Coffee is made up of about 98% water, so it's no surprise that the quality of the water has a huge impact on the taste of your cup. At FREKKO, we know that choosing the right water is just as important as choosing the best coffee beans.
And one thing's for sure: limescale is the biggest enemy of every espresso and filter coffee machine. It can damage your equipment, spoil your coffee, and ultimately cost you a fortune. That's why we're here to explain everything about limescale and what you can do to protect your machine against it.
What exactly is lime?
Limescale (calcium carbonate) is a mineral that naturally occurs in tap water. The harder the water (more °dH), the more limescale it contains. When heated in your machine, boiler, or water tank, limescale remains and forms a white, hard layer on interior walls, pipes, and components. And that's where the trouble begins...
The dangers of limescale and why you can't avoid it
1. Blockage
Limescale builds up in your machine's pipes, water filters, boiler, valves, and pumps. This causes the water flow to slow down, or even stop completely. An espresso that normally takes 25 seconds can suddenly take 50+ seconds… or stop altogether.
2. Defective parts
If limescale remains in your machine for too long, it eventually corrodes the metal parts and seals, causing them to leak or come loose. This can lead to expensive repairs to the pump, boiler, or brewing unit.
3. Overheating
Because limescale builds up on the heating element, heat dissipation is reduced. The machine has to work harder to maintain temperature, which can cause components to overheat or even melt.
4. Bad taste
Limescale affects the water chemistry. The flavor of your coffee becomes flat, bitter, or bland, with much less body and aroma. Even the best coffee beans can't compete with that.
FREKKO's most important advice: do not use tap water.
We'll repeat it again: don't use tap water in your espresso machine. Tap water in the Netherlands almost always contains limescale, no matter how soft it is. And even with a lower limescale content, the effect builds up.
Instead use:
- Filtered water
- Soft mineral water (e.g. Bar le Duc, Spa Blauw)
This prevents limescale build-up, improves taste and extends the life of your machine.
How often should you descale?
Do you use tap water? Then you need to descale it regularly. How often depends on the hardness of your water:
- 0–4 °dH (very soft water) ➝ 1x every 12 months
- 5–7 °dH (soft water) ➝ 1x every 12 months
- 8–10 °dH (moderately hard water) ➝ 1x every 6–12 months
- 11–14 °dH (hard water) ➝ 1x every 3–6 months
- 15+ °dH (very hard water) ➝ every 1–3 months
We recommend descaling powder . Always combine this with a thorough backflushing with backflush powder and preventative cleaning of your machine.
FREKKO's descaling advice
At FREKKO we advise:
-
Always use descaling powder, not liquid descaler.
- Powder works better, is safer for your machine and is more economical.
- NEVER use vinegar.
-
Use Nuova Ricambi descaling powder
- This descaling agent is specially developed for (semi-)professional machines. Powerful against limescale, yet gentle on your pipes and seals.
-
Use filters in your water tank if you continue to use tap water
- Special filters have been developed for use in your machine's water tank. These filters absorb the limescale in tap water. Replace them regularly!
- We recommend the Oscar water softener .
Pro tip: Descale with powder, always rinse well and use softer water to prevent limescale build-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I never descale my machine?
You run the risk of damage. A broken pump, an overheated boiler, leaking seals, blocked valves, and limescale slowly but surely corroding the inside of your machine.
Can I use vinegar as a descaler?
Absolutely NOT! Vinegar corrodes metal parts and can dissolve rubber.
Can limescale also damage filter coffee machines?
Yes, that's just as good. Pipes clogged with limescale cause slow water flow and a bitter taste.
Want to be sure you're doing the right thing for your machine?
Then come visit FREKKO or send us a message, we'd love to help!
