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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 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:
Disadvantages:
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:
Disadvantages:
The choice between descaling liquid and descaling tablets ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
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.
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 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
For Kettle and Urns
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.
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.
Below is a cool video showing you how to use our Nespresso compatible cleaning capsule.
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
For machines with a portafilter/coffee handle with back flushing capability
Find more information on our cleaning tablets, their usage instructions, and suitability.
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.
The 22nd of April marks International Mother Earth Day. We celebrate this day to remind us that the Earth and its ecosystems provide us with life and sustenance. It should remind us that we should do more to protect the planet. In an effort to do so, many companies, including Caffenu, try to provide consumers with eco-friendly products. However, it is sometimes unclear what eco-friendly cleaning products are and how they work.
Eco-friendly products are products that cause minimal impact on the environment. Additionally, these products go through a production process that considers the impact that the products will have on the environment throughout its lifecycle. We naturally want to produce products that have the least possible impact on the environment.
Eco-friendly products can range from reusable bags and straws, to the chemical composition and raw materials of a cleaning product you use. Because Caffenu is a leader in the coffee machine cleaning industry, we pay close attention to the eco-friendliness of the raw materials of cleaning products we produce.
Over the years, many cleaning products used to contain chemicals such as phosphates and sodium hydroxide, and many products still do contain these chemicals today which can be harmful to the environment. Phosphates are found in certain foods such as deli meats, and frozen food, because phosphates enhance the flavour of some foods. While phosphates are not dangerous in small amounts and traces, too much of them can lead to problems such as kidney and liver damage.
Moreover, phosphates have also been used in cleaning detergents, which end up in the drainage systems, and eventually the ocean. This is not good for aquatic life and living organisms. That is why many companies, including Caffenu, have opted to avoid the use of phosphates in production of cleaning materials.
Caffenu strives to avoid the use of any harmful raw materials in the production of our cleaning products. We do our utmost to keep the environment a priority during production, down to our end product.
The Caffenu Eco Descaler is one example of our objective to provide eco-friendly cleaning. This product is entirely phosphate free, and uses zero chemicals that are harmful to the environment. While this product is eco-friendly, it is still powerful. A misconception many consumers have is that eco-friendly means “ineffective”. That is simply untrue.
Another such Caffenu product is the Caffenu cleaning capsule. The cleaning agent used in this capsule is made with organic and biodegradable materials. We even offer the Nespresso® compatible capsule itself in a compostable form. Although we always encourage good recycling practices.
You as the consumer have the power to decide which products will be successful on the market. So why not choose eco-friendly but highly effective products to clean your coffee machine. The environment will thank you for it!
If you would like to know more about Caffenu cleaning products, feel free to get in touch with [email protected].
Descaling & Cleaning your Nescafé® Dolce Gusto® Capsule Coffee Machine doesn’t need to be a big task. In fact it can be a rewarding experience. After you give your machine that spring clean, you will be rewarded with a hot, fresh cup of coffee. That is ultimately what you really want to get out of your coffee machine, right?
So, let’s discuss why and how you should be cleaning your Nescafé® Dolce Gusto® Capsule Machine.
Whether you use your machine daily or only every now and then, here is a fact for you: Every time you brew a coffee, the water that is running through your machine leaves mineral and limescale residue on the heating element and piping of your coffee machine. This limescale build-up also leads to weak machine performance, and it can result in cold, bad-tasting coffee or lead to leaks and blockage which might cause damage to your machine. It can also clog the water/brewing needle which can affect the flow of your coffee and make it slow. A tip to slow down the build-up of limescale is to use filtered water in your machine’s reservoir. However even with using filtered water, there will be a time where limescale needs to be attended to.
Apart from the limescale on the inside of your Capsule Coffee machine, there is also other areas that can get dirty. Don’t forget to clean the capsule holder and your drip tray. These can all build up coffee residue that needs to be cleaned. The residue can cause bacteria and foul smells that are definitely not wanted inside your next cup of coffee.
Thankfully there is fairly easy ways to clean your machine without the need for elbow grease and industrial-grade detergents.
There is two steps to keeping your machine maintained well so it can give you the best coffee and last a long time.
The first step is descaling. A descaler is key to remove limescale and mineral build-up from a coffee machine’s heating element and piping. Plus descaling also removes the residue build-up from your coffee machine’s brewing needle. Below is a quick breakdown on how to descale.
First check your machine manufacturer’s instruction manual for descaling and rinsing procedures.
The second step is cleaning. Usually it is recommended to use a Cleaning Capsule for this step, but in the case of the Dolce Gusto®, the actual capsule you use serves as the brew chamber. So you only need to clean the rest of your machine which is the capsule holder and drip tray. Remove the capsule holder and drip tray and soak it in hot water with dish soap. Then give it a clean with a toothbrush and/or cloth, and rinse. Lastly, use a brush with medium-hard bristles to gently clean where the capsule holder fits in to remove the residue.
