To enjoy delicious filter coffee from a batch brewer, it's essential to keep your machine clean and descaled regularly.
We recommend performing a thorough cleaning after every 100 brews or at least once a month, and descaling should be done every 200-400 brews, even if you're using filtered water.
Regular descaling not only enhances the efficiency of the heating element but also saves you money in the long run, as professional descalers are quite affordable.
Why is descaling necessary?
The presence of hard water can lead to the formation of scale deposits. This happens when mineral deposits accumulate, creating a visible white layer on the heating element. Such scale accumulation raises the energy needed to heat the water, leading to increased maintenance costs and ultimately reducing the lifespan of the equipment. Once scale develops within the boiler and piping system, it can only be eliminated using specialized acidic descaling agents.

Recommended descalers: Unrex Dezcal and Cafetto Renew
Should You Use a Machine Cleaner?
A brewing machine cleaner is specifically formulated to eliminate coffee oils and stains. It is especially useful for the brew basket, carafe, and thermos. If you happen to use the carafe to fill the water reservoir (which is not recommended!), coffee oil residue can contaminate the machine's internal components and heating element. In such cases, it's important to mix the cleaner with water in the reservoir and run a brewing cycle without coffee to effectively clean the machine.
Brew cleaners work wonders for keeping your travel mug and portable thermos spotless.
Recommended cleaners: Unrex Tabz and Cafetto Brew Clean
Choosing powders or tablets over liquid options is advisable for environmental sustainability, and it tends to be more economical as well.
Tip from CoffeeNose👃: After you clean and descale your coffee maker, mark the date on your filter pack. This will help you keep track of your brews according to the number of filters you've utilized. Start this routine with a new pack of filters.
What about my grinder?
Cleaning your grinder is crucial for optimal performance. The grinding burrs produce heat, which can cause oils from the coffee beans to accumulate in the grinding chamber and exit chute. Regular maintenance helps prevent stale flavors from tainting your coffee and boosts the grinder's efficiency, while also extending the life of the burrs.

Begin with a bellow blower and brush to remove debris, then apply a grinder cleaner for a deeper clean.
Recommended grinder cleaners: Urnex Grindz and Cafetto Grinder Clean
Cleaning & Descaling