Do you have questions about one of our products? You can view the answers to a number of frequently asked questions here. If not, please contact us if you cannot find the answer to your question below.
Limescale buildup in the coffee machine leads to longer brewing times and poorer heat transfer. This is often followed by reduced water dispensing, which together results in lower quality and an altered taste of your coffee.
Limescale builds up in the machine over time and can eventually clog the fine pipes. Limescale also promotes corrosion of the materials in the coffee machine. Both can damage the machine.
Limescale buildup leads to higher energy consumption in your coffee machine and is therefore harmful to the environment.
Yes, the Solute descalers are also suitable for use in kettles.
We recommend regular and early descaling, ideally every 3 months, for optimal coffee quality and a long lifespan of your machine.
This does depend on the water hardness in the area where you live and how often you make coffee per day.
Yes, the cleaning capsule performs a cleaning cycle inside the machine head. Limescale buildup occurs in another part (boiler) of the machine. Additionally, the cleaning capsule has a formula based on removing coffee oils.
Liquid descaler, liquid milk cleaner and 2-phase cleaning tablets
Yes, the machine still needs to be descaled. The frequency depends on the type of filter used. Some filters have a stronger limescale-inhibiting property than others. However, the machine still needs to be descaled.
Our website features a clear selection guide for cleaning tablets.
Manufacturers generally recommend 1 tablet every 14 days.
If the coffee grinder is not properly cleaned, the machine loses its grinding speed. Additionally, the dosing consistency deteriorates and the grinder temperature rises. By regularly cleaning the coffee grinder, you ensure: high dosing consistency, a consistent temperature, and remove oil/coffee residue that blocks the grinder's outlet.
With average use of the coffee grinder, we recommend cleaning the coffee grinder at the end of every day.
Solute products are available in the Netherlands in many different coffee shops, including Kaldi and Simon Levelt. For the exact sales points in your area, you can send us an email and you will receive a reply immediately. Or call +31 (0) 481 45 22 77.
A water filter helps reduce water hardness and filters out substances that can affect the taste and smell of the water. Therefore, a water filter descale the water, but typically reduces the water hardness to about 4 to 5 °dH.
Water hardness is expressed in degrees German hardness (°dH). You can easily look up the water hardness on your water company's website. To do this, search for the name of your water supplier and view the information about water hardness in your place of residence.
There are also various other websites where you can look up water hardness. However, keep in mind that some of these websites have a commercial purpose and give the impression that water is already "quite hard" starting from 6 °dH . In reality, the quality of Dutch drinking water is excellent. Although quality is under pressure due to various developments, it still ranks among the best drinking water in the world. Therefore, in many places in the Netherlands, the use of a water filter is not necessary.
However, water contains much more than just lime. Substances that affect the taste or smell of the water can also influence the taste of coffee. If you find that your tap water has an off-taste or smells of chlorine, for example, a water filter can offer significant added value.
In areas with hard water, typically above 10 °dH, the use of a water filter is recommended. Ultimately, it is up to you whether to use a water filter. If you choose not to install a water filter, it is important to descale the coffee machine regularly.
Keep in mind that a cup of coffee consists of 98.9% water . Good water quality is therefore essential for the best coffee taste and for a long lifespan of your coffee machine.
Do you use a water filter? Then it is important that you choose the right type. The different water filters are not interchangeable. The easiest way to determine which water filter you need is to look at the connection inside the water reservoir where the filter clicks into place. Are you unsure which filter is suitable for your coffee machine? Contact us.
Hard tap water takes a toll on your home, skin, and wallet, but also on the environment. It leads to unnecessary use of aggressive cleaning agents, soaps, and energy, unnecessary strain on appliances and sanitary facilities, and unfortunately; even more…
Limescale adheres to the inside of water pipes. This buildup causes a significantly reduced flow rate.
Here you quickly see the consequences of hard water: white-yellow deposits on sanitary fixtures and shower walls, dull taps, and streaks. Even consistently drying out wet areas, such as the shower, cannot prevent this.
Thermostatic valves become clogged or even break
. Valves cannot withstand limescale. The temperature control even more so than the visible parts. They become clogged, or they break.
Increased risk of corrosion and rust, especially with porous limescale deposits. Corrosion and rust go hand in hand with limescale buildup. This can eventually lead to leaks.
Appliances break down or develop leaks. Coffee and espresso machines, dishwashers, and washing machines do not last as long with hard water. Combination steamers are very susceptible to limescale buildup.
Water hardness, expressed in degrees German hardness (°dH), indicates the amount of calcium and magnesium minerals present in the water. When heated, these minerals precipitate as calcium carbonate, better known as lime or limescale.
Water with high hardness causes more limescale. This can lead to higher energy consumption, wear and tear on heating elements, and a shorter lifespan for household appliances. Additionally, hard water reduces the effectiveness of soap and cleaning products, often requiring a higher dosage.
The quality of Dutch drinking water is laid down in the Drinking Water Decree. This includes, among other things, requirements for the quality of drinking water and the monitoring thereof.
Water companies are not permitted to soften drinking water below 5.6 °dH. This is because water hardness that is too low can lead to corrosion of copper pipes. The average water hardness in the Netherlands is around 8 °dH.
The hardness of water is determined by the amount of calcium and magnesium. The more of these minerals present, the harder the water.
The classification below is widely used:
Water hardness varies by region and sometimes even by place of residence. This is because drinking water originates from various sources. As a result, the water differs by region.
Easily check the water hardness in your place of residence via your water company.
starting from approximately 2.7 °dH . As the water hardens, the amount of limescale increases. This can lead to:
A water filter can reduce water hardness to an optimal level, thereby reducing limescale without completely softening the water.
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