How Often Should I Descale My Coffee Maker?

April 20, 2025

How Often Should I Descale My Coffee Maker

Why Descaling Matters?

Descaling removes mineral buildup—like calcium and limescale—that can affect your coffee maker’s performance and the taste of your coffee. Regular descaling keeps your machine running smoothly and ensures every cup tastes fresh and flavorful.

As a general rule, you should descale your coffee maker aboutonce a month (approx every 30-40 brews). However, the right frequency depends on two main factors:


Factors To Consider:

  • Water Hardness:
    Hard water contains higher mineral content, which leads to faster scale buildup. If you live in an area with hard water, you’ll need to descale more frequently.

  • Frequency of Use:
    The more often you use your coffee maker, the faster scale will build up, requiring more frequent descaling.


Common Signs of Mineral Buildup:

  • White mineral residue on or around your coffee maker.

  • Brew times are longer than usual.

  • Increased steam and noise during brewing.

  • Coffee that tastes off or less flavorful.

If your machine has a cleaning indicator, it’s best to descale it as soon as the light comes on to avoid long-term issues.


Important

Regular descaling is important to maintain optimal performance and ensure the longevity of the appliance. If neglected, mineral buildup can become severe enough to cause the coffee machine to malfunction.

 

Product FAQs

For more information about the Melitta® coffee products, check out the FAQs for tips on use, cleaning and maintenance. (Click Here)


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