How to remove limescale from a Moka for state-of-the-art coffee

For an accurate use of the coffee maker, it is advisable to descale it regularly. But how should limescale be removed from a Moka? Here is a guide to the most effective remedies.

• To ensure the coffee maker functions properly and makes an exquisite coffee, daily cleaning and regular maintenance of the Moka are essential.
• The presence of limescale inside and outside the coffee maker can be a problem. For this reason, it must be descaled periodically.
• Limescale forms because, during the heating process, the water tends to crystallize the calcium and magnesium salts contained in it.
• How to remove limescale from a Moka pot? There are various eco-friendly procedures, all 100% effective. Here is our guide.

The importance of maintenance

It is a critical issue. Coffee lovers know: for a perfect coffee, it is not enough to have the right blend, which must respect specific characteristics. Regular and correct maintenance of the home Moka is also essential for an excellent result in the cup. Cleaning the coffee maker is quite simple and there are two steps to keep in mind:

• after each use, the coffee maker must be washed with lukewarm water. Do not use detergents. It is also advisable to keep the product dry in all its parts and to not store it closed.
• Then, from time to time, deeper sanitation is needed.

In general, it is good practice to descale the Moka regularly. Let's find out together, then, how to remove limescale from the Moka pot.

Code word: descale

Every Moka needs the right attention. Whether it is new or already "lived in", whether it is in aluminum or steel, washing it after each use is necessary. This ensures the coffee maker functions correctly, and extends its operating life. But also to make sure to always get a tasty coffee. Consequently, descaling cannot be omitted in the maintenance of the Moka. In fact, limescale can become an unwanted guest and quickly turn into a problem. Not only does it clog the valve, the filter holes and the whole mechanism, but the coffee obtained may not come out as it should or even taste burnt. Therefore, removing the limescale from the Moka takes on great importance.

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Why does limescale form?

In nature, limestone is a sedimentary rock. Most people, however, associate this term with the whitish encrustations that are deposited mainly in the kitchen, especially in corners and objects exposed to water. In fact, limescale is formed at the very moment in which water passes through the pipes. Tap water is often hard, meaning it contains a high concentration of mineral salts such as calcium and magnesium. By heating the water, these minerals are transformed into calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. That, in itself, is limescale.

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How to remove limescale from a Moka pot

We have seen the importance of cleaning the Moka daily with water and the periodic need for deeper sanitation. But how should one remove limescale from the Moka pot? There are various procedures to get rid of limescale and give new life to your coffee maker. All with natural remedies. For an effective descaling process one should:

• fill the boiler with water up to the level;
• add two teaspoons of citric acid or vinegar;
• reassemble the coffee maker and, without adding coffee grounds, dispense water, throwing away the solution obtained.

At this point, as in the case of a new Moka, it is necessary to wash the coffee maker thoroughly with water and make at least 3 “disposable” coffees. That is, coffee that is not to be consumed. The advice is to repeat this operation regularly. By doing so, the Moka will not only always be splendid, but it will make an exceptional coffee. Seeing is believing.