Even the best coffee beans and brewing skills can’t save a cup made with a neglected machine. Over time, mineral deposits, old coffee oils, and dried milk can quietly build up inside, affecting taste, aroma, and performance. If you’ve noticed your coffee isn’t quite hitting the mark lately, your coffee machine might be telling you it’s time for a proper clean.

Why Deep Cleaning Matters

Daily use can lead to mineral deposits, dried milk, and coffee residue building up inside your machine. Left unchecked, these affect flavour, slow extraction, and can damage internal parts. Regular maintenance means consistent performance, fewer breakdowns, and coffee that tastes exactly as it should.

Signs It’s Time to Clean or Descale

1. Slower Extraction Times

If your coffee takes longer than usual to brew, mineral build-up may be restricting water flow. Double-check your grind size and dose first, but if they’re correct, a descale is likely due.

2. Unusual Noises or Inconsistent Performance

Louder-than-usual steaming, poor water pressure, or erratic performance often signal internal residue or dried milk in the system. A thorough clean will restore smooth operation.

3. Reduced Flow or Half-Filled Cups

When your machine stops producing its usual volume of coffee or steam, internal blockages are often to blame. Descaling clears these pathways so water and steam can flow freely.

4. Off-Flavours or Strange Smells

A burnt, bitter, or stale taste or unpleasant odours is a clear sign that your machine’s internals need attention. Cleaning removes old coffee oils and residue that taint flavour.

5. Subtle Declines in Quality

Sometimes the change is gradual: coffee that’s slightly weaker, less aromatic, or just “not quite right.” If friends stop complimenting your brew, it might be your machine, not your skills.

Keep Your Coffee at Its Best

The simplest way to avoid all of these issues is to clean your machine regularly - ideally once a month for daily users, and every three to six months for occasional brewers. By staying ahead of build-up, you protect your machine and your coffee quality.

Merlo stocks everything you need for coffee machine maintenance, from descaling liquid to specialist cleaning tools. Shop online or visit us in-store to keep your machine in peak condition and your coffee consistently delicious.