| Applies to: | the Bambino, the Bambino Plus, the Infuser, the Barista Express, the Barista Express Impress, the Barista Pro, the Barista Touch, the Barista Touch Impress, the Dual Boiler, the Oracle, the Oracle Jet, the Oracle Touch, the Oracle Dual Boiler |
| Tools: | Compatible descaling solution, fresh water |
| Safety First: Unplug the machine and allow it to cool before service. Use only an approved, machine-compatible descaling solution and follow the product label directions. Avoid skin and eye contact. Do not use vinegar. Keep descaling chemicals away from children and food surfaces. Reconnect power only when instructed, and never run the pump dry. |
Overview
This article covers three common problems that can occur when descaling an espresso machine. Follow the section that best matches your symptom.
- Unable to descale because water or descaling solution will not flow
- Unable to enter Descale Mode or start the Descale Cycle
- Unable to complete the Descale Cycle or the descale indicator stays on
Symptoms
- No water or descaling solution flows from the machine outlets during descaling.
- The machine will not enter Descale Mode or start the Descale Cycle.
- The machine remains in another operating mode, such as brewing or cleaning.
- The Descale Cycle will not progress or complete.
- The descale indicator remains on after attempting to descale the machine.
Cause
A. No flow during descaling
- Lack of regular maintenance
- Hard water use
- Scale or mineral buildup restricting internal water flow
B. Unable to enter Descale Mode or start the Descale Cycle
- Incorrect button combination, timing, or sequence
- A required preparation step has been missed
- The machine is still preheating
- The water tank is empty or not installed correctly
- The machine is currently in another operating mode
C. Unable to complete the Descale Cycle or descale indicator stays on
- A required step in the Descale or Rinse Cycle has been missed or performed incorrectly
Troubleshooting
A. Descaling solution will not flow through the outlets
- Prepare the water tank.
- Empty and rinse the water tank.
- Refill it with fresh water and compatible descaling solution according to the descaling solution label.
- Make sure the water tank is securely installed in the machine.
- Check the brew head for obstructions.
- Remove the portafilter and filter basket from the brew head.
- Inspect and clean the brew head and shower screen area.
- Prime the pump.
- With the machine ready and idle, run hot water through the hot water outlet and brew head in short bursts to help draw descaling solution into the system.
- If the machine has a manual steam control, operate it as appropriate for the model to encourage flow.
- Stop once a steady flow is established.
- Start the Descale Cycle.
- Refer to the instruction manual for your specific model, as the Descale Cycle and controls vary by machine.
- Enter Descale Mode using the model-specific sequence.
- Complete the full Descale Cycle as instructed in the product manual.
- Rinse the machine thoroughly.
- Empty and rinse the water tank.
- Refill the tank with fresh water.
- Complete the full rinse procedure until the system is clear of descaling solution.
- If there is still no flow.
- Repeat the pump-priming procedure with fresh descaling solution, then attempt the Descale Cycle again.
- If flow does not return after repeated attempts, heavy scale or mineral buildup may be restricting internal components.
- Contact Customer Support for further assistance. The machine may require service.
B. Unable to enter Descale Mode or start the Descale Cycle
- Prepare the machine for descaling.
- Make sure the machine is ready and idle and is not actively brewing or steaming.
- Prepare the water tank with compatible descaling solution according to the label directions and install the tank securely.
- Empty and reinstall the drip tray.
- Remove the portafilter and other removable attachments as directed by the product manual.
- Confirm the model-specific Descale Mode instructions.
- Refer to the instruction manual to confirm whether the machine should be on or off before beginning.
- Confirm the exact button combination and required hold time for entering Descale Mode.
- If nothing happens, repeat the sequence carefully. Hold the controls for the full specified duration and release them in the required order.
- Restart the machine if Descale Mode will not activate.
- Turn the machine off and unplug it.
- Reconnect power, turn the machine on, and retry the model-specific Descale Mode sequence.
- If the machine remains stuck in another operating mode, refer to the product manual for factory reset instructions if that option is available. A factory reset may erase saved settings or customized drinks.
- If the issue continues.
- Contact Customer Support for further assistance.
C. Unable to complete the Descale Cycle or descale indicator stays on
- Prepare the machine for descaling.
- Make sure the machine is ready and idle and is not actively brewing or steaming.
- Prepare the water tank with compatible descaling solution according to the label directions and install it securely.
- Empty and reinstall the drip tray.
- Remove the portafilter and other removable attachments as directed by the product manual.
- Confirm the complete Descale Cycle procedure.
- Refer to the instruction manual for your specific model and follow the entire Descale Cycle in the listed order.
- If the cycle will not progress.
- Check the product manual to confirm that no required steps were missed or performed incorrectly.
- Make sure the water tank does not run empty during the Descale or Rinse Cycle.
- If the descale indicator remains on.
- After completing the full Rinse Cycle, turn the machine off and then back on.
- Check whether the descale indicator has cleared.
- Some models clear the indicator only after a specific completion step. If the indicator remains on after a confirmed full Descale and Rinse Cycle, refer to the product manual for model-specific indicator behavior.
- If the issue continues.
- Contact Customer Support for further assistance.
Outcome & Next Steps
After completing the troubleshooting steps for your symptom, normal water flow should return and the Descale Cycle should be able to complete. On models with a descale indicator, the indicator should clear after all model-specific Descale and Rinse Cycle steps have been completed.
If water flow remains restricted, repeated pump priming does not restore flow, the Descale Cycle cannot be completed, or the descale indicator remains on after the full procedure, contact Customer Support for further assistance. The machine may require service. Continued operation with significant scale or mineral buildup can damage internal components.