The benefits of coffee machines for hotels
Read about the benefits of coffee machines for hotels
DiscoverHow To Descale A Commercial Coffee Machine
A commercial coffee machine is one of the most valuable assets in any business. Whether it’s the backbone of your café, a valued provider in your office, or hosting guests as you welcome them into your business. After all, consistently high quality coffee is essential to making a great first impression, and a professional commercial coffee machine is the best way to maintain this.
These machines are designed to produce exceptional coffee at scale, delivering the very best flavours time and time again. However, over time, mineral deposits from water can build up, affecting both performance and taste, which is when proper descaling is the only option.
Importance of Descaling
Descaling is crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of a commercial coffee machine because it removes mineral buildup, primarily from calcium and magnesium found in water. Over time, these minerals accumulate in the machine's internal components, leading to several issues. Regular descaling helps prevent this buildup, ensuring that the machine continues to function optimally for longer periods.
When mineral deposits are allowed to accumulate, they can affect the taste of the coffee, making it bitter or metallic. Additionally, these deposits can obstruct the water flow, reducing the machine's efficiency and increasing the time it takes to brew a cup of coffee. This reduced efficiency not only slows down service but also increases energy consumption, driving up operational costs for your business. If descaling is neglected, the buildup can cause serious problems, including increased wear on the machine’s components, leading to malfunctions, leaks, or breakdowns. These breakdowns can result in expensive repairs or even require the replacement of the machine, causing significant downtime and financial loss. Regular descaling ensures that your commercial coffee machine continues to operate smoothly, delivering consistently excellent coffee while avoiding unnecessary costs and disruptions.
Frequency of Descaling
The frequency of descaling a commercial coffee machine depends on two key factors: the volume of usage and the hardness of the water being used. Machines in high traffic environments, such as busy cafés or restaurants, should be descaled more frequently (typically every month) since they process large quantities of water daily. The higher the water volume, the more quickly minerals can accumulate, necessitating regular descaling to ensure the machine continues to function properly.
Water hardness also plays a significant role. Hard water, which contains higher levels of calcium and magnesium, will cause mineral deposits to form more quickly. If your establishment operates in an area with hard water, descaling might be required every month or even more frequently, depending on usage. Conversely, if your location has softer water, descaling can be done less often, perhaps every three to six months.
To keep track of descaling and other routine maintenance, it’s advisable to implement a maintenance schedule or log. This allows staff to document when the machine was last descaled and when it’s due for the next service. A log helps ensure that descaling is not overlooked, preventing potential issues with machine performance and avoiding costly repairs in the long run. By adhering to a consistent schedule, you can extend the lifespan of your coffee machine and maintain the quality of the coffee you serve.
Safety Precautions
When descaling a commercial coffee machine, following safety precautions is essential to ensure the safety of staff and prevent damage to the equipment. The descaling process involves handling chemicals that can be hazardous if not used properly, so it’s important to take necessary precautions. First and foremost, always turn off the coffee machine and allow it to cool down completely before starting the descaling process. Working with a hot machine poses a risk of burns, particularly when accessing internal components. In addition, wearing protective gloves is a must to protect your skin from coming into contact with the descaling solution, which can be acidic and harmful if handled improperly.
It’s equally important to use the correct descaling solution recommended by the machine’s manufacturer. Improper solutions, such as those containing harsh chemicals or abrasive ingredients, can corrode the machine’s internal parts, leading to irreparable damage. Avoid using makeshift tools or household cleaners, as these can scratch or damage sensitive components and reduce the machine’s effectiveness.
Ensure the area around the machine is well ventilated, as some descaling solutions can emit fumes. Finally, after the descaling process is complete, thoroughly flush the machine with water to remove any residual chemicals before using it again to make coffee. This prevents any contamination of the coffee, ensuring that it’s safe and maintains its intended flavour.
Step by Step Descaling Instructions:
Before starting, gather all the necessary materials:
Descaling solution (specific to your machine’s brand or manufacturer recommendations)
Clean water
Gloves for protection
Clean cloths or paper towels
A container or pitcher for collecting water during the process
Any specific tools the machine may require (as per the manufacturer's manual)
Descaling Process:
Turn off and cool down
Begin by turning off the coffee machine and unplugging it to avoid any electrical hazards. Let the machine cool down completely before proceeding, as working with hot components can cause burns or other injuries.
Empty the machine
Water reservoir: Remove and empty the water reservoir of any remaining water.
Drip tray: Take out the drip tray and empty it, giving it a quick rinse if necessary.
