Breville Bambino Descale Cleaner
Maintaining your Breville Bambino espresso machine doesn’t just keep it in good condition—it ensures that every shot of espresso tastes its best. Over time, mineral deposits from hard water build up inside the machine, affecting both performance and flavor. To avoid a drop in coffee quality and prevent costly repairs, descaling is a must.
Why Descaling Matters for Your Espresso Machine
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Mineral buildup can impact your machine’s performance, from slowing down the water flow to creating irregular steam pressure. Over time, this buildup affects not only the taste of your espresso but also the longevity of your machine. Regular descaling can help maintain:
- Consistent Flavor Quality – Mineral-free water extracts espresso evenly, so every shot is full-bodied and balanced.
- Machine Longevity – Without buildup, your Bambino operates smoothly, reducing wear and tear.
- Better Performance – You’ll notice better steam pressure and overall functionality with a clean machine.
The ideal frequency for descaling varies depending on water hardness. Typically, once every 1-3 months is a good rule of thumb, but you can also contact Breville for personalized advice.
Getting Ready to Descale Your Breville Bambino
Before you start, you’ll need some descaling powder and a large container to catch the water during the process. Let’s prepare your machine.
Step 1: Empty the Drip Tray and Water Tank
Begin by emptying the drip tray and placing it back in the machine. Fill the water tank up to the “Descale” line, then add the descaling powder. Mix it with warm water until it dissolves fully.
Step 2: Place a Container Under the Group Head and Steam Wand
Set a container (about 68 ounces for the Bambino Plus, or 2 liters for the Bambino) under both the group head and steam wand. This will catch the water and descaling solution as it flows through the machine.
Starting the Descale Cycle
Now that your machine is ready, it’s time to enter descale mode.
Step 3: Cool the Machine and Enter Descale Mode
Turn off the machine and let it cool down for a few minutes. Then, depending on your model, activate descale mode:
- For the Bambino Plus, press and hold the one-cup and steam buttons for 5 seconds.
- For the Bambino, with the machine off, press and hold the two-cup and steam buttons for 5 seconds.
Step 4: Begin the Descale Process
Start the descaling cycle by pressing the appropriate button for your model:
- For the Bambino Plus, press either the one-cup or steam button.
- For the Bambino, press either the two-cup or steam button.
As the machine runs through the descaling cycle, you’ll see the buttons flash to indicate it’s working.
Pausing, Refilling, and Resuming the Cycle
Once the descaling solution runs out, the machine will pause, allowing you to complete the next steps.
Step 5: Rinse and Refill the Water Tank
Remove the tank, rinse it thoroughly, and refill it with fresh water to the maximum line. This fresh water will help flush out any remaining descaling solution from the machine.
Step 6: Restart the Cycle with Fresh Water
Return the tank and container to their positions and restart the cycle:
- For the Bambino Plus, press either the one-cup or steam button.
- For the Bambino, press the two-cup button.
The machine will run again, clearing out any descaling solution to ensure it doesn’t impact your next brew.
Finishing Up
When descaling is complete, your machine will signal that it’s finished.
Step 7: Check for Completion Signals
- The Bambino Plus will have both the one-cup and steam buttons flashing simultaneously before going into standby mode.
- The Bambino will have the one-cup and steam buttons flashing alternately before switching to standby.
Step 8: Final Cleaning
Remove and empty the container used for waste water. Rinse and dry the drip tray and water tank thoroughly before placing them back in the machine. Your Breville Bambino is now clean and ready to brew!
Long-Term Maintenance Tips for Your Breville Bambino
Regular descaling is essential, but additional maintenance can help your machine run even better.
- Descale Consistently: Depending on your water quality, descaling every 1-3 months is recommended.
- Routine Cleaning: Wipe down external parts after each use, empty the drip tray daily, and purge the steam wand to remove milk residue.
- Water Quality: Consider using filtered water to reduce mineral buildup, especially if you live in an area with hard water.