How to Descale an ECM or Profitec Espresso Machine Using the Descaling Packet

Regular descaling helps remove mineral deposits that can build up inside an espresso machine's water circuit and boilers. The ECM/Profitec descaling packet is intended for preventive descaling and contains a citric- and tartaric-acid-based descaling powder. The procedure below follows the instructions printed on the packet.

Important: Follow this procedure only when descaling is appropriate for your specific ECM or Profitec machine. For all machines, especially from other manufacturers, follow the descaling instructions found in the user manual.

Before You Begin

You will need:

• One packet of ECM/Profitec descaler
• A full water reservoir
• A container large enough to collect water from the brew group and hot-water outlet

Descaling Procedure

1. Heat the Machine and Empty the Boiler

Allow the espresso machine to heat to its maximum operating temperature.

Once the machine is fully heated:

1. Switch the machine off.
2. Drain the boiler or boilers using the brew group and hot-water valve.

The boiler should be emptied before introducing the descaling solution.

2. Prepare the Descaling Solution

Remove the water reservoir.

1. Fill the reservoir completely with water.
2. Empty the entire contents of one descaling packet into the full reservoir.
3. Allow the powder to dissolve in the water.
4. Reinstall the reservoir in the machine.

Do not use only part of the packet unless specifically instructed otherwise for your machine.

3. Fill the Machine With Descaling Solution

Switch the machine back on.

Allow the boiler or boilers to refill with the descaling solution.

Once the boilers have filled, perform an empty brew cycle—running the brew group without coffee—and continue drawing solution until the water reservoir has been emptied.

Switch the machine off as necessary before removing an empty reservoir.

4. Rinse the Reservoir and Allow the Descaler to Work

Remove the water reservoir and rinse it thoroughly with clean water.

Refill it with fresh water and reinstall it.

Then:

1. Draw approximately 60 mL (about 2 fl oz) of liquid through the brew group.
2. Allow the descaling solution inside the machine to work for 20 minutes.
3. After 20 minutes, switch the machine off.
4. Drain the boiler or boilers again using the same method described in Step 1.

5. Thoroughly Rinse the Machine

The remaining descaling solution must now be flushed completely from the machine.

Rinse the brew group

Flush at least one full reservoir of fresh water through the brew group.

Rinse the hot-water circuit

Run two full reservoirs of fresh water through the hot-water outlet.

Continue rinsing until the water:

• Runs clear
• Has no noticeable descaling-solution odor
  

Once the machine has been thoroughly rinsed, refill the reservoir with fresh water and return the machine to normal operation.

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Quick Reference

Descaler: 1 entire packet
Initial solution: 1 full water reservoir
Descaling contact time: 20 minutes
Brew-group rinse: At least 1 full reservoir
Hot-water rinse: 2 full reservoirs
Finished when: Water runs clear and smells neutral