffee makers.

1. Mix the Solution: Fill the water reservoir with a mixture of half white vinegar and half fresh water.
2. Start the Brew: Turn the machine on and let it brew halfway. Turn it off and let the hot vinegar solution sit in the internal pipes for 30 minutes to dissolve the scale.
3. Finish and Rinse: Turn the machine back on to finish the cycle. Afterward, run at least two full cycles of fresh, clean water through the machine to remove any lingering vinegar taste.

Caution for Espresso Machines

If you own an espresso machine (like a DeLonghi or Breville), avoid vinegar. The acetic acid can degrade rubber gaskets under high pressure. Always use a commercial citric acid-based descaler formulated specifically for espresso machines.