Coffee Machine Descaling Agents and Milk System Cleaners

Regular cleaning and descaling of a coffee machine is not only a matter of equipment longevity but also coffee flavour — limescale affects water temperature, and failure to clean the milk system results in a bitter aftertaste. In a professional café, this process is a structured daily and weekly routine. BHS offers coffee machine maintenance chemicals to HoReCa businesses.

Types of descaling agents

Descaling tablets — convenient for dosing and use; one tablet per specified amount of water for the automatic descaling cycle. Compatible with the automatic descaling programmes of most coffee machines. Descaling liquid — a concentrate to be diluted with water. Available in various concentration strengths depending on the limescale level. Often used for manual descaling or as the manufacturer-recommended agent for specific models. Citric acid-based descalers — of natural origin, less aggressive, suitable for regular descaling with minor limescale build-up. BHS helps choose the right descaler based on the manufacturer's recommendation.

Milk system cleaners

Milk systems (milk frothing nozzles, milk pipes and connections) must be cleaned with a special cleaner after each shift to prevent milk protein and fat deposits. Effervescent cleaners — fast-dissolving tablets in warm water or water, specifically for rinsing milk systems. Milk system cleaning liquids — concentrates for daily rinsing and weekly deep cleaning cycles. Enzymatic cleaners — enzyme-based products that break down milk protein deposits more effectively than standard chemicals. Brush kits with chemical cleaner are designed for cleaning milk adapters and connections. BHS helps choose milk system cleaning chemicals based on the machine type.

Maintenance schedule and frequency

Daily (mandatory): rinse the milk system after each shift with a milk cleaner; rinse the coffee groups with hot water. Weekly: full milk system disinfection with extended contact time; clean the coffee groups with a backflush tablet; clean the coffee bean dispenser. Monthly or as indicated: automatic descaling cycle with a manufacturer-approved descaler. Every 3–6 months: deep limescale removal from the boiler and pipes. BHS helps plan the maintenance schedule based on the specific machine model.

HoReCa usage scenarios

In a café serving 200 coffees a day, daily milk system cleaning with an enzymatic cleaner prevents milk protein deposits, which over time cause a bitter taste even in fresh cappuccino. Regular cleaning of the milk nozzle is also a HACCP requirement — milk residues are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria if not removed after each shift. In a restaurant with an espresso machine for business lunches, weekly descaling ensures consistent water temperature — crucial for espresso extraction and flavour consistency. In a bar with a milk cocktail programme, enzymatic disinfection of the milk system once a week is a professional hygiene practice that prevents odour and flavour issues. BHS supplies coffee maintenance chemicals to HoReCa businesses.

Frequently asked questions

How often should a coffee machine be descaled? Depends on water hardness and the number of coffees. For soft water — once a month. For hard water — more frequently, every 2–3 weeks. Most machines with a descaling indicator will notify when descaling is needed. BHS advises on the optimal frequency based on regional water hardness.

Can vinegar be used for descaling? Manufacturers usually do not recommend vinegar — it can damage rubber seals and leave a taste in the system. A specialised descaler is safer and more effective. BHS recommends using only manufacturer-approved or compatible products.

Why choose BHS?

BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.

Delivery

We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.