I am trying to figure out how to decalcify and clean the Francis X-5. My manual and every web site advertising this machine says to follow the manufacturers guidelines. So I'm trying to find out just what are the guidelines? In other words, what do I use and how do I do it? Also, my manual says to use tap water for this machine, NOT distilled/purified. Any thoughts? Thank you very much.
It's not necessary to use special water in single boiler machines, unless for taste, because they decalcify in a snap.
Check with your water board first. If your water is softer than 3 grains (50 mgL), you never need to decalcify. If it's softer than 5 grains (90 mgL), you only need to decalcify once every few years. If you live in a hard water area, you should do it every few months.
Here's the generic instructions:
Fill the tank with decalcifier - cleancaf powder, a heaped table spoon of citric acid per quart, or a 50/50 mix of reconstituted lemon juice and water, CLR can be used cautiously, but see below - about 1 quart will be enough.
Run about a cup at a time through your machine, waiting 10 to 15 minutes between cups with the machine turned on. When you run, do half through the group, half through the wand.
Flush a tank full of water through the machine to rinse it out. If you used CLR or another non-food safe descaler, rinse 3 or more tanks through.
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