How to Descale Your Espresso Machine (Complete Guide)
Scale kills espresso machines. Descale every 2-3 months with citric acid or commercial descaler. Full guide for Breville, Gaggia, and other machines.
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How often should I descale my espresso machine?
Every 2-3 months in average water areas. Every 6-8 weeks in hard water areas. Every 3-6 months with filtered water.
Can I use vinegar to descale?
Technically yes, but not recommended. Vinegar leaves persistent smell and taste requiring extensive rinsing. Citric acid works better.
How long does descaling take?
About 30-45 minutes including rinse cycles. The actual descaling takes 15-20 minutes; the rest is thorough rinsing.
What if I've never descaled my machine?
Run a descale cycle and assess. Severely neglected machines may need professional service to manually remove heavy deposits.
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