How To Clean A Tassimo Coffee Maker

Cleaning Tassimo coffee makers is a two-pronged task that includes day-to-day care as well as periodic maintenance. But by implementing these two quick and easy steps, you'll enjoy fresh-tasting coffee with every cup you brew. Not only does coffee always taste fresh in a properly cleaned machine but cleaning Tassimo coffee makers also helps extend their life. You'll want to be mindful of following the correct cleaning steps that are listed in your Bosch Tassimo manual so that you don't void the warranty if you need to request service.

For your safety and to avoid damage to your Tassimo coffee maker, the manufacturer notes that it's not designed to be submersed in water. Another precaution is unplugging the machine before cleaning it. Rinse the water tank with clean water without putting it in the dishwasher. But other components, such as the cup stand, typically are dishwasher-safe. Consult the user manual for your Tassimo model to determine which parts can be cleaned in a dishwasher.

Clean the exterior of your Tassimo brewer with a soft, damp cloth and avoid using abrasive cleansers, steam cleaners or vinegar. Although the T DISC holder is dishwasher-safe, the T DISC is not. Clean the T DISC with a soft, damp cloth; using an abrasive cleanser or scouring pad can interfere with the disc's barcode and render it unable to be properly scanned.

Descaling is a cleaning process in which an agent is used to remove chemical deposits caused by "hard" water. The Water Quality Association describes the quality of water "hardness" as the difficulty in being able to bring soap to a lather. Calcium and magnesium salts are the primary culprits in hard water, and they can form deposits in water heaters, pipes and even inside coffee makers. Over time, these deposits can cause an off-taste in brewed coffee and they can also adversely affect the performance of your appliance.

The manufacturer recommends cleaning Tassimo coffee makers by descaling them once every three months, but you may need to descale your brewer more often if your water quality is poor. You'll have a heads-up that it's time to descale when the red "Descale required" indicator light comes on.

To descale your Tassimo coffee maker:

• Remove the water reservoir and
  the Service T DISC from its compartment, which is located behind the water tank.
• Add water to the tank up to the descaling line and add the descaling agent to
  the water. Tassimo cautions against using vinegar or vinegar-based products. Instead,
  use Tassimo descaling tablets, which are formulated especially for Tassimo
  coffee makers.
• Replace the water tank and place a container that holds at
  least 500 ml (approximately 16 ounces) on the cup stand under the dispensing
  spout.
• Open the lid and place the Service T DISC with the barcode
  facing down onto the disc holder.
• Lower the lid until it's firmly closed (until you hear it
  click).
• Press the Start/Stop button for at least five seconds to
  activate the descaling program. After five seconds, release the button. You'll
  see the Tassimo 2 red lights blinking — the "Status" LED and the "Descale
  required" lights. When these two lights stop blinking, the descale program is
  completed.
• To rinse your Tassimo, empty the container you placed on the
  cup stand and return it to the stand. Thoroughly rinse the water reservoir,
  fill it with fresh water to the "Max" mark and return it to the coffee maker. Press
  and release the Start/Stop button to rinse your machine.
• Remove the Service T DISC from the brewing unit and return
  it to the disc compartment.
• Refill the water reservoir with fresh water and replace it
  on the machine for brewing your next cup of coffee.