Descaling Your Saeco Aroma Espresso Machine: Step-By-Step Guide

how to descale saeco aroma espresso machine

The Saeco Aroma is a popular espresso machine that requires regular descaling to prevent a build-up of limescale, which can cause water flow issues, reduced boiler capacity, and heating problems. Descaling should be done every one to three months, depending on usage and water hardness. The descaling process involves using a descaling solution, such as Dezcal, mixed with warm water, which is then poured into the machine's water reservoir. The solution is pulled into the boiler via the steam wand and allowed to soak before rinsing. It is important to ensure that the descaler is completely removed before brewing to avoid affecting the taste of the espresso.

Characteristics Values
How often to descale Every 3-4 months or when the machine indicates it needs to be descaled
Why descale To prevent limescale build-up, which will slow water flow, reduce boiler capacity, create heating problems and eventually cause blockages
What to use A non-toxic descaling product for coffee machines, such as Saeco descaler CA6700 or CA6701. Do not use vinegar or descaling agents based on mineral acids
How to descale Mix the descaling solution with water, pour it into the machine's water reservoir, pull the solution into the boiler by running water through the steam wand, let the solution soak, then rinse

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Mix a descaling solution with water

Descaling your Saeco Aroma espresso machine is an easy and painless process. To begin, you will need to mix a descaling solution with water. For this step, you can use a commercial descaling solution like Dezcal or create your own using citric acid. Fill your machine's water reservoir with 32 ounces of warm water and add the descaling solution according to the instructions on the package. If you are using citric acid, a common recommendation is to let the boiler soak in a citric acid bath for about 30 minutes to an hour to effectively remove any calcium deposits or scale buildup.

It is important to note that you should never use descaling agents based on mineral acids such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, or sulfamic acid, as these may damage your machine's pipe and tube system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using a descaling product.

Once you have prepared the descaling solution, you can proceed to the next step of running the solution through the machine and beginning the descaling process.

The descaling process for your Saeco Aroma espresso machine is straightforward and important for maintaining the optimal performance of your machine. By mixing a descaling solution with water, you can effectively break down and remove any limescale or mineral deposits that have built up over time. Remember to follow the recommended schedule for descaling, which is typically every one to three months, depending on usage and water hardness.

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Pour it into the machine's water reservoir

Descaling your Saeco Aroma espresso machine is an important step in maintaining your machine and ensuring your coffee tastes as it should. Water contains calcium and magnesium salts, which, when heated, break down and form limescale. This can build up in your machine, slowing water flow, reducing boiler capacity, and creating heating problems.

To descale your machine, you will need to use a descaling solution. It is recommended to use the Saeco descaler (CA6700 or CA6701) and to avoid descaling agents based on mineral acids such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sulfamic acid, as these may damage your machine's pipe and tube system.

Once you have your descaling solution, mix it with 32 oz. of warm water. Pour this mixture into your machine's water reservoir. From here, you will need to pull the solution into the boiler by running water through the steam wand. Allow the solution to sit in the boiler for a while, then repeat the process, pulling more of the solution into the boiler and letting it sit again. Afterward, rinse the machine thoroughly.

It is important to taste the water in your machine before brewing coffee again to ensure there is no descaler remaining, as this will affect the taste of your espresso. Descaling your Saeco Aroma espresso machine will ensure it continues to produce great-tasting coffee and prevent any issues caused by limescale buildup.

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Pull the solution into the boiler via the steam wand

Descaling your Saeco Aroma Espresso Machine is an important step in maintaining the health of your machine. The process is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.

Firstly, mix a descaling solution, such as Dezcal, with 32 oz. of warm water. Pour this solution into the machine's water reservoir. The next step is to pull the solution into the boiler by running water through the steam wand. This is an important step to ensure that the descaling solution reaches all the internal components of the machine.

To do this, locate the steam wand on your machine. It is usually found on the side of the machine, often with a Pannarello frothing tip attached. Ensure that the steam wand is clean and free of any milk residue. Place a container under the steam wand to catch any excess liquid. Turn on the steam wand and adjust the settings to a high-temperature option. This will ensure that the steam wand is pulling the descaling solution from the water reservoir and not just dispensing steam.

