How to Descale Your Breville Barista Express

Descaling your Breville Barista Express is a crucial maintenance step that ensures the longevity and performance of your espresso machine. Over time, water used in brewing can leave mineral deposits inside the machine, which can affect the taste of your coffee, reduce the efficiency of the machine, and even cause malfunctions if left unchecked. Regular descaling removes these deposits, ensuring that your coffee tastes fresh and your machine operates smoothly.

Signs Your Breville Barista Express Needs Descaling

• Reduced water flow from the espresso spout
• Longer time to brew a cup of coffee
• Lower water temperature than usual
• Strange noises or louder operation
• Unpleasant taste or coffee is not as hot
• Machine alerts or indicator lights suggest descaling is needed
• Visible scale buildup in the water tank or on machine parts

What You'll Need

• Breville descaling solution or a compatible descaling solution
• A large container to catch the water (at least 2 liters)
• A clean, damp cloth
• Access to fresh water for rinsing
• Approximately 20 minutes of your time

Step-by-Step Guide to Descaling Your Breville Barista Express

1. Turn off your Breville Barista Express machine and unplug it from the electrical outlet.
2. Remove the water tank, empty it, and then refill it with a mixture of water and the descaling solution according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Reattach the water tank to the machine and plug the machine back into the electrical outlet.
4. Place a large container under the coffee spout to catch the descaling solution as it is dispensed.
5. Turn on your machine, select the descale function, and follow the on-screen or manual instructions to start the descaling process.
6. Wait for the descaling process to complete. This may take some time, as the solution needs to work through the machine to remove scale buildup.
7. Once the descaling process is complete, empty and rinse the water tank thoroughly.
8. Refill the water tank with fresh water, reattach it to the machine, and run the machine without coffee a few times to rinse any remaining descaling solution from the system.
9. Empty the drip tray and any containers used to catch the descaling solution and rinse them with fresh water.
10. Wipe down the machine with a damp cloth to remove any residue or spills.

How Often Should You Descale Your Breville Barista Express?

To maintain optimal performance and ensure the longevity of your Breville Barista Express, it is recommended to descale the machine every 2-3 months. This frequency can vary depending on the hardness of your water and how often you use the machine. Regular descaling removes mineral buildup, ensuring your coffee tastes its best and your machine operates efficiently.

Troubleshooting Common Issues After Descaling

Common Problem	Solution
Water Flow is Slow	Check if the water lines are clear and not clogged with residual scale. Flush the system with clean water.
Machine is Leaking	Ensure all parts are correctly reassembled and tightly secured. Check for any damaged seals or gaskets and replace if necessary.
Unusual Noise During Operation	Descale again with a fresh solution to remove any remaining scale deposits. Make sure all air is purged from the system.
Poor Coffee Taste	Rinse the machine thoroughly with clean water to remove any residual descaling solution. Use fresh coffee beans or grounds.
Machine Does Not Start	Check the power source and ensure the machine is properly plugged in. Reset the machine if necessary.

Maintaining Your Breville Barista Express Post-Descaling

After descaling your Breville Barista Express, it's crucial to maintain it properly to ensure prolonged efficiency and lifespan. Always use fresh, filtered water to prevent scale buildup. Clean the filter basket and portafilter after each use to remove coffee oil residues. Weekly, clean the drip tray, water tank, and outer surfaces with a damp cloth. Replace the water filter every two months to ensure the best tasting coffee and machine protection. Lastly, perform a backflush with a cleaning tablet monthly to keep the internal parts clean and functioning smoothly.