Any coffee machine needs to be descaled from time to time. Water contains calcium and magnesium salts, which when heated break down and form a sediment that turns into scale. Over time, the speed of water flow slows down, the power decreases, the mechanism overheats and ultimately this can lead to breakdown. We tell you everything about descaling a Saeco coffee machine: when, how and what to do it with.
How do you know when it's time to descale?
Saeko coffee machines signal that it is time to clean. On average, this happens once every three months, but it all depends on how intensively you use the device and the quality of the water. The coffee maker has a special meter that determines the volume of water and, depending on its hardness, recommends cleaning:
- If there is a screen, the inscription “Descall” is displayed on it;
- If there is no screen, the corresponding indicator on the panel turns on.
You can tell that it’s time to clean your coffee maker by the change in coffee taste – a little chalky, soapy, or cloudy.
Coffee machine lubricant
To improve the performance of internal parts and protect them from excessive friction, regular Vaseline or a special food-grade lubricant is used in coffee makers. This must be done every 500 servings. O-rings, grooves, gears - everything that moves during operation - is lubricated.
Carefully! Do not use industrial oils, as if they get into the drink it can cause poisoning
What happens if you don't clean it?
Saeco coffee machines are quite reliable and work for a long time, even when the system is very dirty. But it’s better not to do this, because you can ruin the mechanism, and the coffee won’t be as tasty. Here's what happens if you don't descale:
- The drink turns out less strong, since the water cannot heat up to the desired temperature in a short time.
- The coffee machine is noisier, heating water and its passage are complicated.
- The volume of the drink becomes slightly smaller.
- Due to improper brewing, a beautiful foam cannot form.
- A whitish coating, microparticles, and scale fragments are visible in the cup.
Timely and proper descaling of your Saeco coffee machine extends its service life and ensures the perfect taste of coffee.
Why does scale form?
All the good things that a Saeco coffee machine has can be ruined by just one thing – scale. Like any equipment that requires heating water to operate, coffee machines are also susceptible to this negative factor.
Water is the main cause of scale formation, but it’s not the liquid, but the impurities that are present in it. Salts, trace elements, sulfates, nitrates, the chain can be continued for a long time, because in each area this set is completely individual. Not only tap water is dangerous, but also purchased water; it does not protect the device, but only delays the inevitable.
Coffee machine descaling products
Saeco offers its own special products that are guaranteed to remove even old plaque without damaging the device from the inside. You can also use Philips products; the Saeko brand belongs to them, so the products may say either way. As a last resort, take any other professional cleaning products designed specifically for coffee machines, and not for descaling in general.
It is better to take liquid products, but you can also take tablets - in this case they are dissolved in the specified amount of water.
Do not use liquids based on mineral acids. They can be recognized by the sulfamic (NH2SO3H), sulfuric (H2SO4) and hydrochloric (HCL) acids they contain.
We do not recommend using citric acid, heated Coca-Cola and similar products that are used to descale teapots, although there are also positive results of such cleaning of coffee machines online. The risk of damaging thin plastic tubes is quite high, and if something goes wrong, repairs will be very expensive.
Machine cleaning products
It is best to use professional products to clean the Saeko Philips coffee machine - liquids, tablets, powders - this is what you should do according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
But users try to save money, so they add citric acid to the water. The difference is that in addition to citric acid, professional products also contain other organic substances that dissolve scale and wash away coffee fat deposits.
To properly clean a Philips Saeco coffee machine, as happens when using manufacturer’s products, the self-cleaning process needs to be run 3-4 times. The same goes for acetic acid.
Pills
The tablets are needed to remove oil deposits in the brewing unit and in the ground coffee compartment. They contain safe soda-based compounds. It is necessary to rinse with tablets at intervals of 350 cups. Usually the machine counts portions, so calculating the schedule is not difficult.
The advantage of the tablets is that they protect surfaces from the formation of oil deposits, that is, next time the fat will accumulate longer.
The cost of one cleaning will cost about $1, but the tablets are sold in packs of 10 pieces.
Liquid solutions
Cleaning your Philips coffee machine with a liquid solution is used to remove scale. It contains several organic acids that dissolve lime deposits. The cost of one procedure will cost approximately 7 - 8 dollars, but it needs to be done once every 2 months.
The solution is mixed with water and poured into the tank, then the cleaning mode is started, after which the tank is filled with clean water and the system is washed.
The second type of liquid is intended for a cappuccino maker. It is not recommended to save on this product, especially if the cappuccino maker is not removable. It is quite difficult to completely eliminate the fatty layer, and the machine often breaks down due to problems with the milk system and requires service repair.