It is safe to say that you have just spring cleaned your Dolce Gusto® coffee machine. Here’s to great coffee!
Learn how to clean your Keurig® K-Cup® coffee maker. As a proud owner of a K-Cup® brewer, you want to ensure that you always get the best cup of coffee from your machine. After all, there is nothing like that first cup of your favorite coffee, at the press of a button.
Maintaining the best cup of coffee requires just a bit of care and cleaning of your brewer, though. Continue reading to learn how to best clean your Keurig® K-Cup® coffee maker.
Each coffee pod you brew causes coffee oil and residue to build up in the brewing chamber and nozzle of your brewer. This build-up leads to poor flow when you brew a pod, and poor coffee taste. What’s worse is that bacteria can also develop in and around your brewer.
Additionally, the heating system inside the machine also builds up limescale due to calcium and mineral deposits present in the water that is brewed. This limescale build-up causes poor machine performance, which leads to brewing cold coffee.
It should now be clear that your coffee maker does require care from time to time.
Cleaning your K-Cup® brewer doesn’t take much time or work, and can be done with one complete Caffenu® K-Cup® Maintenance Kit. The kit consists of cleaning pods and a liquid descaler.
To effectively rid your machine’s brewing chamber and nozzle of old coffee oils and bitter tannins, you must use the Caffenu® K-Cup® compatible cleaning pods.
To rid your heating element of limescale build-up, you will need the Caffenu® Eco liquid descaler. Find out how using the Caffenu® liquid descaler beats using the common household vinegar to descale.
RECOMMENDED USAGE: Use one cleaning pod after every 30 cups, or after making flavored beverages/tea. Use at least once a month.
Fill water reservoir, place large mug under brew spout.
TIP: From time to time, it is recommended to clean the water entry and exit needles using straightened paperclip or similar object. Most effective after use of cleaning pod and before rinsing.
Power on brewer; place large mug under brew spout.
*Some Mini Coffee Makers may require you to lift and lower handle first to fill water compartment.
Important: Descale at least every 3-6 months. Do not wait for descaler light to come on.
Before descaling: • Ensure brewers are empty (no pods/cups/carafe to be inserted during procedure) • Ensure water reservoirs are empty • Remove filters (if fitted) and set aside • Disable auto off (if available).
After descaling: Clean the appliance. Wipe surrounding surfaces with a damp cloth.
Important: Descale at least every 3-6 months.
Before descaling: Ensure brewers are empty (no pods/cups/carafe to be inserted during procedure.
*For B/K130 brewers: Do steps 2 and 3 in reverse order, to be able to open water reservoir lid.
After descaling: Clean the appliance. Wipe surrounding surfaces with a damp cloth.
Nespresso® machines are nifty appliances, always there to provide a quick and easy coffee. It is a give and take relationship, though. It provides the quality coffee we require, but we also need to take care of it to retain that quality. This is where descaling your machine comes in.
Care comes in the form of descaling and cleaning. Descaling is crucial in removing the build-up of calcium and magnesium deposits that form limescale on the heating element and thermoblock in your machine.
Calcium and magnesium deposits come from the minerals in your tap water. The “harder” the water, the more minerals present. Each brew with your Nespresso® machine causes the deposits to accumulate and develop limescale.
Accumulation of limescale on your machine’s heating components prevents them from heating the water to its optimal temperature, resulting in cold, poor-tasting coffee.
Certain machines such as the Nespresso® Lattissima, and VertuoPlus inform you when to descale. On the Lattissima an orange light on the button will alert you, and the VertuoPlus will shine half green, half orange.
It’s okay If your machine does not alert you. Most manufacturers recommend that you descale your machine every 3-6 months to keep the heating components in tip-top condition. The recommended usage also depends on the water hardness in your area.
You can find out if your water is hard with a simple and easy DIY test. You will need a clean and clear empty bottle with a cap, and some pure liquid soap.
Fill the bottle one-third full of tap water, add a few drops of liquid soap and shake well for a few seconds. If there is a lack of foamy bubbles and the water appears cloudy and/or milky, your water is likely hard.
First check your machine manufacturer’s instruction manual for descaling and rinsing procedures.
The recent global developments and the ongoing pandemic we find ourselves in have made one thing clear: Daily cleaning routines are now more important than ever. This applies to many areas of your life, and your kitchen and household appliances like your coffee machine should be included. After all, you use it on a daily basis and want to ensure you drink germ-free fresh coffee.
If you want to enjoy your next cup of coffee, you need daily cleaning routines to keep your equipment clean. Unfortunately, very often the wrong cleaners are used. Incorrect detergents and soaps leave residues, odours and deposits that should have no place in your next coffee or tea.
