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Have you ever noticed that your coffee maker or kettle isn’t performing as efficiently as it once did? Maybe it’s taking longer to brew coffee or heat water. If this sounds familiar, you might need a descaling solution.

Descaling is the process of removing mineral deposits, primarily calcium and magnesium, that can accumulate inside appliances like coffee makers, kettles, and even dishwashers. There are two common descaling products on the market: descaling liquid and descaling tablets.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between these two options to help you make an informed decision on which one is right for your needs.

Descaling Liquid

Descaling liquid is a popular choice for those looking to rid their appliances of mineral build-up. It typically comes in a 200ml bottle, providing two descaling cycles. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using descaling liquid:

Advantages:

  1. Versatility: Descaling liquid is versatile and can be used in various appliances, including coffee makers, kettles, dishwashers, and even steam irons. This versatility makes it a go-to solution for many households.
  2. Ease of use: Using descaling liquid is straightforward. You mix the liquid with water in a specific ratio, run the solution through your appliance, and then rinse thoroughly. This process is relatively simple and can be done with minimal effort.
  3. Fast-acting: Descaling liquids are often designed to work quickly, effectively breaking down mineral deposits and limescale in a short amount of time.

Disadvantages:

  1. Storage: Liquid descaling solutions may take up more space.
  2. Spillage: There is a chance that liquid descaler can be spilt, whereas tablets won’t.

Descaling Tablets

Descaling tablets are an alternative to descaling liquid, but also an easy-to-use solution. These tablets are specially designed to remove limescale and mineral build-up efficiently. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of using descaling tablets:

Advantages:

  1. Precise dosing: Tablets are pre-measured, ensuring that you use the correct amount of descaling agent each time. This eliminates the need for measuring and mixing, making the process more straightforward.
  2. Compact and easy to store: Descaling tablets are compact, taking up less space in your storage area, and are less likely to spill or leak.

Disadvantages:

  1. Limited appliance compatibility: Descaling tablets are designed for bigger coffee machines.
  2. Slightly longer process: While descaling tablets are still relatively quick, they may take a bit longer to dissolve and work compared to liquid descaler.
  3. Costly: Descaling tablets tend to cost more than descaling liquid, as they go through a more intricate production.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between descaling liquid and descaling tablets ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Appliance compatibility: If you have multiple appliances that require descaling, descaling liquid may be a more versatile option.
  2. Convenience: If you prefer a quick and straightforward descaling process, descaling tablets, with their pre-measured doses, could be the right choice.

Conclusion

Descaling is an essential maintenance task to keep your coffee machine running efficiently and to extend its lifespan. Whether you choose descaling liquid or descaling tablets, both options are effective at removing mineral deposits and limescale. Your decision should be based on factors like appliance compatibility, cost, and personal preference.

Regular descaling will help ensure your machine continues to perform at its best and provide you with great-tasting coffee, tea, and more.

Valentine’s Day is here, and there’s no doubt you are showering those closest to you with love and appreciation! But what about your coffee machine? If you love your coffee machine, you need to show it. But how can you do that? It’s not like it would enjoy a hug.

The answer is simple: maintenance through regular cleaning & descaling!

Cleaning your coffee machine and equipment is essential for keeping your machine in top performance, as well as the taste of the coffee.

Cleaning your coffee machine with a Caffenu Cleaning Capsule will help with:

Descaling your coffee machine every 3 – 6 months with the Caffenu liquid descaler will help with removing limescale, calcium, and rust build-up from your coffee machine’s heating element & pipes, which will not only improve your coffee’s taste & temperature but will also enhance its performance as well as extend its lifespan!

Check out our reseller page to see where you can find Caffenu products in your area! And remember, love your machine, and it will love you back! ❤

You may have a coffee obsession and want to buy a coffee machine, but you’re not sure where to begin or what to look out for. Because let’s face it, there are hundreds of coffee machine types on the market.

