If your coffee machine is getting slower, the coffee is not as hot as it used to be, or the descale light keeps coming on, limescale is almost certainly the cause. Minerals in tap water settle inside the boiler or thermoblock and pipes every time you brew.
How often should you descale?
- Capsule machines: every 1–3 months, or after about 300 capsules.
- Bean-to-cup machines: when the machine asks, usually every 1–2 months with daily use.
- Manual espresso machines: every 1–3 months depending on water and use.
- Offices: monthly with heavy use.
Using filtered or bottled water slows down scale but does not stop it completely.
How to descale (general steps)
- Empty the drip tray and the capsule or grounds container. Remove any water filter from the tank.
- Mix the descaler with water in the tank as described on the descaler packet or in your manual.
- Start the machine's descaling programme. On capsule machines this usually means holding two buttons together; check your model's manual.
- Let the solution run through the coffee outlet and steam wand into a large container.
- Rinse: fill the tank with clean water and run the rinse cycle at least once or twice.
- Refit the water filter and run a test coffee, which you should throw away.
Do not use vinegar
Vinegar is often suggested online, but it can damage rubber seals and aluminium parts and leave a taste. Use a descaler made for coffee machines.
When descaling does not help
If the machine is still slow, leaking, noisy or not heating after descaling, scale may have already blocked a valve or damaged the pump or heater. Common repairs include:
- Deep descaling with the machine opened up
- Pump or thermoblock replacement
- Brew group cleaning, lubrication or replacement
- New seals and O-rings to stop leaks
We repair and descale espresso, capsule and bean-to-cup coffee machines across the UAE, for homes and offices. See our coffee machine repair service.
Need a technician?
Our coffee machine technicians work across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Al Ain and RAK. Tell us the brand and the problem and we will confirm a visit time.