Why cleaning Xiaomi capsule coffee machine is not a luxury, but a necessity
Xiaomi’s capsule coffee machines (such as the Mi Coffee Maker or Viomi Super Coffee Maker) have gained popularity due to their compactness and ease of use. But even the most technologically advanced device requires regular maintenance, otherwise you risk getting a bitter drink with a taste of mold or metal, and the main enemies of your coffee machine are scale (due to hard water), coffee oils (seated on the inside) and bacteria (breed in a moist environment).
The manufacturer recommends cleaning at least once every 1-2 months for daily use, but in practice, the frequency depends on the hardness of the water and the intensity of operation. For example, if you drink 3-4 cups of coffee a day, ignoring care will lead to clogging the needle to puncture the capsules, reduce pressure and even break the heating element. In this article, we will discuss how to properly clean the Xiaomi coffee machine at home – from basic washing to deep decalcination.
Preparation for cleaning: what you need and how to avoid mistakes
Before you start the procedure, make sure you have everything you need on hand. Different types of cleaning will require different tools and tools. Here is the minimum set:
- 🧼 Special decalcination tool (e.g. Xiaomi Descaling Agent or universal tablets Durgol, Melitta).Do not use vinegar or citric acid - they can damage rubber seals!
- 💧 Filtered or distilled water (1-1.5 liters) Tap water with high salt content will only exacerbate the scale problem.
- 🧽 Soft fabric or sponge (without abrasive particles), toothbrush for cleaning hard-to-reach places.
- 🔌 Access to the socket – some models require a connection to the network during the cleaning cycle.
Also check that the coffee machine is cooled (if you have just brewed coffee) and disconnected from the network (unless cleaning involves an automatic cycle).Pay attention to the instructions for your model - Viomi V-CoffeeMaker and Mi Coffee Maker may have nuances in the cleaning algorithm.
⚠️ Warning: Never immerse the casing of a coffee machine in water! Even if it has stains of coffee, wipe with a wet cloth.
Daily care: How to prevent pollution
Deep cleaning is not often required, but daily maintenance will extend the life of your coffee machine for years.
- Remove the used capsule immediately after making the coffee. Residues of ground coffee can become moldy or clog the needle.
- Wash the capsule tray with warm water, and it accumulates coffee oils, which eventually harden.
- Rub the drip bar (a metal plate on which coffee flows) and use a wet napkin or sponge.
- Keep the water tank open (if you don't use the coffee machine for a few days) to prevent the smell from getting stale.
If you notice that the coffee is leaking more slowly or that it has a strange taste, it's a signal to unscheduled needle cleaning, it can clog with coffee grounds.
- 🔍 Remove the capsule holder (usually it is removed by pressing the side latches).
- 🧷 Clean the needle carefully with a toothpick or a special brush (come complete with some models).
- 💦 Wash the holder under running water and dry.
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If the needle is too clogged, soak the capsule holder in warm water with dishwashing agent for 10-15 minutes.
Deep cleaning: removal of scale (decalcination)
Scale is the main cause of coffee machine failures, which is caused by the calcium and magnesium salts in the water, settles on the heating element and narrows the tubes through which the water flows. If you ignore decalcination, the coffee machine will heat up longer, pump water worse and eventually burn TEN. Consider the step-by-step algorithm for Xiaomi models:
Step 1 Preparation of the solution
Dilute the decalcination product in water according to the instructions on the package. Xiaomi Descaling Agent usually requires 1 packet per 1 liter of water. Do not exceed the concentration - this can damage the internal parts.
Step 2: Starting the cleaning cycle
The Viomi and Mi Coffee Maker have an automatic decalcification mode to activate:
- Pour the prepared solution into the water tank.
- Install a capsule tray (no capsule!).
- Press and hold the power button (or Power combination) + Menu, if there is a touch screen) for 5 seconds until the cleaning indicator flashes.
- Wait until the cycle is complete (it takes 20-30 minutes), the coffee machine will pump the solution through the system, then rinse it with clean water.
Step 3: System flushing
After decalcination, be sure to pass 1-2 tanks of clean water through the coffee machine to remove the residues of the product. Otherwise, the next coffee will be chemically flavored.
| Signs of scale | What do you do? |
|---|---|
| Coffee machine heats up longer | Decalcify, check the TEN |
| The water flows in a thin stream. | Clean the needle, wash the tubes with solution |
| There's a metallic taste. | Urgent decalcination + water-replacement |
| The cleaning indicator flashes red | Start an automatic cycle or manually flush the system |
⚠️ Note: If after decalcification, the coffee machine makes an error E2 or E3, This could mean that the scale has damaged the temperature sensor, and it would require professional repair.