Before you decide to buy a coffee machine, consider a few factors that will determine whether the coffee maker will fulfil your actual needs. Coffee machines are used by certain coffee drinkers to brew coffee at home, at work, at restaurants, and in cafés. Furthermore, whatever you intend to use your coffee machine for, you need to ensure that it meets your expectations.

Here are the Top 4 Things you need to check before buying a coffee machine:

1. Type of Machine

Coffee enthusiasts can choose from a variety of coffee machines, each with its own set of features and functionality:

Capsule Coffee Machine – The ultimate convenience to make professional coffee at home within seconds. Simply insert a coffee pod, enjoy. This is perfect for convenience coffee lovers who want a good cup on the go.

Bean To Cup – A bean to cup machine grinds beans fresh to preserve the flavour of oils in the beans. Perfect for office settings where 5 or more people make coffee at the same time.

Manual Espresso – Looking to get more involved in actual coffee making with a professional taste? Then you should try a manual Espresso machine. Once you’ve mastered the skills, you’ll be able to make coffee exactly to your liking.

Filter Coffee – An affordable and reliable coffee maker that allows you to brew a large pot of coffee at once. All you need are your favourite coffee grounds and some cold water to make a wonderful cup of coffee.

2. Capacity & Speed

You should think about how many individuals the coffee maker will serve as well as how many cups it can brew. You’ll need a machine with a huge capacity if you plan on serving a significant number of individuals, however if you’re buying one for your home, you’ll require something much smaller. Consider a capsule or vending machine if you need a machine that brews quickly.

3. Maintenance

When it comes to determining which machine to buy, maintenance is crucial. You should be aware that you will need to clean your machine on a daily basis in order for it to last. The longevity and functionality of your coffee machine are determined by how well you maintain it. Varied machines have different requirements when it comes to maintenance. You’ll need to commit to daily cleaning and more intensive cleaning on occasion if you want to keep enjoying a superb cup of coffee.

4. Material & Quality

Convenience and user friendliness are usually at the top of the list when looking for a new coffee maker, and understandably so, but it’s also critical that the coffee machine is safe to use. To determine whether a coffee machine is safe to use look for one that has a BPA-Free label on it. Coffee machines with plastic material inside are dangerous, when this plastic comes into contact with hot liquids it releases a chemical known as BPA which is harmful to your health.

When purchasing a coffee machine, make sure it is convenient, safe to use, and easy to operate. A coffee machine that checks all of those criteria is dependable and capable of producing nearly any coffee beverage. How can you know if a coffee maker is worthwhile? Simply said, the finest machine to buy is one that is simple to use, does not endanger your health or safety, and comes with a guarantee, maintenance, and repair in the event it malfunctions.

Cleaning and maintaining your coffee equipment is as important as the coffee you buy when it comes to fresh quality coffee. Some cleaning products are simply a non-negotiable if you want to look after your equipment properly. We had a look at the Top 4 most popular Caffenu coffee machine cleaning products and will tell you below exactly how to use them and on which coffee machine they can and should be used on. Here’s to cleaning your coffee machine and enjoying fresher coffee!

The Top 4 Most Popular Caffenu cleaning products for coffee machines are

1. Eco Descaler:

The Descaler can be used on any coffee machine, kettle, and urn. It is probably the most important first step which any coffee machine requires so that limescale and mineral build-up does not lead to cold coffee, and machine blockage. Descale at least every 2-4 months depending on water hardness in your area.

Always consult your manufacturer’s instructions for descaling and rinsing procedures, first. General instructions below.

For Coffee Machines

  1. Empty 100 ml dose into water tank with 500 ml of water for the descaling solution.
  2. Insert large container under the brew spout and run 200 ml of the solution through the brew cycle.
  3. Run the 200 ml of the solution through the steam wand if applicable.
  4. Repeat step 2 & 3 until the solution is used up, allow the machine to sit for 5 minutes in between each run. When done empty and rinse water tank.
  5. Run one full tank of clean water through the machine to rinse it.
  6. Wipe surrounding surfaces with a damp cloth after descaling.

