A Complete Guide To Moccamaster Descaling
Moccamaster descaling is needed from time to time in order to remove mineral buildup left behind by the water used to brew your coffee. Knowing how to descale Moccamaster coffee makers the right way will help you keep it working at its best longer. Continue reading to learn more.
What Is Moccamaster Descaling?
The water used to brew coffee causes limescale buildup inside your Moccamaster. While not toxic, this can impact the machine’s water flow, temperature and performance. It can even affect the taste of your drink. Descaling, also known as deliming or decalcifying, is the name of the deep cleaning process that removes these minerals.
How Often Is Moccamaster Descaling Needed?
In addition to regular cleaning, Moccamaster recommends descaling after every 100 uses of your coffee maker. If you use a 100 count box of coffee filters, it makes it easy to remember when it is time to descale. You need to descale regardless of whether you are using filtered water, bottled water or tap water with a low to normal mineral count. Regular descaling will extend the life of your machine. If you don’t descale, you can void your Moccamaster warranty.
Consider descaling your Moccamaster more often if your tap has “hard water,” meaning it contains higher level of minerals. This will cause the limescale to buildup inside your coffee maker even faster. If you are not sure about the level of minerals in your water, you can always get a low-cost water testing kit.
If you start to have any of these issues, you will also want to descale your Moccamaster ASAP:
- brew speed is too slow
- the volume brewed is less than you expect
- coffee does not come out
- machine makes a rumbling noise
Can You Descale A Moccamaster With Vinegar?
If you look in your Moccamaster user manual, you will see that they specifically advise AGAINST using vinegar. White vinegar contains 5-8% acetic acid and apple cider vinegar has 5-6%. This type of acid can wear down metal and cause leaks.
Vinegar is also less effective than descalers at removing oils left by used coffee beans. Plus, it may leave a taste or odor which may make your drink unpleasant. That isn’t how I like my coffee to taste… Instead, the best way how to descale Moccamaster coffee makers is with a commercial solution.
What Moccamaster Descaler Is Recommended?
Moccamaster recommends descaling products made by Urnex or Durgol.
Durgol Descaler
The Durgol Swiss descaler is a professional grade cleaner that will remove buildup of calcium and limescale. The fast and effective formula is gentle but still powerful enough to descale your Moccamaster. Made in Switzerland, it will leave no residue or lingering odor.
Urnex Descaler
Urnex has powder based descalers that you can use with your Moccamaster. The formulas are non-toxic and bio-degradable. They are all fast and effective in removing limescale buildup.
How To Descale Moccamaster Using Urnex Powder
If you are using the Urnex powder, you should add 1 oz or 28 grams of descaler powder for every 32 oz or 1 L of water. Most of the glass or thermal carafe Moccamasters have a 1 or 1.25 L water tank. If yours has a 1L tank, use 1 oz or 28 grams of powder. If it has a 1.25 L tank, use 1.25 oz or 35 grams of powder.
Fill the water tank to the top line with clean water and stir with a spoon so that the powder dissolves. Then start a brew cycle so that the Urnex descaler runs through the machine. Continue until the water tank is empty. Discard the contents of the carafe. Add fresh water only to the tank and run a brew cycle to rinse the Moccamaster. Repeat twice.
Descaling Moccamaster Using Durgol Liquid Solution
Add 1 bottle of the Durgol Swiss descaler to the water tank. Then add 0.5 L of clean water. Start a brew cycle so that the Durgol descaler runs through the machine. Continue until the water tank is empty. Discard the contents of the carafe. Add fresh water only to the tank and run a brew cycle to rinse the Moccamaster. Repeat twice.
