Coffee machine needs cleaning or descaling
Flow has slowed noticeably over time, coffee tastes increasingly off regardless of recipe changes, or visible mineral scale is present.
Applies to: Espresso machine, Moka pot
Safety note
Always unplug electrical machines before cleaning any part near the heating element or electrical components. Never dismantle a sealed pressure or heating component — for anything beyond routine external cleaning and manufacturer-approved descaling, consult the manufacturer manual or a qualified technician.
Likely causes and adjustments
Try one adjustment at a time so you know what actually changed the result. Start with the first cause below — if it doesn't help, reveal the next.
Cause 1 of 2 · Commonly the cause
Mineral scale buildup from hard water
Has it been longer than the manufacturer's recommended descaling interval?
Descale following the manufacturer's instructions and recommended descaling product.
What to change
Specific adjustments for this symptom, with what each one trades off.
Work it out
Interactive tools that take you through this one change at a time.
Learn the technique
Step-by-step guides to the skills this problem comes from.