For Kettle and Urns

  1. Empty 100 ml into appliance with 500 ml of water. Empty 200 ml in 1 litre of water for Urns.
  2. Bring appliance to boil and allow boiled solution to stand for 10 minutes.
  3. Carefully empty appliance into sink and rinse.
  4. Wipe surrounding surfaces with a damp cloth after descaling.

Avoid splashing descaler on acid intolerant surfaces such as marble, silver, and limestone. Check out this cool video below on how to use the Caffenu® Eco Descaler.

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2. Cleaning Capsules:

The Caffenu cleaning capsule cleans the brewing chamber and spout of your machine in just 2 minutes. It removes residue and build-up from inaccessible areas. Here at Caffenu we have a wide range of Cleaning capsules. Take a look at the range of Caffenu cleaning capsules. See below for instructions on how to use most cleaning capsules.

  1. Open lever and insert cleaning capsule, close lever. Press button for 30 ml cup.
  2. Wait 1 minute. Press button for 100 ml cup.
  3. Open lever to eject capsule.
  4. Close lever; press button for 200 ml cup twice to rinse.
  5. Soak drip using the cleaning solution. Empty capsule container and rinse.

Below is a cool video showing you how to use our Nespresso compatible cleaning capsule.

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3. Cleaning Tablets:

The Caffenu cleaning tablets remove dirty coffee oils, odours and bitter tannins found inside brewing units, pots, and filters. They are suitable to be used on Fully Automatic, Espresso, and Filter coffee machines.

For machines with chute/chamber for pre-ground coffee 

  1. Remove brewing unit out of the machine and rinse thoroughly. Re-insert the rinsed brewing unit.
  2. Place large cup underneath the spout.
  3. Insert cleaning tablet into the chute.
  4. Select the coffee pre-grounds and select for one cup of coffee.
  5. Interrupt the programme by turning appliance off using main switch.
  6. Switch appliance on again, conduct step 4 to rinse at least three times.
  7. Remove brewing and rinse thoroughly.
  8. Soak the drip tray in the cleaning solution, allow cleaning how cleaning solution to sit for 5 minutes then rinse drip tray.

For machines with a portafilter/coffee handle with back flushing capability

  1. Turn machine on, place cleaning tablet inside the blind filter.
  2. Clamp the portafilter/coffee handle into the coffee machine.
  3. Start brew cycle for 10 seconds, then stop for 10 seconds. Repeat procedure 5 times.
  4. Remove portafilter and start brew cycle, rinse portafilter with water from group head.
  5. Re-insert portafilter with no tablet, conduct flushing procedure as in step 3 twice.
  6. Make and pour away the first cup of coffee for perfect coffee taste.

Find more information on our cleaning tablets, their usage instructions, and suitability.

4. Cleaning Powder:

The Caffenu cleaning powder removes dirty coffee oils, odours and bitter tannins from your group heads, lines, and valves. Suitable for all Manual and Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines.

Group Head Back Flushing Cleaning:

Place 1 teaspoon (3-5 g) of cleaning powder in the blind filter. Start brew cycle for 10 seconds, then stop for 10 seconds. Repeat the procedure 5 times. Remove portafilter and start brew cycle, rinse portafilter with water from group head. Re-insert portafilter without the powder and conduct flushing procedure. Make and discard the first cup of Espresso.

Weekly cleaning of filters, handles, holders, trays, and cups:

Dissolve 2 teaspoons (8-10 g) of cleaning powder per 1 litre of how water in a suitable container. Place objects to clean in solution for 20 minutes, ensure parts are clean. Rinse with fresh water thoroughly.

Check this short video on How to clean commercial machines with Caffenu Cleaning Powder.

