G'day all,

Well, I'm wondering what members here use to descale their boilers/elements? I've had this machine for a little over a year, and I assumed the Clean-Caf I was using was doing it's job. WRONG! !

The details:

1. I use bottled spring water when I can (about 60% of the time), Britta filtered tap water when I forget to replenish.

2. I used the Clean-Caf about every 3 months.

3. Yesterday was the first time I removed the element and really looked into the boiler. Yes, I was shocked!

4. Last night, I used a packet of Clean-caf, let the element run through cycles for about two hours, and left the solution in the boiler overnight.

5. This morning, I removed the element expecting clean surfaces, and this is what I spotted (no real change from before, Hummppff!).


Heating Element


Boiler


So, any advice? The machine is taking about 5 mins longer now to reach operating temp, and I don't want to stress out the components. I believe I read somewhere that the Britta doesn't remove minerals, just chemicals, but I didn't realise our tap water was so hard.

I want to be clean again!

Hogfire

The water I have is pretty hard. I've had good luck with citric acid. Mild yet effective.

I've used Durgol several times early on but I found it foamed a lot. Immediately after a decalcification session using Durgol I noticed the ancient seals on the site glass of my old Europiccola started leaking slightly. Granted the seals would have needed replacement sooner rather than later, but it felt to me like this foamy stuff definitely hastened their demise. Then again maybe the only thing keeping it from leaking was the scale buildup.

Jon

Should I send directions on my wire brush technique? Hopefully you don't have to resort to that....

Where in Indianapolis are you? My wife is going out over the weekend for a church thing. I can give her a couple packets of the delimer I used if you want to go by the hotel and pick them up. Works wonderfully, and quickly.

I descaled my Factory this weekend. It was not as bad as yours, but it only took about 20 minutes of soaking to get everything spotless. I also used the same stuff on my Faema rebuild. I just mixed up a batch, poured it into the boiler, turned it on to heat until I just started to get some pressure (210F) and let it sit. Dumped, rinsed three times, filled, heated, flushed refill. Took less than one hour start to finish.

Wow,

I'm just floored by the consideration and kindness displayed by members of this forum. What a great group to be a part of!

Yes siree, I've been frustrated to no end trying to get rid of the diamond-hard scale from my stressed and compromised machine. Tried a double-dose of Clean-caf, no change to the heating element and only able to wipe out a minimal amount from the boiler walls. Then I tried citric acid, again, nada. Steve, I'm very tempted to try your method, but then I come to my senses and realise that I'd probably tear up the heating element, lose my balance, and wind up shredding my face to ribbons. I'm moronic like that sometimes!

Cannonfodder, your offer is too generous, and I'd be very grateful to try some of the industrial delimer you have access to. I live just outside of downtown, and if your wife doesn't mind, I'd be able to drive anywhere to meet. PM me at my username, gmail. How's the Faema coming along? I've been reading about your progress with great interest!

A great big thanks to all,

Hogfire

No problem. I cant really say who it is Mcmade for because it is a McProprietary McProduct. But if look real Mchard you may figure out what McRestaurant we supply.

This stuff is incredible and was made for coffee machines, ice machines etc. Heat is the key, the hotter the solution, the quicker it works.

The Faema is pumping out liquid love.

Did you get the stuff?

No, but I did get banged up pretty badly in a car accident Saturday morning, spent the night in hospital. Sent details to your PM address. Painkillers are keeping me from thinking and planning at the moment, I'll decide what to do tomorrow if your wife left the packets at the front desk. Please relay my apologies to her, and thanks for all your help.

Hogfire

Sorry to hear that...best wishes on a speedy recovery.

I got your email. Sorry to hear about the accident, glad it was not any worse. She did leave the package at the front desk of the hotel. Hopefully they will hold on to it for a couple of days. If not, let me know and I will toss some in the mail.

Rest up. It may be difficult to pull shots with an injured back.