Why use Dezcal™?
When mineral scale in your hot water tank builds up, it can clog water flow and affect brew temperature, which leads to beverage inconsistency. Dezcal is designed to break down lime scale and mineral buildup inside your machine to ensure great, consistent coffee.
How often should I descale my machine?
The answer to this depends on your water hardness. In some places you might need to descale only 1x per year. In others, you might need to do this monthly if you have very hard water. As a rule, we suggest every 3 months, but you will know quickly if this is too much or too little.
How does vinegar compare to Dezcal™?
You need to use almost a full liter of vinegar to get close to the effect of one packet of powder dissolved in water. Vinegar also takes nearly 3x as long to rinse from your machine after using as a descaling. Finally, vinegar has a strong odor that can linger in a machine and contaminate the flavor and aroma of your coffee.
Can Dezcal™ be used on copper and aluminum?
Dezcal™ can be used on coffee machines with aluminum and copper heating units for short periods of time. Our formula contains a corrosion inhibitor. However, with extended exposure to acids, aluminum can pit and lose its lustre. When copper is in contact with acid, the oxidized portion is cleaned (similar to taking the green off of a roof). When copper is in the acid solution, it will redeposit back onto itself, so there is minimal concern for damage.
In general, we only recommend use of our products in the manner which is described on the packages. In the case of descaling with acids, we suggest avoiding extended exposure and just using the product and rinsing thoroughly after use.
How do I know if Dezcal™ has been rinsed out of my machine?
To confirm that the product is properly rinsed, one can sprinkle household baking soda into some of the rinse water. Foaming indicates Dezcal™ is still present in the rinse water, and we recommend one more rinse. If the baking soda simply drops into solution, the Dezcal™ is fully rinsed.
What is the difference between Cleancaf® and Dezcal™?
Cleancaf® is first and foremost a cleaner designed to keep your machine fresh and your coffee tasting great. It also contains a component that works as a scale inhibitor. When used regularly on a new machine (or one which has not already developed a significant scale problem), it will work to prevent the accumulation of scale buildup on the internal parts of the machine.
Dezcal™ is specifically designed to address the need to remove hard water deposits. Dezcal™ is engineered to remove even the toughest scale buildup from machinery, but is not intended to clean away coffee oil residue as well as Cleancaf®.
Can I eat or drink this product?
Dezcal™ is an acid based product designed to breakdown the build-up of mineral deposits inside of your coffee machine. Much like any automatic dishwashing detergent, countertop cleaner, or other kitchen cleaner, this product is not intended to be consumed. As a result, the warnings work hard to be sure that there is no confusion about whether or not the product is a food. It is a chemical designed to perform a function. However, when used according to directions and rinsed properly there is no risk of consumption of the product.
How do I learn more about safety of this product?
A full material safety data sheet (MSDS) for each product can be downloaded here: Download