How to Descale Your Espresso Machine

Descaling removes mineral buildup so your Talos 20 heats properly, maintains flow, and keeps your espresso tasting clean. Follow this exact cycle from the manual—solution prep, descale run, then a full rinse cycle.

What you’ll need

• 1L water tank access (fill + remove)
• Two containers (each holds up to 1 liter)
• One descaling option:
  • Descaling tablets
  • Liquid descaling solution
  • White vinegar (backup option)
• Fresh water for rinsing (more than 1 liter)
• Soft cloth (for cleanup)

Talos 20 descaling targets

• Frequency: every 4–6 months or after ~200 brews (or when the descaling light flashes)
• Descale time: about 10 minutes
• Rinse cycle: required (don’t skip)

Step 1: Mix the descaling solution

Use one of these options:

• Descaling tablets: Add tablets to 1 liter of water and wait until fully dissolved.
• Liquid descaler: Add about ½ cup descaling solution, then fill with 1 liter warm water and mix.
• White vinegar option: Add 1.5 tbsp white vinegar, then fill with 1 liter warm water and mix.

Step 2: Set up the machine

1. Pour your mixed solution into the water tank and install the tank into the machine.
2. Place a container (up to 1 liter) under the brew head.
3. Place a second container (up to 1 liter) under the steam wand.

Step 3: Start the descaling cycle

1. Press and hold Steam Preheat + Double Shot for 3 seconds until you hear a buzzer.
2. Turn the steam knob to the steam setting.
3. Let the cycle run: hot water will dispense from the brew head and the steam wand.
4. When descaling finishes, the machine will beep and return to standby.

Step 4: Run the rinse cycle (mandatory)

1. Remove the water tank and discard any remaining descaling solution.
2. Rinse the tank thoroughly with clean water.
3. Fill the tank with more than 1 liter of fresh water and reinstall it.
4. Repeat the same descaling steps:
   • Containers in place
   • Hold Steam Preheat + Double Shot for 3 seconds
   • Turn steam knob to steam
5. When finished, discard the rinse water and you’re good to brew again.

Quick tips

• Don’t skip the rinse: it flushes out descaler so your next shot doesn’t taste “chemical.”
• Use fresh water daily: it slows scale buildup and keeps taste cleaner.
• Tank care: hand-wash only (not dishwasher safe).

More to explore

• Cleaning your espresso machine
• Dial in grind size
• Espresso shot basics