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Coffee machines are essential pieces of equipment in households and the hospitality industry around the world. Coffee machines, both domestic and commercial, are quite durable, offering years of service. However, the durability and lifespan of a coffee machine is dependant on how you maintain it. That’s why it is important to take care of these essential machines.

Remember to clean your coffee machine

It is easy to forget to maintain and take care of a coffee machine, especially in today’s fast-paced life. However, you want to remember to give it a clean at least every now and then! Even if you don’t use your machine often, each time you brew a coffee, residue still builds up in parts of the machine. These build-ups can quickly lead to blockage, and eventually machine malfunction.

Whether you use a capsule coffee machine, or an espresso machine, you need to give it a good clean to ensure the machine not only lasts, but also brews quality coffee. If you have a specific machine, but don’t know what you need to clean it, then read this blog to find out what cleaning products your coffee machine needs.

When you should clean your machine

When you should clean your coffee machine is often dependant on the machine you have, and how often you use it. If you are unsure of how or when to clean your coffee machine, then here is a guide on the most popular coffee machines and how to clean them.

When it comes to capsule coffee machines, it is important to frequently give your machine a clean if you are a fan of brewing hot chocolate, or flavoured coffee, and tea capsules. These capsules tend to leave stubborn residues behind, and also the flavour. What’s great, though, is that many capsule coffee machines, have a cleaning capsule to easily remove the stubborn residues and build-up!

Moreover, another thing to consider with capsule machines, and other coffee machines alike, is the need to clean them when left unused for a while. This is because any coffee residue and oil that was left behind after the last use has had time to settle and likely become a breeding ground for bacteria. Any water left behind in the tank or pipes will also likely be old.

So, no matter what coffee machine you have, or how often you use it; you should always remember to clean your coffee machine!

Cleaning your coffee machine is vital for its lifespan, and the quality of coffee you drink. Here are the mistakes to avoid when cleaning these specific types of coffee machines.

Cleaning Coffee Capsule Machines

Avoid using vinegar when descaling a coffee capsule/pod machine, such as a Nespresso® coffee machine. Vinegar leaves a smell behind, and it doesn’t effectively remove limescale build-up. Learn about proper descaling, and how you can achieve it.

Additionally, you need to flush out your machine to clean the parts where the coffee pours out. However, a common mistake made when doing this, is only running hot water through the machine.

Flushing the machine with water doesn’t effectively remove old coffee oils and residue build-up, not to mention the bacteria. See how a Caffenu® cleaning capsule thoroughly cleans a coffee capsule machine.

Don’t forget about cleaning your machine’s capsule basket and drip tray, which also requires frequent soaking. Simply use the solution after using a cleaning capsule to soak your drip tray and capsule basket, scrub gently and rinse.

Cleaning Espresso Machines

A common mistake with cleaning espresso machines is not cleaning their parts often enough. You should flush the group head each time you brew an espresso shot, and wipe the portafilter down as soon as you can.

Avoid using steel wool or a metal sponge on steel surfaces like the steam wand and group heads. Doing this will make scratches without actually cleaning the parts. Use a gentle wipe such as microfiber.

Use a fast-acting cleaning powder to remove old coffee oils & build-up from your espresso machine’s group heads & valves, great for backflush routine. Soak removable parts: portafilters, filter baskets & shower screens.

Clean your espresso machine’s steam wand, or any steam wand for that matter, with a milk system cleaner. The milk system cleaner removes all milk solid build-up, and clears blockages.

Lastly, you also need to descale your espresso machine, to remove limescale from the machines heating source. Espresso machines which have a removable watertank can use a simple liquid descaling solution.

Cleaning Filter Coffee Machines

One mistake made here is only cleaning the coffee pot/carafe. All removable parts of a filter coffee machine need to be cleaned. Clean the pot and funnel using a Caffenu® cleaning tablet.

A filter coffee machine can also be descaled, as it builds up limescale. You can use a simple liquid descaling solution that you run through your filter coffee machine every 3 months for best results.

