How To Clean A Krups Espresso Maker
With normal use, your espresso machine will build up coffee residue that can cause your machine to not be as efficient. Leftover coffee also can make your coffee have an off taste, and mold can begin to grow and can eventually make you sick if left unattended. Cleaning your Krups espresso maker can be a tedious task due to the small parts and hard to reach places. Daily cleaning will prevent the buildup of residue and can make cleaning it easier.
Cleaning a Krups Coffee Maker
Regularly planning Krups coffee pot cleaning is a good idea. You can rely on the Krups clean light on your espresso maker as a reminder, but it is also a good idea to have a schedule of your own to keep the appliance clean.
To clean your appliance, first unplug the espresso machine before you clean it. This is an essential safety consideration. It is extremely dangerous to attempt to clean your espresso or coffee maker while it is attached to power.
Place the filter basket and the carafe in a sink full of warm soapy water. Scrub gently to remove any coffee or water stains. You also can wash these items on the top shelf of your dishwasher, as they are dishwasher safe.
Clean the Machine's Outside
Once you washed the filter basket and carafe, you should move on to the exterior of the machine. Wipe off the exterior of the espresso machine with a clean, dry cloth. You may add cool water to remove any dirt or stains. Dry the machine with a clean, dry cloth.
Then, rinse the interior of the water reservoir with cool water. Repeat this two to three times to remove any leftover coffee residue.
Decalcifying Your Machine
Decalcify your machine once a month if you have hard water, and once a year if you have soft water. The FAQ section of the Super Automatic Espresso Machine EA8250 by Krups reports that you should decalcify if it takes longer than usual to prepare your espresso and if you hear increased noise when the water begins to boil. This is an important step to keep the machine running smoothly. If calcium builds up inside the espresso machine, it might also make your coffee taste bad.
To begin, fill the water reservoir on the machine completely full of warm water. Turn the espresso machine on and allow the water to cycle through. The heat and the water will help move some of the loose particles inside the machine.
Using Descaling Powder
The manual for the Krups Solo XP102050 instructs owners to mix together a pack of Krups descaling powder and a half of a quart of water. You also may use 3 ounces of white vinegar and 20 ounces of water.
Pour the solution into the water reservoir. Run the liquid through twice. Allow it to cool before you pour it back into the machine.
Run two carafes of water through the machine to make sure all traces of the cleaning solution is gone. Taste the water once it is cooled to be sure it does not have a strange taste, especially if you used vinegar for this process. Once the water tastes good, you are free to use the machine again.