Spoiler: You could… but you really shouldn’t.
We’ve all heard it: “Just use vinegar!” It’s the old-school hack passed down from your aunt, your neighbor, and that one blog from 2006. And while vinegar technically can descale a coffee machine… There's a reason so many manufacturers—and eco-friendly brands like Roobi—don’t recommend it.
Let’s break it down.
Why People Use Vinegar to Descale Their Coffee Machines
Vinegar is acidic, which means it can help break down mineral buildup caused by hard water. It’s cheap, easy to find, and has been a DIY staple for decades. So what’s the catch?
The Cons of Using Vinegar
Here’s where things get messy (literally and figuratively):
-It can damage your machine. Vinegar is much harsher than it seems. Over time, its high acidity can degrade rubber seals and sensitive components, especially in espresso machines.
-The smell. Won’t. Go. Away. No one wants their morning coffee to taste like a salad dressing. Vinegar lingers—even after multiple rinse cycles.
-It’s not actually the most effective. Vinegar struggles to dissolve oils and deeper residue that build up inside your machine over time.
-Manufacturers say no. Most coffee machine brands (Breville, Nespresso, Keurig—you name it) specifically advise against vinegar, and using it may even void your warranty.
So What’s the Better Way to Descale a Coffee Machine?
Glad you asked.
Roobi’s cleaning and descaling products are designed to be machine-safe, planet-friendly, and actually effective. Whether you’re using a Keurig, Nespresso Vertuo, Breville, or DeLonghi, we’ve got a targeted solution to remove mineral deposits, coffee oils, and lingering gunk without the guesswork.
Depending on your machine, that might mean:
-Eco-friendly descaling liquid that clears hard water buildup without damaging the system
-Descaling tablets or filters designed to reach internal components and refresh your brew from the inside out
No sour smell, no side-eye from your barista friend—just better-tasting coffee and a longer-lasting machine.
Coffee Maker Maintenance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Sticking to a descaling routine is one of the best things you can do for your coffee maker (and your taste buds). We recommend descaling every 1–3 months depending on your water hardness and usage.
Ready for better coffee without the vinegar aftertaste?
Check out Roobi’s full lineup of cleaning and descaling solutions here.