Overall

Use the right tools to clean your coffee machine. And ensure to clean all parts of it, not just the ones you can physically see. Send us a question if we can help in any way on what the best way is to clean your coffee machine!

Proper descaling and maintenance of your coffee machine is vital for its lifespan and the quality of coffee it brews. All coffee machines with water reservoirs build up limescale and calcium deposits in their heating components, like the element, thermoblock and piping. The question that remains is: What should I use for proper descaling? And can I use Vinegar to descale my Coffee Machine?

To answer this question, it is important to understand what descaling means and which build-ups you are trying to remove from your coffee machine when descaling. One such build-up is limescale.

Limescale in your coffee machine

Limescale comes from calcium and mineral deposits present in water, especially municipal water. This build-up forms on your coffee machine’s internal parts, causing weak machine performance. Colder, poorer-tasting coffee comes with that poor performance.

There is ways to minimize the amount of limescale that builds up inside your coffee machine. For example, you can consider using fresh filtered water in your machine, as it keeps the build-up to a minimum, learn more here. However, the best and only solution to preventing and especially for removing limescale, is through proper and also regular descaling.

What is descaling?

Descaling is the act of removing the above-mentioned deposits from your coffee machine, to remove limescale and rust from the internal elements and heating elements. But what you use to descale can make a big difference. We have all heard of a few ways to “descale” a coffee machine, and vinegar seems to come up a lot as a recommendation.

Can I use vinegar to descale my coffee machine?

Some articles likely mention using common household vinegar to descale, which unfortunately does not turn out to be very effective. Vinegar is very weak and mild acid which is not effective to remove limescale or rust. Plus, you run the risk of leaving a vinegar taste in your machine. Vinegar has a potent smell which can take ages to get out of the pipes of your machine. And coffee and vinegar taste is not a good combination for your next cup.

Proper descaling with lactic acid

A premium and food safe way to ensure the proper descaling of your coffee machine is using a lactic acid based descaling solution. Lactic acid is used in many detergents and soaps due to its natural antibacterial properties. Lactic acid effectively removes limescale build-up from a coffee machine’s internals, while leaving little to no residue behind. It is also very effective in the removal of rust.

Our recommendation: An eco-friendly yet effective Descaler

We recommend looking for a lactic acid based solution (not to be confused with citric acid, as it is less effective) that is good to the environment as well. Our Caffenu® Eco Liquid Descaler is an eco-friendly, phosphate-free solution that uses a food safe, high-grade lactic acid from Europe which effectively removes any build-up that may hinder the performance of your coffee machine, be it a household or commercial machine. Additional additives have been added to assist in the breakdown of the deposits. It has naturally antibacterial properties for a hygienic rinse and provides a sanitising action for all your machine’s internal components. Most importantly it has no smell and leaves zero taint or stains ensuring you get the best coffee out of your coffee machine.

Coffee is an integral part of life! To enjoy coffee, we also need the essential coffee machine. In order to keep your coffee fresh, it is important to keep your coffee maker clean. Whether you have a semi-automatic commercial espresso machine in your coffee shop, or a capsule coffee machine at home. Here is how you can tell exactly what cleaning your coffee machine needs.

All coffee machines, household and commercial, need maintenance to ensure optimal performance, and the perfect cup of coffee. It can, however, be tiresome figuring out how to best maintain and clean your machine, especially with there being so many different machines on the market.

Let us cover some of the coffee machines, their components, and how you can clean them. The easiest is to look at the individual components that your coffee machine has, and clean those accordingly.

If your machine uses coffee capsules/pods:

Let’s start off with the capsule coffee machine. If your machine uses coffee capsules/pods, you will need to clean the brewing chamber, spout, and washer plate of the machine. This can be done by using a cleaning capsule. Using the cleaning capsule is simple yet effective.

If your machine has a water tank:

You will require a descaler to remove lime scale and calcium deposits from the internal heating components, such as the thermo block and element. The build-up of deposits occurs over time and due to the water used and can hinder the performance of your machine.