Liquid is poured into the milk container, then a hose is lowered into it and the machine draws in the cleaning agent. After the procedure is completed, the block is washed with water.
Automatic descaling of Saeco coffee machine
It is advisable to find instructions, since some models have their own characteristics, but you can cope without them. You don't have to turn off the machine, but it must be cooled down so that the water heating boiler does not become hot. It will not heat up during the process, but you should not clean it immediately after you have prepared the drink; wait at least an hour.
- Pour cleaning agent into the water container. The standard proportion is 250 ml of product and 750 - 1000 ml of warm, but not hot water. You can simply add water to the top mark.
- Place a bowl under the pouring spout to collect the used product.
- Press the auto clean button for 5-7 seconds to start the cycle.
If the last cleaning was carried out a long time ago, you can first brew 2-3 cups of hot water, then turn off the hot water tap, and brew 2 cups of coffee along with the cleaning agent, and only then run a full auto-cleaning. Of course, pour out the coffee.
Cleaning with citric acid
It is not recommended to clean the coffee machine with citric acid, as it corrodes the gaskets. If you decide to wash your coffee machine:
- Dissolve 40 gr. citric acid per 1 liter. warm water.
- Pour the solution into a water container.
- Remove the pannarello nozzle from the steam unit.
- Start cleaning mode.
A good way to descale your coffee machine are descale tablets. Use 3 tablets per 1 liter. water. The principle of cleaning with tablets is the same as with liquid acids.
Descaling a Saeco coffee machine without autocleaning
You will need some time, so allow about two hours for the entire process. During this time, you will have to focus exclusively on the coffee maker. The coffee machine must be cold; hot acid is stronger and there is a risk of damage.
- Dilute the cleaning agent in water and pour it into the water container.
- Turn on the coffee maker and pour in 3 cups of water.
- Unplug and let stand for 10 minutes.
- Do the previous steps three times.
- Turn off the hot water tap and brew the coffee with the cleaning solution until all the liquid is gone.
- Rinse the water container and operating unit with warm, clean water. Pour water into a container and run it through the system. Repeat 3 times.
How to Know When Cleaning Is Needed
The frequency of cleaning a Saeco coffee machine is a purely personal matter. It is very stupid to wait for any special signals, because a stage may come at which ordinary cleaning is no longer sufficient, and you will have to make expensive repairs.
If you know that you have hard water in your area, then monthly preventive measures are a must. If it is soft, then a six-month cleaning frequency is quite acceptable.
But those who neglected the timely procedure may notice the following problems:
- the finished coffee began to flow out more slowly and with less pressure;
- the operation of the machine is accompanied by an unusual hum;
- a white sediment appeared at the bottom of the cup of drink.
These are the very critical signs that indicate that your Saeco coffee machine requires cleaning.
Descaling procedure 2
Descaling cycle
1) Empty the water tank and fill it with the full amount of Philips/Saeco descaling solution. Fill with fresh water up to the MAX and replace the tank. 2) Place a container under the steam/hot water wand. 3) Press the HOT WATER button (if your model has a STEAM button, skip this step). 4) Turn the SWITCH to the HOT WATER/STEAM position and pour 300 ml of descale solution into a container. 5) Move the SWITCH to the “POT” position to stop the fluid flow. 6) Empty the container, put it back and turn off the device for 10 minutes. 7) After 10 minutes, turn on the coffee machine and repeat steps 3-5 until the water in the reservoir runs out and the ALERTS indicator lights up. Move the SWITCH to the “POT” position.
First wash cycle. 
Empty the container and put it back. Rinse the water tank and fill it with fresh water to the MAX . 9) Press the HOT WATER button if it is not lit (if your model has a STEAM button, skip this step). 10) Turn the SWITCH to the HOT WATER/STEAM position. The coffee machine will start dispensing water through the steam wand. 11) Move the SWITCH to the “POT” position when the tank is empty.
Second wash cycle. 12) Empty the container and put it back. Rinse the water tank and fill it with fresh water to the MAX . 13) Press the HOT WATER button if it is not lit (if your model has a STEAM button, skip this step). 14) Turn the SWITCH to the HOT WATER/STEAM position. The coffee machine will start dispensing water through the steam wand. 15) Move the SWITCH to the “POT” position when the tank is empty. 16) Press and hold (about 6 seconds) the HOT WATER or STEAM button (depending on model) until the DESCALING indicator goes off. 17) Rinse the water tank and fill it with fresh water to the MAX . Install it in your car. 18) Rinse the drip tray and replace it. 19) Reinstall the panarello/cappuccino maker and INTENZA+ filter (if applicable). 20) You can start making coffee again.
