5 Easy Steps to Descale Your Breville Coffee Machine

Descaling your Breville coffee machine is an essential part of maintenance to keep it functioning optimally and producing delicious coffee. Over time, mineral deposits can build up inside the machine, which can affect its performance and taste of your coffee. Descaling removes these deposits and helps to extend the life of your machine. In this guide, you will learn the step-by-step process of descaling your Breville coffee machine effectively and safely, ensuring that you can continue to enjoy great-tasting coffee for years to come.

Before you begin the descaling process, it’s important to gather the necessary materials. You will need a descaling solution, which can be purchased at most hardware or grocery stores. You will also need a clean microfiber cloth and a bowl or container to collect the descaling solution as it flows through the machine. Additionally, make sure you have access to a sink or drain to dispose of the descaling solution and rinse the machine thoroughly.

Once you have gathered your materials, you can begin the descaling process. Start by filling the water tank with a mixture of half descaling solution and half water. Turn on the machine and allow it to brew a full pot of coffee. As the coffee brews, the descaling solution will circulate through the machine, breaking down the mineral deposits. Once the pot is finished brewing, discard the coffee and rinse the carafe thoroughly. Repeat this process two or three times, or until the descaling solution runs clear through the machine.

Understanding the Importance of Descaling

Regularly descaling your Breville coffee machine is crucial for maintaining its optimal performance and extending its lifespan. Mineral deposits, primarily composed of calcium and magnesium, accumulate inside the machine over time due to the presence of these minerals in water. These deposits can lead to a decline in water flow, reduced heating efficiency, and an unpleasant taste in your brewed coffee.

Benefits of Descaling

Descaling your Breville coffee machine offers numerous benefits, including:

Improved Water Flow: Mineral buildup can obstruct water passages, resulting in reduced flow and longer brewing times. Descaling removes these deposits, ensuring smooth and efficient water flow.
Enhanced Heating Performance: Scale deposits can form on the heating element, affecting its ability to heat water effectively. Descaling eliminates these deposits, allowing the heating element to function optimally and provide consistent brewing temperatures.
Better Coffee Flavor: Scaling can impart an unpleasant taste to your brewed coffee. By removing mineral deposits, descaling enhances the flavor and aroma of your coffee, allowing you to savor its full potential.
Prolonged Machine Life: Descaling helps prevent premature wear and tear on your Breville coffee machine. Mineral deposits can damage internal components, reducing their lifespan. Regular descaling extends the longevity of your machine.

Choosing the Right Descaling Solution

The choice of descaling solution you select depends on the type of Breville coffee machine you own and the severity of the scale buildup. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right solution:

Pre-packaged solutions: These solutions are specifically formulated for Breville coffee machines and are available in liquid or powder form. They are the most convenient option as they require minimal effort and provide precise dosage. However, they can be more expensive than DIY solutions.
Vinegar and water: A solution of equal parts white vinegar and water is a common and inexpensive descaling agent. Vinegar is a natural acid that helps dissolve mineral deposits. However, vinegar can have a strong odor and taste, so it’s important to rinse the machine thoroughly after descaling.
Citric acid powder: Citric acid powder is another effective descaling agent. It’s available in grocery stores and can be dissolved in water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Citric acid provides a stronger acidity than vinegar, making it more suitable for heavy scale buildup. However, it can also leave a slight residue, so again, rinsing the machine thoroughly is necessary.

Descaling Solution Comparison
Solution	Advantages	Disadvantages
Pre-packaged solutions	Convenient, precise dosage	Expensive
Vinegar and water	Inexpensive, natural	Strong odor, taste
Citric acid powder	Stronger acidity, effective	Can leave residue

Preparing Your Breville Coffee Machine

Before tackling the descaling process, it’s crucial to prepare your Breville coffee machine to ensure optimal results. Here’s a detailed guide to help you do it right:

1. Empty and Clean the Machine

Begin by emptying the water tank and removing the coffee grounds container. Rinse the water tank thoroughly with clean water and wipe it down with a clean cloth. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the machine, including the group head, portafilter, and drip tray. This will remove any loose debris or coffee residue.

