How To Descale Breville Espresso Machine (7 Simple Steps)
I’ll admit it. I was lazy when it came to cleaning my Breville espresso machine. I figured, “How bad could a little scale buildup be?”
Well, let me tell you, I learned the hard way. My once-smooth espresso shots started tasting bitter, my machine made weird noises, and one day, the steam wand just… stopped working.
That’s when I realized I had been ignoring the one thing that could’ve prevented all of this descaling.
After a deep clean and proper descaling, my machine was back to making espresso that actually tasted good. Now, I make sure to descale regularly, which makes all the difference.
If you’re guilty of putting off descaling too, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to descale your Breville espresso machine step by step, what to use, how often to do it, and some easy alternatives if you’re out of descaling solution. So let’s get started!
Why Descaling Your Breville Espresso Machine Is Important
If you’re like me, you rely on your Breville espresso machine to kickstart your mornings with a perfect shot of espresso.
But over time, all that water running through the machine leaves behind something you don’t want, such as mineral buildup.
So, neglecting to descale can mess with your machine’s performance, ruin the flavor of your coffee, and even shorten its lifespan. Here’s why:
1 – Prevents Calcium and Mineral Buildup
If you’ve ever noticed white or chalky residue inside your machine, that’s calcium and mineral buildup from hard water.
This buildup clogs internal components like the heating element and water lines, making it harder for your machine to function properly. Regular descaling helps dissolve these deposits before they cause major issues.
2 – Consistent Water Flow
Espresso is all about precision: the water temperature, pressure, and flow rate. When scale builds up inside your machine, water flow becomes inconsistent, which leads to uneven extraction.
You might notice your espresso pulling too slowly or quickly, affecting the taste and crema. Keeping your machine clean ensures every shot is brewed under optimal conditions.
3 – Prolongs The Lifespan
Breville espresso machines aren’t cheap, so taking care of them is just common sense.
The fact is scale buildup forces your machine to work harder, putting unnecessary strain on the pump and boiler.
For this reason, regular descaling reduces wear and tear, helping your machine last longer and saving you from costly repairs or replacements.
4 – Preventing Scale Contamination
Have you ever had a cup of espresso that tasted metallic, bitter, or just plain weird? That could be scale contamination.
Minerals from hard water don’t just clog your machine; they can also alter the taste of your coffee.
See descaling ensures you’re getting pure, untainted water running through your coffee grounds, so your espresso always tastes fresh and balanced.
7 Simple Steps to Descale Your Breville Espresso Machine
I learned this the hard way when my machine started pulling shots way too slowly, and my espresso tasted off. Turns out, mineral buildup was clogging the system.
After running a proper descaling cycle, my Breville was back to making smooth, flavorful espresso. If you haven’t descaled your machine in a while, don’t wait until it’s too late. So here’s how to do it properly.
What You Need to Descale Your Breville Machine?
- Breville-approved descaling solution or a homemade descaling mix (but avoid vinegar because it can damage the internal parts).
- Fresh water for rinsing out the machine.
- Large container to catch the liquid during the descaling process.
- Soft cloth for wiping down surfaces after cleaning.
Step 1 – Prepare the Machine
Start by turning off your machine and letting it cool down if it was recently used.
You should empty the water tank completely and remove the portafilter and drip tray. These parts will get in the way during descaling. For this reason, set them aside for now.
Step 2 – Mix the Descaling Solution
Fill the water tank with a mixture of descaling solution and water, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you’re using a homemade descaling mix, be sure to measure everything correctly. For instance, if it’s too strong, you might damage your machine; if it’s too weak, it won’t do much.
Step 3 – Start the Descaling Cycle
Place a large container under the group head and steam wand to catch the used solution.
You should turn on the machine and run a cleaning cycle (or the descaling mode, if your machine has one). This will start flushing out any scale buildup.
Step 4 – Run the Descaling Solution Through the Machine
Brew a shot without coffee grounds to let the descaling solution flow through the internal system. Also, don’t forget to activate the steam wand. This step is key for clearing out buildup in the boiler and steam system.
Step 5 – Let It Sit
Once you’ve run the solution through the machine, let it sit for about 15 minutes. This soaking time allows the solution to break down any remaining stubborn scale deposits inside.
Step 6 – Rinse the Machine
Empty the water tank, rinse it thoroughly, and refill it with fresh water. Now, run several brew cycles with water to flush out any lingering descaling solution. If you skip this step, you might have a weird aftertaste in your next espresso.
Step 7 – Final Clean & Reassemble
Wipe down the machine, steam wand, and drip tray with a clean cloth. You should then reassemble all the parts, run one final shot of espresso (just to test), and enjoy knowing your machine is now clean and running at its best!
How Often Should You Descale Your Breville Espresso Machine?
The frequency of descaling depends on the type of water you use. So, here’s a simple breakdown:
| Water Type | Descale Frequency |
|---|---|
| Hard Water | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Filtered/Soft Water | Every 2-3 months |
Note: If you notice slower water flow, inconsistent pressure, or changes in taste, it’s probably time to descale, even if it hasn’t been the full 6 weeks yet!
Alternative Descaling Methods (If You Don’t Have a Descaling Solution)
Ever found yourself ready to descale your Breville espresso machine, only to realize you’re out of descaling solution?
No worries; you have a few solid DIY alternatives that can do the job without harming your machine. Just be careful! The fact is not all homemade solutions are safe (looking at you, vinegar). Here are the best options:
1 – Lemon Juice & Water Mix
A natural, effective alternative that helps break down mineral buildup.
- Mix one part lemon juice with two parts water and fill the water tank.
- Run a descaling cycle as usual, then rinse thoroughly to remove any citrus residue.
2 – Citric Acid Solution
A gentle yet powerful option that’s often used in commercial descalers.
- Dissolve one tablespoon of citric acid in one liter of warm water.
- Pour it into the water tank, run a descaling cycle, then flush with fresh water.
3 – Avoid Vinegar
Vinegar might seem like an easy fix, but it’s actually too harsh for espresso machines.
- Its high acidity can corrode metal parts and leave behind a strong aftertaste.
- Breville specifically advises against it—so stick with safer alternatives!
Note: If you’re in a pinch, lemon juice or citric acid are your best bets. Just make sure to rinse your machine thoroughly after descaling to keep your espresso tasting fresh!
Last Thoughts
Now it’s your turn! Have you tried descaling your machine before? Do you have a go-to method or any extra tips? Go below and drop a comment, and voilà.
