Hi all,

Just descaling my La Pavoni and while the product ('Oust' - a UK supermarket-bought kettle descaler) was fizzing away in the tank I lowered in the removed steam wand to make sure the tube was descaled.

All went well but I notice the outside of the steam wand has gone a suspiciously brassy/copper colour... Have I permanently removed the chrome? I really hope not!

The advice on the packet says nothing about keeping away from chrome and their website confidently states it will not damage anything.

Is it possible the chrome is underneath something that the descaler has deposited on top? .. and if so any thoughts on how to get rid of it?

Any advice much appreciated

One of the infamous results of descaling an E-61 machine is that the chrome on the inside of the brewhead comes off in tiny flecks and clogs up the rest of the system. So, yes, the odds are pretty good you stripped the chrome off your steam wand.