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Descale with citric acid (general HiBrew procedure): HiBrew H10B Semi-Automatic PID, HiBrew H8A 3-in-1 and HiBrew H8A Multi-Capsule
Before you start
- Time
- About 5 minutes (descale pass only, plus a few minutes of rinsing (figure given for the H10A))
- Tools
- large container (at least 1 l)
- Supplies
- food-grade citric acid (about 30 g per litre of warm water), optional; citric-acid-based commercial descaler (e.g. Urnex Dezcal, Puly Descaler) (dose as the product directs; use this or citric acid), optional
Warnings
- Do not descale with a vinegar mix: HiBrew says it can harm rubber seals and leave an odour. Source: HiBrew blog: How to descale an espresso machine — step by step guide
- Never use bleach, hydrogen peroxide or other harsh chemicals in the machine. Source: HiBrew blog: How to descale an espresso machine — step by step guide
- Always finish with the plain-water rinse; leftover descaler spoils the coffee and may be harmful to drink. Source: HiBrew blog: How to descale an espresso machine — step by step guide
- Descaling more often than needed wears the gaskets and can cause leaks. Source: HiBrew blog: How to descale an espresso machine — step by step guide
Steps
- Read your machine's manual first: some models have their own descale mode or button sequence.
From the manual: “Some machines may have different steps, so always read the manual first.”
- Mix the solution, about 30 g citric acid per litre of water, or a commercial descaler as its label says, and fill the tank with it.
From the manual: “usually 30g citric acid per liter of water, or use a commercial product as directed”
- Leave the portafilter and basket fitted, and put a large container under the coffee outlet and steam wand.
From the manual: “Place a large container under the coffee spout and steam wand to catch the liquid.”
- Switch on and wait for brewing temperature.
From the manual: “wait for it to reach brewing temperature”
- Run the solution through the coffee side (about 500 ml on the H10A).
From the manual: “The machine will run about 500 ml of the solution through the brewing unit.”
- Run solution through the steam wand as well. Only when: machines with a steam wand
From the manual: “Descaling the steaming unit”
- Empty the container, rinse the tank and refill it with fresh water.
From the manual: “empty the container, and fill the water reservoir with fresh water”
- Repeat the coffee and steam passes with clean water to flush out the descaler; twice or more is better.
From the manual: “always flush thoroughly after descaling, you can flush twice or more”
- Wash the portafilter, basket and group head.
From the manual: “Wash the portafilter, filter basket, and group head”
Sources
- HiBrew blog: How to descale an espresso machine — step by step guide Maker’s support page
Researched on .
Published: the sentence is on the maker’s own page or in the maker’s own document.