The information on this page applies to models: RI9752/11, RI9755/11, RI9752/47, RI9755/21, RI9752/41, RI9752/43, RI9752/48, RI9752/01, RI9752/31. Click here to show more product numbers Click here to show fewer product numbers
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Descaling Instructions - Rinse Cycle Steps 15-18
15) Once the rinsing cycle has completed, the display will show the ready symbol. Press the CAPPUCCINO or MENU button to complete the descaling process. Important information . If the display shows an empty water tank symbol instead of the ready symbol, the tank has not been filled to the MAX or Calc Clean . Fill the reservoir to the MAX line and perform another flush cycle. Repeat step 13 until the ready symbol is displayed. You may have to repeat this procedure several times until the ready symbol appears on the display.
16) The coffee machine will automatically fill the system circuit. If the process does not start automatically, press the ESPRESSO button to fill the outline.
17) Drain the drip tray and replace it.
18) Wash the milk jug.
19) The coffee machine is now ready for use.
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Which descaling procedure to choose?
The descaling procedure depends on the model and serial number of your Saeco Odea coffee machine and whether repairs have been carried out. The model number and serial number are located on a label on the inside of the service door.
Descaling procedure 1 is always used in the following cases:
- the label shows the serial number TW901249xxxx or greater ;
- The coffee machine was serviced/repaired at one of our service centers after December 3, 2012 (the original instructions included in the package are no longer valid).
Descaling procedure 2 is always used in the following cases:
- The label shows a serial number less than TW901249xxxx .
Descaling procedure 1
Attention: Once you start the descaling procedure, you must complete it.
Descaling cycle
1) Empty the water tank and fill it with the full amount of Philips/Saeco descaling solution. Fill with fresh water up to the MAX and replace the tank. 2) Place one container under the steam/hot water wand and the other under the spout. 3) Press and hold the HOT WATER button or STEAM button (depending on your machine model) for about 6 seconds until the DESCALING indicator, HOT WATER button or STEAM button lights up continuously. Important information! If the HEAT indicator lights up continuously, the machine needs to be drained. Turn the CONTROLLER to the HOT WATER/STEAM position and wait until the HEATING indicator starts flashing. Press and hold the HOT WATER or STEAM button (depending on model) for 6 seconds to restart the descaling process.
4) The coffee machine will start dispensing liquid into the spout at certain intervals. This takes approximately 10 minutes. Wait until the HEAT indicator lights up steadily. Note. The HOT WATER or STEAM button (depending on the model) lights up steadily during descaling.
5) When the HEAT indicator lights up, turn the SWITCH to the HOT WATER/STEAM position. The coffee machine will begin dispensing liquid through the steam outlet tube at regular intervals. Liquid supply will continue until the water in the tank runs out. This takes approximately 15 minutes. Wait until the HEAT indicator starts flashing. 6) When the HEAT indicator starts flashing and the ALERTS indicator lights up, move the SWITCH to the “POT” position.
Before starting the descaling cycle
- A complete descaling cycle takes approximately 30 minutes and consists of cleaning and rinsing cycles.
- Once you start the descaling procedure, you need to complete it.
- Use Saeco/Philips CA7600 or CA6701 descaling solution. Do not use vinegar to descale.
Getting Started
- Drain the drip tray.
- Prepare a container to collect water during the descaling process.
- Remove the INTENZA+ water filter from the water tank (if equipped).
- Remove the panarello / cappuccino maker / automatic cappuccino maker (if equipped).
Before starting the descaling cycle
- A complete descaling cycle takes approximately 30 minutes and consists of cleaning and rinsing cycles.
- Once you start the descaling process, you need to finish it.
- Use Saeco/Philips CA7600 or CA6701 solution, never use vinegar to descale.
Getting Started
- Drain the drip tray.
- Prepare a container to collect water during the descaling process.
- Remove the INTENZA+ water filter from the water tank (if equipped).
- Remove the panarello / cappuccino maker / automatic cappuccino maker (if equipped).
- For machines with a milk carafe: Fill the milk carafe to the minimum level with clean water and place it in the machine.
Descaling Instructions - Descaling Cycle Steps 1-4
1) Press the MENU button and select the DESCAL symbol. To start descaling, press the ESPRESSO button.
2) The display will show the descaling agent symbol.
3) Remove the water tank. Pour the entire bottle of Saeco descaling solution into the water tank.
4) Add clean water to the tank up to the MAX . (Be sure to fill the reservoir to the MAX line, otherwise additional flushing will be required). Reinstall the water tank into the coffee machine.
