Step-by-step: how to clean the Xiaomi capsule coffee machine from scale at home

Why is the scale in Xiaomi coffee machine dangerous and when to remove it

Xiaomi’s capsule coffee machines (such as the Mi Coffee Maker or Viomi Super Coffee Maker) have become popular because of their compactness and ease of use. However, even the most advanced technology requires regular maintenance — especially when it comes to scale. This white or yellowish coating is formed from the calcium and magnesium salts in the water, and can eventually disable the device.

Scaling not only spoils the taste of coffee, making it bitter or metal, but also clogs the internal tubes, reduces pressure in the system and increases the load on the heating element. In advanced cases, this leads to breakage of the TECH or pump failures. The manufacturer recommends cleaning every 2-3 months (or after 200-300 cooked cups), but if you use hard water, the interval should be reduced to 1-1.5 months.

How do you know when to clean the coffee machine?

• ⚠️ Coffee pours slower than usual or drops.
• 🔊 The device emits uncharacteristic noises (humming, crackling) during operation.
• ☕ The drink has an unpleasant taste or muddy sediment.
• 🚨 The control panel shows an indicator DESCALE (if).

If any of these symptoms occur, don’t delay cleaning. In this article, we’ll show you how to safely remove scalp at home without resorting to a service center.

What you need to clean: tools and tools

Prepare everything you need before you start the procedure. Using the wrong tools can damage the insides of the coffee machine, so choose them with caution.

Here's what you'll need:

• 🧴 Special scale removal tool (e.g. Xiaomi Descaling Agent, De'Longhi EcoDecalk or Melitta Entkalker) Do not use vinegar or citric acid - they can eat rubber seals and damage metal parts.
• 💧 1-1.5 liters of filtered or distilled water (not from the tap!).
• ⏳ Timer or stopwatch (to control soaking time).
• 🧽 Soft fabric or sponge without abrasive layer.
• 🧼 Neutral detergent (for external cleaning of the housing).

If you can’t find a branded product from Xiaomi, pay attention to the universal formulations for capsule coffee machines, the main thing is that the package indicates that it is suitable for devices with aluminum or stainless parts.

⚠️ Warning: Never use household chemicals with chlorine, acetone or other aggressive ingredients to clean your home, which can lead to corrosion of the internal elements and the entry of harmful substances into your coffee.

If you do decide to use citric acid (for example, in an emergency), stick to the ratio: 20-30 grams per 1 liter of water. But remember that this is a temporary solution - for regular care, it is better to purchase a professional remedy.

Preparing Xiaomi coffee machine for cleaning: Step-by-step

Before the procedure, you need to properly prepare the device, which will help to avoid errors and damage.

Follow this instruction:

1. Turn the machine off and let it cool (if it has recently been working).
2. Remove the capsule (if it is in the holder) and wash the container for the used capsules.
3. Remove the water tank and thoroughly wash it with warm water with a mild detergent.
4. Check that the droplet collection tray is empty and clean. If necessary, wash it.
5. If your model has a milk container (like the Viomi Super Coffee Maker), unplug it and rinse it separately.

It's also recommended that you take a picture of the original position of all the removable parts so you can build the machine correctly, which is especially true if you're cleaning the device for the first time.

Shut off the network and cool down|Remove the capsule and wash the container|Remove and wash the water tank|Clean the drip pan|Disconnect the milk container (if any)-->

After preparation, you can start the main step of removing scale, but first make sure you have enough time: the process can take from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the degree of contamination.

Step-by-step instructions for removing scale in Xiaomi coffee machine

Now, to the most important thing, cleaning, we will describe a universal method that is suitable for most Xiaomi capsule coffee machines. If your model has features (for example, Viomi with automatic washing), refer to the official instructions.

Algorithm of action:

1. Prepare the solution: Pour 500 ml of filtered water into the water tank. Add the recommended amount of the product (see the instructions on the package). Usually it is 1-2 cap or 1 bag. Mix carefully (do not shake!).
2. Start the cleaning cycle: Set the solution container in place. Connect the coffee machine to the network and turn it on. DESCALE Or a keyboard combination, activate it. If you don't, start making coffee without a capsule (like you're making American coffee), put a large container (at least 1 liter) under your nose, and the solution will be fused with scale.

Clean the system.

