Archive for November 2nd, 2009
Although we’ve discussed ways to reduce the buildup of calcium and other minerals in the integral parts of an espresso machine, it’s time to revisit those cleaning techniques. Bear in mind that even if it were possible to prevent mineral deposits from forming inside the machine, you wouldn’t want to. That’s because the same water conditions that promote buildup also make coffee more flavorful. For this reason, all coffee lovers are stuck with the task of periodically descaling their machine’s boiler.
Before you begin, make sure you have all the tools required for the task: a large plastic container and a high-quality decalcifier such as Durgol. Take the water reservoir out of the machine, drain it of any liquid and fill it with warm water. Add the decalcifying agent to the reservoir and stir until it dissolves. Replace the reservoir and turn the machine on. Place the plastic container below the steam wand in order to catch any drippings.
Open the steam valve to allow all of the Durgol to drain into the container. This process should take a few minutes at the most. The liquid that has collected in the container should be thrown out. Rinse the water reservoir and fill it with regular water for brewing. Now run the machine through a “rinse cycle” without any decalcifier or coffee. By the time you’ve collected all the water in the plastic container, your machine is clean and clear.