Once the solution is pulled into the steam wand, continue to run it through the system for a few minutes to ensure that it circulates throughout the boiler. You may need to repeat this process a few times to ensure that all the internal components are coated in the descaling solution. This step is crucial in removing any built-up limescale and mineral deposits, which can cause blockages and affect the performance of your machine.

After pulling the solution through, allow it to soak for a while. This gives the descaling agent time to break down any limescale or mineral deposits that have built up over time. Repeat this process of pulling the solution and allowing it to soak for a thorough descaling.

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Soak, then rinse

Descaling your Saeco Aroma espresso machine is an easy and painless process. It is important to descale your machine to prevent mineral deposits from building up inside the machine and causing water tubes to clog. Depending on the mineral content of your water, you should aim to descale your machine every one to three months.

To descale your Saeco Aroma, start by mixing a descaling solution with 32 oz. of warm water. You can use a descaling solution like Dezcal, or a citric acid bath. Do not use vinegar or descaling agents based on mineral acids such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sulfamic acid, as these may damage your machine.

Once you have prepared your descaling solution, pour it into the machine's water reservoir. Then, pull the solution into the boiler by running water through the steam wand. Allow the solution to soak for a while. Repeat this process, pulling more solution into the boiler and letting it soak again.

After you have finished soaking the internal components, thoroughly rinse the machine with clean water to remove any remaining descaling solution. It is important to taste the water in your machine before you start brewing again to ensure there is no descaler leftover, as this will affect the taste of your espresso.

In addition to descaling, regular cleaning of your Saeco Aroma is important to keep the machine in proper working order and ensure great-tasting coffee. Refer to your user manual for detailed cleaning instructions, and be sure to clean the milk circuit system regularly to prevent milk from drying up, as this can be difficult to remove.

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Check the water before brewing again

Descaling your Saeco Aroma espresso machine is important to prevent mineral deposits from building up inside the machine and causing water tubes to clog. This can be done by using a descaling solution like Dezcal with 32 oz. of warm water, pouring it into the machine's water reservoir, and letting it soak. However, before brewing your next cup of coffee, it is important to check the water in your machine to ensure there is no descaler leftover, as this will affect the taste of your espresso.

Checking the water quality before brewing again is a crucial step in the descaling process. After you have completed the descaling cycle and rinsed the machine, pay attention to the taste and smell of the water. If it has a strong chemical taste or smell, it is an indication that there may still be some descaler residue in the system. Run several rinse cycles with clean water until the water runs clear and is free from any unusual odours or tastes. This step may take a few attempts, so be patient and thorough.

Taste a small amount of water from the machine to ensure that it is free from any chemical residue. If the water tastes slightly acidic or bitter, it may indicate the presence of leftover descaler. Continue rinsing until the water tastes neutral and fresh. A pure water taste is what you are aiming for.

In addition to tasting the water, smell the water dispensed from the machine. If there is any lingering chemical odour, it suggests that the descaler has not been completely removed. Keep rinsing the machine until the water smells neutral and free from any strong scents. A clean and odourless water supply is essential for brewing delicious espresso.

Checking the water quality before brewing again is a simple but vital step to ensure the best-tasting espresso from your Saeco Aroma machine. By taking the time to perform this check, you can avoid bitter or funky-tasting espresso and fully enjoy your coffee experience. Remember, your taste buds and sense of smell are excellent tools to assess the quality of the water, so trust your senses and only resume brewing when you are fully satisfied with the water's taste and smell.

Frequently asked questions

It is recommended to descale your machine every one to three months, depending on the mineral content of your water. If you use hard water and/or are a heavy user, you may need to descale more frequently.

Descaling is essential to prevent the build-up of limescale, which occurs when water is heated, causing calcium and magnesium to break down and form scale. Over time, limescale buildup will slow water flow, reduce boiler capacity, create heating problems, and eventually cause blockages.

First, mix a descaling solution (not vinegar) with warm water and pour it into the machine's water reservoir. Then, pull the solution into the boiler via the steam wand and let it soak. Repeat this process, allowing the solution to settle for about 10-15 minutes each time. Finally, rinse thoroughly and ensure no descaler solution remains before brewing again.

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