2. Gather the Necessary Materials

You’ll need a few items for descaling: a descaling solution specifically designed for Breville coffee machines, a clean measuring cup, and a clean sponge or cloth. The descaling solution should be mixed with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically a 1:1 ratio.

3. Descaling Instructions for Breville Duo-Temp Pro and Bambino Models

Preparing the Descaling Solution: Mix the descaling solution with water in a 1:1 ratio according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pour the solution into the water tank.

Descaling Process:

Steps	Time
1. Turn on the machine and let it heat up.	2 minutes
2. Press and hold the “Brew” and “Steam” buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds until the lights flash.	–
3. The machine will begin the descaling process. It will pump hot water through the system and dispense it into the drip tray.	30 minutes
4. When the machine stops, empty the drip tray and refill the water tank with clean water.	–
5. Repeat steps 3-4 until the water runs clear.	–
6. Turn off the machine and let it cool down.	–

Starting the Descaling Process

Before you begin descaling your Breville coffee machine, gather the following materials:

Descaling solution (available from Breville or other retailers)
Clean water
Container for collecting the descaling solution
Soft cloth

Step 1: Prepare the Descaling Solution

Mix the descaling solution with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, the ratio is 1 part solution to 10 parts water.

Step 2: Fill the Water Tank

Pour the descaling solution mixture into the coffee machine’s water tank. Ensure that you don’t overfill the tank.

Step 3: Turn On the Coffee Machine

Press the power button to turn on the coffee machine. The machine will begin heating up the descaling solution.

Step 4: Start the Descaling Cycle

Locate the “Descaling” button or function on your Breville coffee machine. Press and hold the button for a few seconds until the descaling cycle begins.

Descaling Cycle Details:

Phase	Description
Heating	The machine heats the descaling solution to dissolve the scale.
Flushing	The heated solution is flushed through the coffee maker’s internal components to remove scale.
Rinsing	The machine rinses the system thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining descaling solution or scale particles.

Note: The descaling cycle may take approximately 30-60 minutes to complete, depending on the model of your Breville coffee machine.

Completing the Descaling Cycle

Once you’ve initiated the descaling cycle, here’s how to complete it:

1. Wait for the Machine to Heat Up and Run the Cycle

The machine will take several minutes to heat up and start running the descaling solution through its system.

2. Hold the Mug in Place

As the descaling solution runs through, hold a large mug or heat-resistant container under the group head to collect it.

3. Repeat the Cycle

After the machine runs out of descaling solution, it will beep. Repeat the descaling cycle with a fresh batch of solution until the machine runs clear water.

4. Rinse the Water Tank and Group Head

Once the machine has finished descaling, rinse the water tank thoroughly with plain water. Remove the group head and rinse it with running water.

5. Run a Flushing Cycle with Clean Water

Fill the water tank with clean water. Place a large mug or heat-resistant container under the group head and initiate a brewing cycle without using coffee grounds. This will flush out any remaining descaling solution and clean the machine.

Flushing Cycle Details:

Steps	Action
1	Fill the water tank with clean water.
2	Initiate a brewing cycle without using coffee grounds.
3	Let the clean water run through the machine until the mug or container is full.
4	Repeat steps 1-3 until the water runs clear.

Cleaning and Resetting Your Machine

1. Gather Your Materials

You’ll need a descaling solution, distilled white vinegar, or citric acid; a measuring cup; a large bowl; a soft cloth; and a screwdriver (optional).

2. Prepare the Descaling Solution

Mix the descaling solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re using vinegar, use one part white vinegar to four parts water. If you’re using citric acid, use one tablespoon of citric acid per eight ounces of water.

3. Fill the Water Reservoir

Pour the descaling solution into the water reservoir up to the “max” line.

