How to Descale Your Espresso Machine — Breville & DeLonghi

Mineral deposits (limescale) build up inside your espresso machine's boiler, pipes, and valves over time. This reduces water flow, lowers brewing temperature, and eventually causes blockages or machine failure. Descaling removes these deposits, restoring performance and extending your machine's life. It also improves the taste of your espresso — scale affects water temperature and flow rate.

• Every 2-3 months with average water hardness • Monthly if you have hard water • When the descale indicator light comes on • Every 200-300 uses as a general rule Using filtered water (like a Brita jug or in-line filter) significantly reduces scale buildup and extends the time between descales.

Use a citric acid-based descaler or the manufacturer's recommended product: • Breville: Breville Eco Liquid Descaler (BES007) or citric acid powder • DeLonghi: DeLonghi EcoDecalk or citric acid solution Never use vinegar — it can damage seals and leave a lingering taste. Commercial espresso machine descalers are formulated to be effective without causing damage.

1. Empty the water tank and remove the water filter 2. Fill the tank with descaling solution mixed per instructions 3. Place a large container under the group head and steam wand 4. Run the descale cycle (consult your model's manual for the exact button sequence) 5. Flush with 2-3 tanks of fresh water to rinse thoroughly 6. Reinstall the water filter and refill with fresh filtered water

1. Empty and rinse the water tank 2. Add descaling solution and fill to the indicated level 3. Turn on the descale mode (varies by model — check your manual) 4. Let the solution run through both the group head and steam wand 5. Rinse by running 2-3 full tanks of clean water through the machine 6. The descale light should turn off after the rinse cycle is complete

These are different maintenance tasks: • Descaling: Removes mineral buildup inside the boiler and pipes. Uses a liquid descaler through the water system. • Backflushing: Cleans coffee oils and residue from the group head and shower screen. Uses a cleaning tablet (like Cafetto) in a blind basket. Breville machines need both. DeLonghi Dedica/Magnifica models typically only need descaling (they don't support backflushing).