If your machine has a steam wand, milk circuit, or any additional dairy equipment:

Dairy equipment and components on coffee machines require a milk system cleaner to prevent and remove milk build-up and blockages. These blockages can eventually lead to machine failure if not attended to. Read more on why you need a milk system cleaner, and how it works.

If your coffee machine has a pre-ground filter chute (General espresso or bean to cup machines):

You will require a cleaning tablet to remove the dirty coffee oils, residues, odours, and bitter tannins that build up in brewing units, pots, and filters. Through the tablets’ cleaning and degreasing capabilities, you can effectively clean your machine, and prolong its life span.

If your machine has a group head/s (Manual and Semi-Automatic commercial espresso machines):

Espresso machines and their group heads need a concentrated cleaning powder to effectively remove old, unwanted coffee oils, odours and tannins from the group heads, lines, and valves. The powder can be used for a routine group head backflush cleaning, and to clean filters, trays, and other additional equipment.

Read ‘A guide on the most popular coffee machines and how to clean them correctly’ for a more extensive guide on how and when to clean your coffee machine. It all leads to the perfect coffee (because it’s only ever made in a clean machine).

Nespresso® machines can cost a small fortune and with that comes the expectation that the machine will provide several years of great coffee. While the machine can give you a long run, how you maintain your coffee machine will determine its lifespan.

Through poor care and maintenance, a Nespresso® machine could see a lifespan of approximately only two years. By “poor care” we mean that the machine receives no cleaning and descaling at all.

Brewing a cup of coffee builds up oils and dirty residue every single time. Especially in the Nespresso® coffee machine’s brewing chamber, washer plate and spout. It therefore requires the occasional cleaning to remove hardened oils, bacteria, residue, odours and tannins.

Additionally, the heating element and thermoblock also builds up calcium and limescale deposits through regular use of your machine. Learn how the build-up of these deposits prevents the heating element from boiling your water, in turn, giving you colder coffee.

The great news is that, through proper care and maintenance, your Nespresso® machine could see a lifespan of 5-10 years. Does that not sound incredible? A prolonged lifespan of your coffee machine should be an incentive to keep it cleaned and maintained. Also, the cost of maintaining your machine costs less than replacing it.

Thankfully, taking good care of your coffee machine is not the colossal task you think it is. By running a cleaning capsule through your machine at least once a month, you can give your brewing chamber and nozzle a thorough cleaning.

Furthermore, descaling your coffee machine every 3-6 months will effectively remove the build-up of limescale and calcium, ensuring your element and thermoblock heats up as it should. By just cleaning and descaling your machine, you can ensure that it lasts.

Take good care of your machine, and it will give you many years of great coffee!

There is nothing more tantalizing to the senses than inhaling that decadent, deep-roasted scent of espresso coffee. With highly pressured bursts of water melting away finely ground coffee beans, it’s no wonder that an espresso offers you one of the most authentic coffee experiences up to date.

After basking in the espresso experience for a while you might start to notice that the flavour of your coffee morphs into an unappealing aroma that only faintly reminds you of the magnificent brew it used to be. You might find yourself pondering how exactly you can prevent this from happening or where you went wrong.

If you have a capsule coffee machine, there is an easy way to remove unwanted flavours that might taint your next espresso. Our Caffenu cleaning capsules are specifically designed to get rid of bacteria, oils and other build-up in the brewing chamber. Just one cleaning capsules ensures that you get the same arresting aroma for up to 30 cups of espresso coffee time after time. Regular cleaning with Caffenu cleaning capsules also helps to expand the overall lifespan of your coffee machine.

If you use a bean to cup machine or any other coffee machine, don’t worry. Here is a guide on how to keep your coffee fresh no matter which coffee machine you have, read it here,

Be the coffee sommelier of your household and contact Caffenu today, we are always happy to assist.

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