When I step into the kitchen one morning after two freshly brewed espressos, I often get a little startled. My dear coffee maker then looks a bit shaky, with some limescale on the kettle and a stain here and there. Not my prettiest picture, but very recognizable for every mom who wants to make her own comforting cup. In this blog, I’ll tell you laughingly (and a bit ironically) how you too can easily descale your coffee maker and keep it shining – all in a sustainable way, without chemical cleaning agents. Along the way, I’ll share 10 green cleaning tips that will make your kitchen and the environment smile. Before we start: gather some soapy water, a bit of vinegar or citric acid, and maybe a Scrub Daddy sponge or soft brush.
Preparation: what do you need?
Before we get started, a quick preparation. Fill the water jug and coffee pot and remove the filter. If there is any ground coffee left in the machine, throw it away. You really want to start clean. Get a bowl or bucket ready for rinsing. To descale environmentally friendly, you can choose household remedies: citric acid or white vinegar (preferably diluted) work well and are natural. If you want convenience, there are also green descaling products in the store. I like to choose The Pink Stuff Cleaning Paste, because this paste is made from natural ingredients and cleans everything in the kitchen sparkling clean – including your coffee maker. And of course a cheerful Scrub Daddy sponge, because warm water makes it soft for light scrubbing and cold water makes it firm for stubborn limescale.
- Tip 1: Use cleaning supplies you already have at home. A mixture of two tablespoons of citric acid or vinegar in warm water is a cheap and green descaler.
- Tip 2: Use a reusable cloth or sponge instead of disposable wipes. This reduces waste and keeps your machine clean.
Step 1: Remove old limescale
First, empty the entire device. Dispose of any leftover coffee and unplug the machine. Fill the water reservoir with a mixture of water and citric acid solution: 2–3 tablespoons of citric acid (available at the drugstore) per liter of warm water. Let this acid power source sit in the reservoir for a while (at least 15 minutes). This step loosens the old limescale. After soaking, I always run the machine for half a brewing cycle (without coffee). Then turn off the machine and let the remaining mixture sit a bit longer.
Tip 3: Is the limescale very encrusted? Then first fill the reservoir to the top with lukewarm (not boiling) water and let it sit overnight with a teaspoon of baking soda or citric acid in it. The next morning you will see that the limescale is easier to remove. Do not use aggressive abrasives to avoid scratches!
Step 2: Thorough rinsing and cleaning
After the limescale has dissolved, rinse the machine several times with clean water. Run two full boiling cycles with only water so that all acids are rinsed away. This is super important because we really don’t want a sour aftertaste in our coffee (an eco-cup already tastes wonderfully fresh). Then take a cloth or sponge and a bit of The Pink Stuff to wipe the outside and the coffee pot. The 100% natural character of The Pink Stuff protects your machine while wiping away dirt. Don’t forget the filter holder: remove it (without coffee) and clean it. Then dry all parts well, because even water can leave some limescale in hard tap water.
- Tip 4: Use an old water jug or watering can (rinse it out) to rinse cups and reservoirs. This way you don’t waste extra water.
- Tip 5: Don’t just throw away the (lukewarm) rinse water! You can use that water to water your plants, flush the toilet, or cook potatoes. This way we give all the cleaned water a second life.
Step 3: The Pink Stuff magic
Then the finishing touch: rub everything with The Pink Stuff Paste. Take a few dabs of Pink Stuff on a damp sponge and gently go over the housing, the bean reservoir lid, or any limescale spots on the warming plate. The result? A sparkling device without streaks or crumbs. Rinse any residue off with clean water. This step almost feels like a mini spa treatment for your machine: you are guaranteed to be proud of your clean device, and it might even smell nice and fresh thanks to the natural scent of the paste. This friendly cleaner makes your kitchen shine without toxic fumes.
- Tip 6: Use an old toothbrush to clean corners instead of aggressive chemicals. This way you reach all the small spots without harming the environment.
- Tip 7: Get the dishwasher or sink ready for the final rinsing. Saves energy and water if you do those last steps during the dishwashing.
Sustainable advice: maintenance and refilling
A clean coffee maker is a happy device, but prevention is of course better. Schedule a quick descaling every few months to prevent limescale buildup. Refill your cleaning bottles: many brands (such as Asevi or Pink Stuff itself) have refills, so you produce less plastic waste. Also choose eco-friendly dish and cleaning products (biodegradable). Turn off your coffee maker when you’re done, or use the timer if it has one. This way you use less energy. Oh yes, also check the manual: some devices offer an eco-mode or energy-saving mode. This way you enjoy your coffee and save the planet.
- Tip 8: Use drip trays or a cloth under the machine during descaling so you don’t rinse drops or grit down the drain.
- Tip 9: Replace filter cartridges or old hoses if needed. Good maintenance prevents premature replacement of your device.
- Tip 10: Want really less limescale? Invest in an affordable water softener or filter for your tap. This way you build up less limescale in your devices at all – and save water and cleaning agents in the long run.
FAQs
Can I also descale my coffee maker with vinegar? Certainly. (Cleaning) vinegar is a fine household descaler. Dilute the vinegar with water (for example 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water), run a cycle, and rinse well. Vinegar smells strong, but a good rinse makes it fresh. Citric acid is odor-neutral, so that’s a nice alternative. In any case: thorough rinsing is key.
Does descaling with natural agents make my machine less effective? Not at all. Too much limescale actually hinders the coffee taste. With a clean machine, your water flows nicely again, which benefits the flavor. Moreover, The Pink Stuff removes residues without leaving toxic chemicals behind.
What if limescale residues remain? Remember: better to rinse one time too many than too few. Just start another short wash cycle with only water. The next time you use the machine, you’ll get a clean cup of coffee right away.
Treat yourself from now on to that golden latte foam without nasty limescale rings. Get started with these tips and try for example The Pink Stuff Paste for extra convenience.