• After the solution has passed through the system (it will take 10-20 minutes), turn off the coffee machine.
• Pour the remaining liquid from the water tank and rinse it.
• Pour pure water (500-700 ml) and start the cooking cycle without a capsule 2-3 times to remove the residues of the product.

Critically, if the water has a sharp chemical smell or a cloudy color after washing, repeat rinsing 1-2 times. Residues of the product can spoil the taste of coffee and harm health.

For models with automatic alerting (such as Mi Coffee Maker with display), the process may be slightly different:

If the machine is not turned on due to heavy clogging, try to manually pour the solution into a water tank and leave for 1-2 hours to dissolve the scale.

Cleaning Outside and Internal: Details That Are Often Forgotten

Removing scale from the internal system is only half the battle, and for proper care, you also need to clean the other parts of the machine that come into contact with water or coffee.

What elements require attention:

• 🔍 Needle puncture for capsules - often clogged with coffee grounds. Clean it with a toothpick or a special brush (come complete with some models).
• 💦 The drop-collection tray -- rinse with detergent and dry it, and it's not only collecting water, it's also collecting oily deposits from coffee.
• ☕ Capsule holder - removed in most models. Rinse under running water, removing the remaining coffee.
• 🔄 Water container cap - often covered with mold due to condensation, wipe it with vinegar solution (1:1 with water) and rinse it.

Use a wet microfiber and neutral detergent to clean the outer shell. Do not use abrasive sponges or alcohol solutions - they can damage the coating.

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To extend the life of the capsule puncture needle, after each cleaning, lubricate it with edible silicone oil (sold in coffee machine stores), which will prevent corrosion and make it easier to puncture the capsules.

If your coffee machine has a steam pipe to froth milk (as in Viomi Super Coffee Maker), it should also be cleaned:

1. Run hot water through the tube for 10-15 seconds.
2. Immerse the tip in a container of warm water and turn on the steam supply for 5 seconds.
3. Wipe the outside of the tube with a wet wipe.

Regular cleaning of these elements will not only improve the taste of coffee, but also prevent breakdowns associated with clogging mechanisms.

Frequent cleaning errors and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that can lead to breakage of the coffee machine or inefficient cleaning, and here are the most common ones:

• 🚫 Using vinegar or citric acid in high concentrations is corroding rubber seals and can cause leakage.If there is no alternative, use no more than 20g of acid per 1 liter of water and thoroughly flush the system.
• 🕒 Interrupting the cleaning cycle – if you turn off the coffee machine before the process is complete, the solution can remain inside and crystallize, exacerbating the problem.
• 💧 Using tap water for flushing - it contains salts that immediately form new scale. Always use filtered or distilled water.
• 🔌 Connecting with wet hands is dangerous! Always wipe your hands before turning on the device.

Another common mistake is ignoring the cleaning signals, and many users delay the procedure until the machine stops working, and remember, the longer you wait, the more difficult and expensive the repairs will be.

⚠️ Note: If after cleaning the Xiaomi coffee machine began to leak, most likely, the rubber seals were damaged. In this case, you need to contact the service center to replace them.

Also, you should not experiment with “folk” methods, such as soaking parts in carbonated drinks (as some forums advise), which is not only inefficient, but also dangerous to health.

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Use only certified scale removal products and follow the manufacturer’s instructions strictly, which ensures safety for both the coffee machine and your health.

How to prolong the life of Xiaomi coffee machine: prevention of scale

Scaling cleansing is good, but it's even better to prevent it from forming, and here are some tips to keep the machine running for a long time:

• 💧 Use filtered or bottled water with mineralization not higher than 150 mg / l. You can install a water filter or buy distilled water in auto parts stores.
• 🕒 Rinse the system after each use - pass through the coffee machine 100-150 ml of pure water without a capsule. This will remove the remaining coffee and prevent clogging.
• 📅 Keep a cleansing log -- write down the dates of the procedures so you don't forget to care regularly. You can use reminders on your phone.
• ☕ Store capsules in a dry place – moisture can cause aluminum oxidation and needle clogging.

If you live in a very hard water region, consider buying a magnetic or polyphosphate filter for a coffee machine, which is attached to a water supply hose and reduces the amount of salts that settle as scale.

It is also useful to run a “idle” cycle once a month (without a capsule) with hot water – this will help remove small deposits before they turn into a dense coating.

By following these simple rules, you can increase the service life of the coffee machine by 1.5-2 times and save on repairs.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Cleaning Xiaomi Coffee Machines