Whether it is a fully automatic bean machine, a capsule machine, a pad machine or a filter coffee maker, every coffee machine requires regular maintenance. 
In addition to daily and regular cleaning, it is very important to follow the maintenance instructions for your machine. Each brand and type has its own maintenance interval and procedure. Cleaning and descaling are important steps in this process. Many machines are also equipped with water filters that need to be replaced regularly. By following the correct procedures and using good products, such as Scanpart products, your coffee will remain delicious and your machine in top condition. With the tips below, we explain why it is important to maintain your coffee machine and how to do so with good products!

When should the coffee machine be descaled and cleaned?

Many fully automatic and pad coffee machines indicate when the machine needs to be descaled. You can also pay attention to the quality, quantity or temperature of the coffee. If it no longer meets your standards, then it is time to descale and clean your machine. Excessive steam during coffee preparation or excessive noise may also indicate that your coffee machine is in need of thorough descaling and cleaning.

Why is it important to descale and clean your coffee machine?

By regularly descaling and cleaning your coffee machine, you can ensure that you enjoy the best flavour and temperature of your coffee. Descaling your coffee machine removes limescale from all parts and pipes through which water and coffee flow. If you don't do this regularly, limescale can build up in the pipes, preventing sufficient coffee from flowing through. Regular descaling ensures that these pipes remain clean and reduces the risk of machine failure. 

It is a common misconception that descaling the machine makes it completely clean. In addition to descaling, it is important to thoroughly clean the pipes and parts of your coffee machine. In addition to the limescale in the water, coffee also has properties that cause residue to remain in the pipes and parts. Cleaning your coffee machine removes this residue. This includes the coffee spout, where coffee deposits remain. 

We recommend descaling and cleaning your machine every 6 months to extend its product lifecycle.

Types of descaling products

These different methods work in the same way, but the preference for tabs, liquids, tablets or powders is personal. It may also be that a specific appliance requires a specific method. This means that different descaling products are used. However, there is a big difference in the active ingredients of descaling and cleaning products. Common ingredients are:

• Vinegar (acid) is strongly discouraged for cleaning your coffee machine, as your appliance will absorb the unpleasant taste of vinegar. This will adversely affect the aroma of the coffee. The vinegar taste can adhere to parts and pipes.
• Citric and lactic acid are both biodegradable and the safest and most practical way to descale. In addition, citric acid neutralises unpleasant odours in your coffee machine and descales twice as fast as Vinager
• Sulphamic acid (also known as amidosulfonic acid) is a powerful descaler that descales 20 times faster than vinegar and 10 times faster than citric and lactic acid. In addition, sulphamic acid is colourless and odourless and does not damage the pipes and parts of the appliance. 

It is therefore advisable to use a descaling product that contains citric and lactic acid as its basic ingredients. If you are looking for even better results, choose a product containing sulphamic acid. 

Types of cleaning products

There are various cleaning products on the market, each with a specific application and solution. 

• Cleaning tablets can be easily used in any coffee machine. Their effective formula removes all coffee residue from the parts and pipes, restoring your coffee to its original flavour.
• 2-phase cleaning tablets are specifically designed for fully automatic coffee machines. First, a cleaning process removes all dirt and residue. In the second phase, special substances are applied to prevent dirt and residue from sticking. Guaranteed best results and the most delicious coffee flavour.
• Milk cleaner is mainly used in appliances with a milk container. Milk is a product with a limited shelf life and, especially when it has been heated, it can leave behind dirt and bacteria. Using milk products in your coffee machine requires good cleaning discipline to keep the machine clean and the coffee tasting good. The milk cleaner ensures that the milk pipes are cleaned thoroughly, in addition to the regular rinsing of the machine itself.

By cleaning and descaling your coffee machine properly, you can be sure that it will remain in top condition. Follow the instructions on the packaging and the machine's operating procedure carefully. Always maintain an interval of no more than 6 months. 

Scanpart offers various products to clean your machine properly. The quality of the ingredients and the product is paramount, so that it is always suitable for your coffee machine. 

Coffee waterfilters

Many machines use water filters in their water reservoirs. These filter the tap water before it is used to make coffee. Despite their high filtration rate, they cannot remove all the limescale from the water. A cup of coffee also needs limescale in the water to develop a pleasant taste. 

It is important to replace your water filter on time or when the machine indicates that it needs replacing. Remember to fill a new water filter with water beforehand so that it is completely vented. This ensures that your machine functions optimally and that the filter can do its job properly.

Scanpart has a suitable filter for every machine, so you can be sure of a good filter and delicious coffee. 

Maintenance products

There are various products that can help you with the ongoing maintenance of your coffee machine. 

• Brushes are available in all shapes and sizes, allowing you to thoroughly clean the inside of your appliance. This includes thoroughly cleaning and sanitising your brewing unit, which can often be easily removed from the machine. You can also give the coffee and milk spouts an extra clean using a compact pipe brush.
• The grinder cleaner ensures that coffee residue and grease that sticks to the grinder is thoroughly removed. The cleaning beans are ground and absorb the fats and oils from the coffee beans. They also remove the old coffee pulp that has accumulated between the grinding discs during normal use. This improves the grinding of the coffee and thus also the taste. An additional advantage is that a grinder cleaner extends the life of your coffee machine and, in particular, the grinder.
• Telfon grease is applied to the moving parts of a brewing unit during the production of a coffee machine. Frequent use and cleaning cause this grease to disappear, making it increasingly difficult for the grinder to work. This also increases the risk of the coffee machine malfunctioning. It is therefore important to reapply Teflon grease to the moving parts after cleaning the brewing unit. This will extend the life of your machine and ensure it functions perfectly.
• Sealing rubbers can dry out and wear out. This is often reflected in an increasing amount of water in the waste reservoir or collection tray and less coffee in your cup. Therefore, regularly check the various rubbers in your coffee machine or fully automatic machine. In the event of damage or tears in the rubber, it is advisable to replace it.

The Scanpart range offers all the solutions you need for descaling, cleaning and maintaining your coffee machine, coffee maker, pad machine or fully automatic machine. Every appliance requires its own solution, and you will always find it in the Scanpart range. By using Scanpart products, you are choosing good value for money and ensuring that your appliance remains in top condition.