4. Run the Descaling Cycle

Turn on the coffee maker and start the descaling cycle. The cycle will take about 30 minutes to complete.

5. Rinse the Coffee Maker

Once the descaling cycle is complete, run several cycles of clean water through the coffee maker to rinse out the descaling solution.

6. Reset the Coffee Maker

If your coffee maker has a reset button, press it to reset the machine after descaling.

Some coffee maker models have an automatic reset feature that resets the machine 30 minutes after the descaling cycle is complete. Consult your coffee maker’s user manual to determine if your model has this feature.

If your coffee maker does not have a reset button or an automatic reset feature, you can manually reset the machine by unplugging it from the power outlet for 30 minutes.

7. Clean the Exterior of the Coffee Maker

Wipe down the exterior of the coffee maker with a soft cloth to remove any fingerprints or smudges.

Descaling Frequency

The frequency with which you descale your Breville coffee machine will depend on a number of factors, including the hardness of your water and how often you use the machine. As a general rule of thumb, you should descale your machine every three to six months, or more frequently if you live in an area with hard water.

Maintenance

In addition to descaling your Breville coffee machine, it’s important to perform regular maintenance to keep it in good working condition. This includes cleaning the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth, and cleaning the filter basket and carafe regularly. You should also run a cleaning cycle with a descaling solution every few months to remove any built-up scale or residue.

7. Troubleshooting

If you’re having trouble descaling your Breville coffee machine, there are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the problem. First, make sure that you’re using the correct descaling solution and that you’re following the instructions carefully. If you’re still having trouble, you can try resetting the machine to factory settings or contacting Breville customer service for assistance.

Here are a few additional tips for descaling your Breville coffee machine:

Use a descaling solution that is specifically designed for coffee machines.
Follow the instructions on the descaling solution package carefully.
Run the descaling solution through the machine at least twice to remove all of the scale.
Rinse the machine thoroughly with clean water after descaling.
Descale your machine regularly to prevent scale buildup.

Water Hardness	Descaling Frequency
Soft	Every 6 months
Medium	Every 3 months
Hard	Every 1-2 months

Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following materials:

Breville descaling solution
Empty carafe or container
Soft cloth or paper towels

Descaling Instructions

Follow these steps to descale your Breville coffee machine:

Empty the water tank and discard the old water.
Fill the water tank with equal parts Breville descaling solution and water. Do not exceed the “MAX” line.
Place a large empty carafe or container under the brew head.
Turn on the machine and select the “Descale” function. The machine will run the descaling solution through the system.
Let the descaling solution sit for the recommended amount of time (usually around 30 minutes).
Empty the carafe or container and rinse it thoroughly.
Refill the water tank with fresh water and run the machine through a few cycles without coffee to rinse out the descaling solution.
Wipe down the machine with a soft cloth or paper towels to remove any remaining descaling solution. Your Breville coffee machine is now descaled and ready to use.

Troubleshooting Common Descaling Issues

Why is my Breville coffee machine blinking after descaling?

The machine may be blinking after descaling if there is still descaling solution in the system. Run a few more cycles of fresh water through the machine to rinse it out.

Why is my Breville coffee machine not brewing after descaling?

If your machine is not brewing after descaling, it may be clogged with scale. Try running a few more descaling cycles through the machine. If the problem persists, contact Breville customer support.

Why is my Breville coffee machine leaking after descaling?

If your machine is leaking after descaling, it may be damaged. Check the seals and gaskets for leaks and replace them if necessary. If the problem persists, contact Breville customer support.

Tips for Preventing Limescale Buildup

Preventing limescale buildup in your Breville coffee machine is crucial for maintaining its performance and longevity. Here are some effective tips to keep your machine clean and running smoothly:

1. Use Filtered Water

Unfiltered water contains minerals that can contribute to limescale buildup. Using filtered water removes these impurities, significantly reducing the risk of scale formation.

