If your coffee tastes off or your Breville machine feels slow, scale is usually the reason. Mineral build up affects temperature, pressure and flow, and it shortens the life of the machine. This guide shows you how to descale a Breville coffee machine step by step, how to clean an espresso machine properly, and the easiest ways to keep yours running well.
Why Descaling Matters
Minerals from tap water collect inside the boiler and lines. Over time, you get:
- Weak or uneven coffee
- Slow water flow
- Noisy pump
- Higher energy use
- Risk of blockages or breakdowns
Breville machines rely on tight temperature and pressure control. When scale forms, heating becomes inconsistent and pumps work harder than they should.
What actually causes this
Minerals coat the heating element and narrow the water channels. The machine has to push harder to get the right pressure, and temperature drops. That’s why shots start tasting flat, sour or bitter even if your beans are fine.
How to Descale a Breville Coffee Machine
This guide covers common Breville models like the Barista Express, Barista Pro, Barista Touch, Bambino Plus and Oracle.
What you need
- Breville descaling solution or an espresso-machine-safe descaler (usually citric acid based)
- Large container
- Fresh water
Steps
Empty the machine
Take out the portafilter, remove any coffee grounds and empty the water tank.
Mix the descaling solution
Add the descaler to the tank and fill with water according to the instructions. Avoid vinegar. Breville recommends proper espresso-machine descalers because vinegar can leave residue, affect taste and damage seals or metal parts over time.
Run the descale cycle
Breville machines have a descale mode, but the button combo depends on the model.
For example, the Bambino Plus enters descale mode by holding the 1 CUP and STEAM buttons for several seconds.
Check your model’s manual or on-screen prompts for the exact steps.
Flush the system
Run the solution through both the brew head and the steam wand until the tank is empty.
Rinse
Refill the tank with clean water and run a full tank through again to clear any remaining descaler.
Clean the steam wand
Purge the wand and wipe it so no descaler residue dries inside the tip.
How often to descale
You should descale a Breville coffee machine every 1 to 3 months, depending on:
- How hard your water is
- How often you use the machine
- Whether you use a water filter
In very hard-water areas or with heavy daily use, monthly descaling is reasonable.
How to Clean Any Coffee Machine
Descaling removes mineral build up. Cleaning removes oils, milk residue and coffee particles. You need both.
Daily
- Empty and rinse the portafilter or filter basket
- Purge the steam wand
- Wipe down the machine
- Empty the drip tray
Weekly
- Wash the water tank
- Clean the group head or brew basket
- Do a clear-water backflush after each session if your Breville model supports it
- Use cleaning tablets weekly or fortnightly (cleaning tablets remove coffee oils, not scale)
Monthly
- Deep clean the drip tray and waste bin
- Check the steam wand tip for blockages
- Clean grinders and hoppers (Breville grinders usually just need a gentle brush out)
How Often Should You Clean vs Descale
|
Task |
Frequency |
Why it matters |
|
Daily cleaning |
Every day |
Stops coffee oils from going rancid |
|
Backflushing |
Weekly or fortnightly |
Clears the group head and improves flow |
|
Descaling |
Every 1 to 3 months |
Removes mineral buildup and protects the heating system |
|
Steam wand clean |
After every use |
Prevents sour milk residue and blocked tips |
|
Grinder clean |
Monthly |
Keeps grind size consistent |
Signs Your Machine Needs Attention
- Coffee tastes bitter or sour
- Water flow is slower than usual
- Milk texturing takes longer
- The machine sounds louder
- Shot temperature feels inconsistent
- Shots run faster or slower than normal
- On many newer Breville machines you’ll see a DESCALE or CLEAN / DESCALE message or indicator light when it’s time.
Troubleshooting
Descale light won’t turn off
Some Breville models need you to complete both the brew and steam stages of the descale cycle before the light resets. Missing one stage keeps the alert active.
Won’t enter descale mode
The water tank may not be seated properly, or the button combo might need to be held longer than you expect. On touchscreen models, the descale option can be buried in the menu.
Flow still slow after descaling
Loose scale can move through the system after the first cycle. Run a second rinse to flush everything out. If flow is still restricted, the steam wand tip may also need cleaning.
Simple Ways to Keep Your Machine Cleaner for Longer
- Use filtered water when possible
- Empty the tank before going away
- Rinse the portafilter right after pulling a shot
- Purge the wand every time you heat milk
- Keep the grinder dry and free of oils
- Many Breville espresso models use ClaroSwiss water filters. Replace them roughly every 90 days or as your machine recommends
FAQs
Can I descale with vinegar?
Technically you can, and plenty of people do, but it’s not recommended. Vinegar leaves a strong smell, affects taste and can shorten the life of seals and metal parts. Use an espresso-machine-safe descaler instead.
Can I use a generic descaler?
Yes, as long as it’s made for espresso machines. For the safest option, use Breville’s own descaler or a reputable coffee-machine brand.
How long does descaling take?
Most Breville machines take around 20 to 30 minutes, including the rinse cycle.
Do I need to descale if I use filtered water?
Yes. Filtered water slows scale buildup but doesn’t stop it. You still need to descale, just less often.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your coffee machine clean is the easiest way to keep flavour consistent and protect the appliance long term. If you follow these steps for how to descale a Breville coffee machine and stick to a regular cleaning routine, your machine will run smoothly and your coffee will taste the way it should.
