How often to descale espresso machine in home use environment

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chevy64
Posts: 5
Joined: 11 years ago

#1: Post by chevy64 »

I purchased, and completely rebuilt, a used Astoria Argenta single group espresso machine last year. I descaled all the parts, the boiler and tubing using citric acid. I drink only straight espresso and my frequency is 2 doubles during the week and 4 to 5 doubles on the weekend. I do a chemical backflush of the group once a week as well. The machine is plumbed in and there is a filter in the water line going to the machine. Based on this how often should I expect to have to do a through descaling?

baristabrian
Posts: 6
Joined: 10 years ago

#2: Post by baristabrian »

Before I could give you a good answer I would need to know a bit more info such as:

1. The filter you mention. Is it just a particulate filter or is it also a softener?
2. What is the total hardness level of your water?

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cannonfodder
Team HB
Posts: 10497
Joined: 19 years ago

#3: Post by cannonfodder »

It depends. Here is long thread discussing descaling.

Water, Scaling and Descaling with HX machines?
Dave Stephens

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Dooglas
Posts: 64
Joined: 18 years ago

#4: Post by Dooglas »

Jim Schulman's "Insanely Long Water FAQ" is also worth a read. He takes on the question of how long it takes for scale build-up to occur under different water conditions.

http://web.archive.org/web/200805260723 ... erfaq.html