Coffee grounds: If there are any remaining coffee grounds in the machine, dispose of them and clean the filter basket or portafilter.
Prepare the descaling solution
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare the descaling solution. This usually involves mixing a specific amount of descaling concentrate with water. Make sure to wear protective gloves to avoid skin contact with the solution.
Run the solution through the machine
Fill the reservoir: Pour the prepared descaling solution into the machine’s water reservoir.
Start the brewing cycle: Turn the machine back on and start a brewing cycle, allowing the descaling solution to pass through the machine as if you were brewing coffee. Ensure the solution circulates through all parts of the system, including the boiler, steam wand, and coffee dispenser.
Pause if necessary: Some machines may require you to pause midway to allow the solution to soak inside the system. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any timing recommendations.
Coffee grounds: If there are any remaining coffee grounds in the machine, dispose of them and clean the filter basket or portafilter.
Rinse thoroughly
Empty the reservoir and drip tray again: Once the descaling solution has run through the machine, empty the water reservoir and drip tray.
Run clean water cycles: Refill the reservoir with clean water and run multiple brewing cycles (at least 2-3) to thoroughly flush out any remaining descaling solution. This step is crucial to ensure that no chemicals are left behind in the system, which could affect the taste of the coffee or be harmful.
Post-descaling checks
After completing the descaling process, perform a few key checks:
Inspect water flow: Ensure that water is flowing smoothly through the machine and there are no blockages.
Taste test: Brew a small batch of coffee to confirm that there’s no residual taste from the descaling solution.
Check for leaks: Inspect all components to ensure that there are no leaks or signs of wear that may have developed during the descaling process.
By following these steps to descaling your commercial coffee machine, your machine should be free of mineral buildup, ensuring optimal performance and a longer lifespan. Regular maintenance like this also helps maintain the quality of the coffee, giving your customers the best experience possible.
Tips for Preventive Maintenance
In addition to regular descaling, there are several other important maintenance tasks that will help ensure your commercial coffee machine operates smoothly and produces high quality coffee.
1. Regular cleaning of the portafilter
The portafilter, which holds the coffee grounds, should be cleaned after each use to prevent coffee residue from building up. Rinse it thoroughly under hot water to remove any leftover coffee oils and grounds. At the end of each day, soak the portafilter in a coffee machine cleaning solution to deep clean and remove any stubborn residue that could affect the flavour of future brews.
2. Steam wand maintenance
The steam wand should be cleaned immediately after every use. Milk can quickly harden inside the steam wand, causing blockages and affecting its performance. After steaming milk, wipe the exterior of the wand with a damp cloth and purge it by letting out a blast of steam for a few seconds to clean the internal parts. At the end of each day, soak the steam wand in a dedicated cleaning solution for a more thorough cleaning.
3. Water reservoir cleaning
Over time, the water reservoir can accumulate debris, bacteria, or even algae if left unchecked. Make it a habit to regularly empty and rinse the water reservoir. Once a week, give it a deep clean with warm, soapy water, ensuring it’s completely rinsed before refilling. This keeps your water supply clean and prevents contaminants from affecting the taste of the coffee.
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4. Backflushing the machine
For machines equipped with a backflush valve, perform regular backflushing to clean out the internal components. This process involves running water or a cleaning solution through the machine’s group head without a portafilter attached. It helps remove coffee oils and residues that can build up over time, improving the performance and taste of your coffee.
5. Install a Water Softener
If your commercial coffee machine is located in an area with hard water, installing a water softener is a smart investment. Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which contribute to limescale buildup. A water softener reduces these minerals, meaning less frequent descaling is needed and your machine’s components are better protected. This can also improve the taste of your coffee, as soft water allows the natural flavours of the coffee to shine through.
6. Check seals and gaskets
Regularly inspect the seals, gaskets, and O-rings in your machine to ensure they’re not worn or damaged. These small parts are crucial for maintaining pressure and preventing leaks. If any of these components appear to be worn, replace them immediately to avoid larger issues.
7. Perform routine professional servicing
Even with diligent daily care, it’s a good idea to have your commercial coffee machine professionally serviced at least once or twice a year, depending on the volume of use. A professional technician can clean internal parts, replace worn components, and ensure the machine is calibrated for optimal performance.
By combining regular descaling with these maintenance practices, you’ll keep your commercial coffee machine running efficiently, extend its lifespan, and continue to serve consistently great coffee to your customers. Alternatively, for more tips on how to conduct thorough commercial coffee machine descaling, please get in touch with us at Cafè Du Monde. Alternatively, please browse our range of machines here.
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