How to descale Oxo coffee maker?

It is never a good morning when your coffee moment isn’t as smooth as it should be because your Oxo coffee maker isn’t descaled. Well, that doesn’t have to be the case because here is how to clean an Oxo coffee maker.

To descale your Oxo coffee maker, you need to mix your descaling solution with water, use it to fill the water tank, and once you have ensured the machine is empty, start running the machine to begin the descaling cycle. I’m a morning person, but that did not seem like a few weeks ago when my coffee took forever to brew, and when my cup was ready, it tasted horrible.

Luckily, my sister had slept over, and she helped to descale my Oxo brewer. It was a huge relief, but I knew I had to learn to do it on my own. In this post, I will take you through the descaling process that will answer your nagging questions. Read on!

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How often should you descale your Oxo coffee maker?

You should descale your Oxo coffee maker after three months or less. The water for brewing coffee sometimes contains minerals that clog the machine, altering its workability. In most instances, your coffee will take longer to brew and won’t have a regular flow. It is possible to miss these changes because they are gradual, and you might conclude that your machine is faulty, which is not the case.

Luckily, Oxo coffee makers have been fitted with a descale warning light that tells you when it is time for descaling. This light is often in the form of a red flash in the shape of an exclamation, like in the 9-cup Oxo coffee maker. Once this warning prompt starts flashing, you know it is time to clean away the mineral deposits and take your brewer to near newness.

What is used to descale an Oxo coffee maker?

The best option to use is Oxo food-safe descaling solution. It is recommended by the brand and uses citric acid instead of acetic acid. While DIY solutions like vinegar are effective descaling options, there are claims that they leave behind a lingering taste. This has mainly been associated with white vinegar, even though some brands recommend it as an ideal method. Also, vinegar has acetic acid that wears out metals in the machine, which could cause leakages or make your coffee maker faulty.

To avoid such inconveniences, you should use Oxo’s descaling solution, which contains clear instructions on the amount used and directions. This way, you will not have to worry about the after-taste or your brewer being damaged by acetic acid. It is also more effective compared to DIY options.

What is the process of descaling an Oxo coffee maker?

When should you descale your Oxo coffee maker

Oxo coffee maker is cleaned in two parts, the coffee grinder and the water tank. To clean the water tank, you must fill it with water and descaling the solution to the fill line. Start your descaling cycle and wait for five minutes. Discard the water and boil a new batch to rinse the tank. This is the most crucial part of the descaling process, and once you are done, your water tank with be clean and shiny.

Many people usually ignore the grinder even though it is the engine of your coffee maker. Coffee oils continually clog at the blades after turning rancid, which gives your coffee an unusual taste. Also, particles of coffee always clog the grinding chamber, which makes your brewing process harder. You should use an ordinary kitchen cleaning set to clean the grinder and run the machine with cleaning tablets or white rice. Since these two are porous, they absorb the oils and make the burrs as good as new.

How do you reset an Oxo coffee maker after descaling?

First, ensure the machine is unplugged and all parts are clean and dry. You should then put the water tank on the base, press the Oxo button, and plug the cord into the outlet. While holding the button, wait until it turns red and release it. Unplug the cord and plug it back in. You can then go ahead and fill the tank with water and add coffee to the filter to brew your coffee.

What happens if I don’t descale my Oxo coffee maker?

If you don’t clean your coffee machine, it will start to produce an acrid smell, your coffee will taste bitter, and your machine can be rendered unusable. The coffee residue on the grinder begins to clog if the burrs are left unclean. Over time these clogs will cause blockage, and your brewer will have no use. Also, a dirty water tank will accumulate minerals; whenever you brew your coffee, the minerals dissolve in water and give your coffee an acrid smell. This will be extended to your machine when and when not in use.

Your coffee machine will also start to brew slower than usual since the water flow will have been disrupted. The taste and temperature of your coffee will be affected, and your machine will start to sound louder than usual.

FAQ SECTION

Can I use just water to descale a coffee maker?

Yes, you can. However, if it is tap water, it is advisable to let it sit uncovered overnight for any chlorine to evaporate. Otherwise, you should ensure that the water you use does not contain chlorine.

How do I know if my coffee maker needs descaling?

Oxo coffee maker has a descaling warning that shows you when it is time, but you should not go more than three months or 90 uses before descaling your machine.

How much vinegar should you use to descale an Oxo coffee maker?

It is not advisable to use vinegar when descaling Oxo machines because acetic acid wears down the metals. There are, however, Oxo descaling solutions with instructions on the quantity to use.