Descaling instructions for Minuto coffee machines **with display**
1) Press the MENU button and select CALC CLEAN. To start descaling, press the ESPRESSO button. Coffee machines without a MENU button: press the CALC CLEAN button, select CALC CLEAN, press the ESPRESSO button to start descaling. 2) The display will show the descaling agent symbol. For coffee machines with a milk carafe: the machine will display a reminder to place the milk carafe filled to the minimum level with water and move the carafe dispenser to the right (toward the steam symbol). 3) Remove the water tank. Pour the entire bottle of Saeco descaling solution into the water tank. 4) Add clean water to the tank up to the DESCALING MAX mark . 5) Reinstall the water tank into the coffee machine. 6) Place the bowl under the steam/hot water wand/milk carafe dispenser and coffee spout (depending on whether the machine comes with a milk carafe). 7) Press the corresponding button to start the descaling procedure. Depending on the coffee machine model, this may be the AROMA/PRE GROUND or CAPPUCCINO button (see the coffee machine display). The machine will dispense descaling solution at specified intervals. The display panel shows the progress of the process. This will take approximately 25 minutes.
9) When the descaling solution is used up, the LACK OF WATER symbol will appear on the display. 10) Rinse the water tank, fill it with clean water to the MAX and replace it. The display will show the symbol for starting the rinsing cycle. 11) For coffee machines with a milk carafe: rinse the carafe, fill it with clean water up to the MIN mark and place it in the coffee machine. Slide the milk jug dispenser to the right (toward the steam symbol). 12) Reinstall the bowl. 13) Press the appropriate button to start the flush cycle . Depending on the coffee machine model, this may be the AROMA/PRE GROUND or CAPPUCCINO button (see the coffee machine display). 14) If the READY symbol is shown on the display, the rinsing cycle is complete. Note. If the LOW WATER symbol appears on the display instead of the READY symbol, repeat steps 10–13 until the READY symbol appears. The procedure may need to be repeated several times.
15) Press the corresponding button to exit the menu. Depending on the coffee machine model, this may be the ESPRESSO/STEAM/SPECIAL DRINKS button (see the coffee machine display). 16) The machine will heat up and perform an automatic rinse cycle. 17) Drain the drip tray and replace it. For coffee machines with a milk carafe: Wash the carafe. 18) The device is ready for use.
Cleaning your Philips Saeco coffee machine
Regular mechanical cleaning is necessary for the removable structures of the coffee machine. To ensure that the drink is served at a stable intensity, monitor the condition of the coffee funnel. Another pitfall is the state of drinking water. Even purified liquid contains a proportion of minerals and salts, which are deposited on the heating elements of the coffee machine in the form of scale.
To remove scale in Saeco devices, a special product, CA6704, is used. It is adapted to the functionality of the coffee machine and prevents rapid wear of parts. In addition to cleaning the main parts, you need to wash the cappuccino maker regularly. This guarantees the preparation of beautiful and tasty milk foam. The manufacturer has released Philips Saeco CA6705 for the cappuccino maker and milk jug. It copes well with difficult tasks such as dried milk and coffee particles.
Descaling Instructions - Descaling Cycle Steps 5 - 9
5) Place the bowl under the milk jug dispenser and spout.
6) For machines with a milk carafe: place the milk carafe half full of water and slide the carafe dispenser to the right until the MILK FOAM icon is reached.
7) Press the ESPRESSO or COFFEE button to start descaling.
The machine will dispense descaling solution at specified intervals. The display panel shows the progress of the process. This takes approximately 20 minutes.
9) When the descaling solution is used up, the LACK OF WATER symbol will appear on the display.
Which descaling procedure to choose?
There are different Saeco Minuto models on sale.
- If your Saeco Minuto coffee machine has a display, follow the instructions in the “Descaling instructions for Minuto coffee machines with display” section.
- If your Saeco Minuto coffee machine does not have a display, follow the instructions in the “Descaling instructions for Minuto coffee machines without a display” section.
Here you will find a video on descaling most models of Saeco Minuto coffee machines. After watching it, you will get a general idea of the process.
- Remember, detailed instructions for descaling are provided in the operating instructions for the coffee machine.
Descaling Instructions - Rinse Cycle Steps 12-14
12) For coffee machines with a milk carafe: drain the water from the carafe, fill the milk carafe with water to the Min mark and place it in the coffee machine. Slide the milk jug dispenser to the right until you reach the MILK FOAM icon.
13) Reinstall the bowl. Press the ESPRESSO button. The machine will start the first rinse cycle .
14) When the display shows NO WATER, fill the tank with fresh water to the MAX or CALC CLEAN . Install the water tank and press the ESPRESSO button to start the second rinse cycle .