Should you have been made to believe that hot water and a bit of vinegar will do the trick, you are unfortunately on the wrong track. There is a reason we use soap to wash our hands. And a detergent when washing dishes. The detergent part is needed to break down oils and remove bacteria and germs from your hands, dishes, and your coffee machine needs this too.
The same applies for removing mineral and calcium deposits (the white stuff you see in your kettle). You need an acidic solution to break down the residue. Decalcifying your espresso machine just with vinegar isn’t effective enough and can leave a bad vinegar smell. Vinegar and coffee? Not recommended!
To make it easy for you, we wrote a guide on the best way to clean your coffee equipment, simply find your coffee machine type below. “I regret cleaning my coffee machine”, said no one ever, we promise! And protecting yourself and your favourite beverage has never been more important.
Here is your guide on the most popular coffee machines and how to clean them correctly…
Don’t think that your coffee machine will clean itself when you flush it out with water. Hot water alone does not break down coffee oils. Machines such as Nespresso®, Lavazza A Modo Mio®, Caffitaly® require two food safe cleaning processes:
Firstly, run a Caffenu® cleaning capsule at least once a month through your machine to properly clean the machine’s coffee brewing chamber and rest of the front end. Tip: Use the cleaning solution afterwards to soak your drip tray and capsule basket, works like a charm!
Secondly, descaling. The Caffenu® Eco Descaler cleans the back end of the coffee machine’s internals, removing harmful calcium, lime scale and mineral build up. The Eco descaler also has a natural antibacterial action to give a hygienic clean. Your machine will thank you with hotter coffee, too! Descale every 3 months or when descaling light comes on. For generic usage instructions on how to descale, see here.
Bean to cup machines require two cleaning processes, cleaning with tablets and descaling.
Step 1: The Caffenu® cleaning tablets, specifically the retail blister pack is perfect for home use to remove dirty old oils and odours and should be used at least once a month.
For detailed instructions on how to use the cleaning tablets in your machine, see here.
Step 2: The Caffenu® Eco Descaler removes lime scale and should be used according to the user manual instructions supplied by your machine’s manufacturer.
Descale every 3 months or when descaling light comes on. For generic usage instructions on how to descale, see here.
Optional Step 3: If your coffee machine also has a steam wand, clean it with a milk system cleaner.
The milk system cleaner removes sour milk residues and also sanitizes your equipment. Find more info on how to clean here.
Step 1 & Step 2: To clean bigger machines, you should use the appropriate size Caffenu® cleaning tablets in a jar, along with the Caffenu milk system cleaner to thoroughly clean the machine, and remove bitter tannins, coffee residues and oils. The tablets should be used once a week if you use your machine a lot or at least once a month. This will keep your machine clean and prevent misfunction but more importantly provide great coffee.
For detailed instructions on how to use the cleaning tablets in your machine, see here. The milk system cleaner should be used regularly (at least weekly) to prevent milk blockages and ensure hygienic milk circuits. General instructions on how to clean your automatic one touch milk circuit can be found here.
Step 3: Any coffee machine/hot water appliance needs descaling so be sure to familiarise yourself with the Caffenu® Eco Descaler.
Don’t worry though, descaling is only required every 3 months or so. However, please be aware that not every machine have a descaling light to alert you, so be sure to descale anyway!
Cleaning your commercial coffee machine requires the Caffenu® Cleaning Powder. The fast-acting, concentrated formula ensures removal of old coffee oils, build up and bitter tannins from your machine’s group heads, lines and valves. It is also ideal for soaking removable parts like portafilters, filter baskets and shower screens. The powder is great to use in your daily backflush cleaning routine.
The Caffenu Group Head Cleaning Brush is a multi-functional tool designed with an ergonomic handle and unique water deflector fins which keep your hand safe from hot water while cleaning your group head, shower screen and group seal. It also has an integrated measuring spoon for easy and convenient dosing of cleaning powder.
Take your milk jug/pitcher, and mix milk system cleaner at a 1 to 10 ratio with water in jug. Eg. if jug can hold 500 ml, pour 50 ml of milk cleaner into jug and fill the rest of the jug with warm water. Operate steam wand several times in jug filled with solution, then let steam wand and any other milk accessories you’d like to clean sit inside jug with solution for about 20min. Take steam wand out of jug and wipe down with a damp cloth. Then thoroughly rinse jug and other accessories and fill with clean water. To rinse, operate steam wand in clean water several times. This will ensure your one-way valve stays clean, protecting your boiler and getting rid of milk deposits inside steam wands which can cause blockages. The milk system cleaner also contains a sanitizer for a hygienic clean.
Caffenu will be presented at the Host Milano 2017 show from the 20th to the 24th of October this year. Here, you can learn everything about all our amazing products, including our new Multipod cleaning capsule. The show will take place at the Fiera Milano Centre, and you can find us in Hall 18, Stand L85. We look forward to meeting all of our satisfied customers, and potential new ones!
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