Prepare the solution according to the instructions|Start the automatic cleaning cycle|Check that the solution has passed through all the tubes.|Wash the system with clean water 2 times|Wipe the outer surfaces-->
Cleaning of external and internal surfaces
In addition to scale, coffee oils, dust and fatty deposits accumulate in the machine, and they need to be removed mechanically.
Cleaning of the case and control panel
Wipe the outer surfaces with moist microfiber cloth soaked in soapy solution. For glossy panels (like the Viomi Super Coffee Maker), use a glass product without alcohol. Don't use abrasive cleaning powders - they will scratch the plastic.
Cleaning the capsule holder and needle
Remove the capsule holder (usually removed by pressing the side locks) and wash it under warm water with a mild detergent.
- 🧴 Apply a little dishwashing to your toothbrush.
- 🔁 Carefully clean the needle with rotational movements.
- 💦 Wash under running water and dry.
Care for the water tank
Pour the residues of water, wash the tank with a vinegar solution (1:1 with water) or a specialized remedy. Carefully rinse - the smell of vinegar can be transmitted to coffee. If the tank has green plaque (algae), soak it for 1 hour in a solution of citric acid (2 tbsp. spoons per 1 liter of water).
What happens if you don’t clean the water tank?
Frequent cleaning errors and how to avoid them
Many users make the same mistakes that shorten the life of a coffee machine, and here are the most common ones:
- 🚫 Using vinegar to decalcify. It's aggressive to rubber seals and can cause them to crack. Use only certified products.
- 🚫 Neglecting washing after cleaning: Residues of detergent spoil the taste of coffee and can be harmful to health.
- 🚫 Cleaning the needle with metal objects (needles, knives) that scratches the coating and speeds up corrosion. Use only plastic or wooden sticks.
- 🚫 Storing a coffee machine in a wet room (such as next to a sink) causes rust and mold.
Another common problem is that the capsule holder or water tank is not properly assembled after cleaning, and if the coffee machine is not properly installed, it may produce an error. E1 (Failure of the water supply system. Always make sure that all details are fixed before clicking.
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Not all Xiaomi models have automatic decalcification mode, and if your coffee machine doesn’t support it, follow the manual instructions: pour the solution into the tank, turn on the coffee-making mode without the capsule, and drain the liquid into the container.
How often to clean the Xiaomi coffee machine: a care schedule
The frequency of cleaning depends on the intensity of use and the hardness of the water.
| Type of cleaning | Frequency | Signs it's time to clean up |
|---|---|---|
| Daily care | After each use | Coffee leftovers in the pan, drops on the bars |
| Cleaning the needle and holder | 1 time per week | Coffee flows slowly, capsules do not fully puncture |
| decalcination | 1 time in 1-2 months | Heats up longer, water is muddy, mistakes E2/E3 |
| Deep cleaning of the tank | 1 time 3 months | There was a smell, a green coating on the walls. |
If you use filtered or bottled water, the interval between decalcifications can be extended to 3 months. Use test strips (sold in aquaristic stores) to check the hardness of the water.°dH (German degrees), cleaning should be carried out more often.
Tip: Keep a cleaning log (e.g., in your phone notes) and record the dates of procedures and observations (e.g., "after cleaning the coffee, it started to flow faster"), which will help you track the dynamics and notice problems in time.
Specifics of cleaning for different Xiaomi models
Xiaomi and its Viomi sub-brand have design differences that affect the cleaning process.
Mi Coffee Maker (MJSXJ01YM)
The simplest mechanically controlled model.
- 🔹 There is no automatic decalcification mode – cleaning must be done manually.
- 🔹 The needle for puncture capsules is located on top, it is easy to clean with a toothpick.
- 🔹 Water tank removable, but not understood - wash it whole.
Viomi Super Coffee Maker (V-CoffeeMaker)
More advanced model with touch screen and automatic cleaning function:
- 🔹 There is a Descale mode in the settings menu (Settings). → Maintenance).
- 🔹 The capsule holder is removed by pressing the button in front.
- 🔹 There's a needle brush in the kit.
Viomi V-CoffeeMaker 2
Flagship model with cappuccino cooking function.
- 🔹 Requires cleaning the steam tube (to froth the milk) after each use.
- 🔹 The tank for milk should be washed separately with hot water with detergent.
- 🔹 Automatic decalcification takes up to 40 minutes.
If you are not sure about your coffee machine, look at its name on the sticker at the back or in the Mi Home mobile app (if the device is connected to it).
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For Wi-Fi models (like the Viomi Super Coffee Maker) you may need to reconnect to the network after cleaning.