How to 'Descaling' | Breville Barista Express

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1. Check if the ‘CLEAN / DESCALE’ light is illuminated (solid on), descaling is required.
Add Descaling Solution to water tank (Follow cleaning instruction)

2. Press and hold the 2-CUP button and then press and hold the POWER button simultaneously to enter the Descale mode.
The unit will heat up as part of commencing the descaling action, during the heating processes the POWER button should flash continuously. The machine will indicate it is ready for descaling when the POWER button, 1 CUP button, CLEAN/DESCALE indicator and HOT WATER/ STEAM indicator are all illuminated (solid on).
Descaling the coffee component
4. Press the 1-CUP button to start the descaling for the coffee component of the machine. Descaling coffee component
takes approximately 25 seconds. The 1CUP button should flash continuously and remain constant once the descaling process has finished. To terminate the descaling within 25 seconds, press the 1 CUP button again.
Descale the Steam and hot water components
Descaling steam and hot water takes approximately 13 seconds and 8 seconds respectively. Descaling can be terminated prematurely by turning the steam dial to STANDBY.
5. Descale Steam component by turning the steam dial RIGHT towards the icon.
6. Descale Hot water component by turning the steam dial to the LEFT towards the icon.
Repeat processes to complete descaling
After the above processes about half (17 fl. Oz / 0.5L) of the descale solution should be left in the water tank.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 above to complete the descaling process to empty the solution in the tank.
Descaling Solution Rinse
8. After descaling, remove the water tank and rinse thoroughly then refill with fresh cold water to the maximum capacity (68 fl. oz / 2L) and repeat steps 4-6 to further cleanse the machine of any residue of the cleaning solution thoroughly.
9. Press ‘POWER’ to quit the descaling process. This will be indicated by the LED lights switching off.

[mwm]

I revisit this guy every single time my light comes on.

[Muekle]

I intentionally try not to remember how to clean it so I can rewarch it. He's so genuine and wholesome!

[haps]

Honestly, even though I know how to descale my Breville, I always come back to watch Hoon perform his magic. This guy guides thousands of people on how to properly maintain their Breville machines. We love you Hoon! ❤

[phild]

I'm glad finally someone read the manual and did a video out of it. :)

[hammockmonk]

Your descriptions are better and more accurate than the manual or the Breville videos. Thanks!

[andrewdavis]

We typically make 3-7 espressos from our machine daily, started following your weekly upkeep, we clean the grouphead when indicated, and descale every 60 days or so. We appreciate your kind and useful content. Thank you Hoon!

[jwatson]

Hoon!!! You are the man

I have been using your videos for the last 3 years whenever a light comes on my Barista Express! Your videos are so clear and you are so thoughtful in your presentation! Thanks so much and great work!!

[carolerogers]

Thanx mate. Have been watching clips for a couple of years now. Everytime my machine needs a clean ❤ 🇳🇿

[JakeHolmquist]

I’ve had the Barista Express for over 2 years, yet I still watch this video every time that I need to clean it;). Thanks Hoon!

[janelletasic]

So clear & concise; he’s much easier to follow than the manual.

[SecretPork]

Thanks Hoon. Fair few years I’ve had this machine now and I still open your video for descaling every time I do it. Same thing with your cleaning video. Absolute legend!

[markellewass]

Thanks for the video, helped a lot since I can't find my manual.
Couple tips though that weren't totally clear for me.

The 2 cup and power button method to start the descale process wasn't working for me, bc my machine was already on and it kept turning the machine off when I tried. So I figured out to make sure your machine is off, then hold the 2 cup button and then the power button and it will work.

Also, I saw you did it in your video, but you didn't actually mention it. When doing the descaling, make sure to run the solution through the steam wand and hot water spout, as well as the espresso spot, to descale the whole machine.

And lastly, instead of buying the descaling solution, you can use 50/50 vinegar and water for a fraction of the price but same outcome!

[planthigh]

the best descale video on this machine so far

[chelsiehutchison]

I always come back to watch this video! I feel like Hoon is a friend explaining it each time!

[johnsonchuang]

Always come back to this when the light is on . Thank you!

[sarawhite]

This was so helpful – calcium deposits had blocked my steam wand and running the descale cycle a few times brought it back to running as good as new. Thank you!!

[ChalrieD]

So much easier to follow your instructions. You’re the man!!!

[hails.bells]

Thank you for all the helpful videos! Got an older Breville from my family that needs some major cleaning and love to get it back to working right. Your videos have helped so much already!

[amateurantix]

Like so many here I, too, come back each time I need to descale - like now! LOL. Thanks, Hoon! You're literally the first video I found when I first got my BBE back in June of 2020!

[javierf]

Great video, I also recommend changing the silicon steam ring to guarantee a complete cleaning routine.