2. Rinse the Water Tank Daily

Even filtered water can leave behind small amounts of residue. Rinsing out the water tank daily helps prevent this buildup from accumulating.

3. Clean the Portafilter and Basket

Coffee grounds can attract minerals, leading to limescale formation. Regularly cleaning the portafilter and basket with hot water removes these residues.

4. Decalcify Regularly

Depending on the frequency of use and the mineral content of your water, regular descaling is essential. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using commercial descaling solutions or natural alternatives like citric acid.

5. Wipe Down the Machine

Wipe down the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth to remove any water droplets or spilled coffee. Leaving water on surfaces can promote limescale formation.

6. Use Descaling Tablets

Descaling tablets are specifically formulated to remove limescale buildup. Periodically add these tablets to the water tank according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

7. Inspect the Descale Light

Many Breville coffee machines have a descale light that illuminates when the machine requires descaling. Pay attention to this indicator and descale accordingly.

8. Clean Brewing Chamber

The brewing chamber collects coffee oils and sediment. Regularly removing the brewing chamber and cleaning it with warm water and a soft cloth helps prevent limescale formation.

9. Deep Clean Yearly

In addition to the regular maintenance mentioned above, a deep clean once a year is recommended to remove any stubborn mineral deposits. Refer to the user manual or consult an authorized repair center for specific instructions.

Maintenance Task	Frequency
Rinse Water Tank	Daily
Clean Portafilter and Basket	After Each Use
Wipe Down Exterior	Weekly
Descale Machine	Every 3-6 Months
Clean Brewing Chamber	Monthly
Deep Clean	Yearly

Benefits of Regular Descaling

Regularly descaling your Breville coffee machine offers numerous benefits:

1. Improved Coffee Taste

Descaling removes mineral buildup that can alter the flavor of your coffee, resulting in better-tasting brews.

2. Extended Machine Life

Mineral buildup can damage the internal components of your coffee machine, shortening its lifespan. Descaling prevents this damage.

3. Reduced Energy Consumption

Descaling removes mineral deposits that can restrict water flow, making the machine work harder and consume more energy.

4. Cleaner Brewing Environment

Mineral buildup can create a breeding ground for bacteria, affecting the cleanliness of your coffee. Descaling eliminates these bacteria.

5. Reduced Noise

Mineral deposits can cause the machine to make loud noises. Descaling reduces these noises and makes the machine quieter.

6. Enhanced Safety

Mineral buildup can lead to overheating and electrical issues. Descaling ensures the safe operation of your coffee machine.

7. Reduced Maintenance Costs

Regular descaling helps prevent costly repairs by keeping your machine in good condition.

8. Optimal Coffee Temperature

Descaling removes mineral deposits that can block the flow of hot water, ensuring the coffee is brewed at the desired temperature.

9. Improved Extraction

Mineral buildup can inhibit the extraction of coffee grounds, resulting in weaker brews. Descaling allows for optimal extraction, creating stronger and more flavorful coffee.

10. Detailed Descaling Instructions

Step	Instructions
1	Prepare a descaling solution using vinegar or a commercial descaling solution.
2	Run the descaling solution through the machine without coffee grounds.
3	Rinse the machine thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining solution.

How to Descale a Breville Coffee Machine

Descale your Breville coffee machine regularly to maintain optimal performance and extend its lifespan. Follow these instructions for a thorough descaling process.

Gather materials: Breville descaling solution, large container, measuring cup.
Fill the water tank: Pour the entire bottle of descaling solution into the water tank.
Place a container: Place a large container under the steam wand and portafilter.
Run the descaling cycle: Turn on the machine and select the “Descale” function (if available). If not, run the brewing cycle without grounds.
Pause and repeat: Allow the solution to run through the machine for about 30 minutes. Pause and wait for 15 minutes before repeating the cycle.
Rinse thoroughly: Once the descaling cycle is complete, fill the water tank with fresh water and run the brewing cycle several times without grounds to rinse away any remaining descaling solution.