How Often Should You Descale an Espresso Machine?
Most espresso machines need descaling every 1 to 3 months, though water hardness plays a bigger role than any fixed schedule. Machines run on hard tap water with daily use typically need monthly descaling, while those using filtered or soft water can often stretch to every 3 or 4 months.
Scale is the chalky mineral buildup left behind as hard water passes through the machine's internals. Over time, it narrows water pathways, slows extraction, and can affect flavor by disrupting consistent water flow through the coffee.
The harder question is spotting the early signs before a shot turns noticeably flat or sluggish.