To ensure every cup of coffee is as exceptional as the first, regular maintenance is key. Not only does it keep your coffee tasting great, but it also helps keep your machine brewing for years to come
The good news: it’s easy!
Here’s how to keep your Ratio in peak condition:
Clean the Showerhead and Carafe
To maintain the best flavor, regularly wipe the showerhead area and wash the carafe to remove coffee residue and oils. Coffee oils turn rancid quickly, leading to off-flavors in your cup. Each brew will produce a bit of condensation on the machine. Just grab a soft towel and wipe the condensation off, then wipe the shower head and surrounding areas. Trust us: these 10 seconds are well worth your time. Learn more.
Minerals or Oils?
There are two primary buildups in coffee makers you need to be aware of.
Coffee has inherent oils that are vital to the flavor in your cup, but if left to accumulate will produce a very bitter taste. We love Clearly Coffee to keep water tanks, filter baskets, and carafes sparkly clean. If you look inside your carafe and see brown buildup, those are coffee oils that need to be dissolved. Soak overnight and watch it magically revert to its original condition.
Pro tip: to prevent oil buildup in the machine, avoid using your coffee carafe to fill the water tank, as coffee oils easily transfer to the reservoir. Always use filtered water in your machine!
Mineral buildup is a different thing altogether, and it’s easy to spot with its trademark chalky coating. Descaling is the easy button to prevent problems with your machine.
Descale Monthly for Peak Performance
Natural minerals in your water can cause scale buildup inside your machine. Not only can this be unsightly, but over time it can also impact the functionality of your Ratio. Descaling once a month keeps your machine running smoothly and your coffee tasting its best. Here’s how:
Step 1: Fill the water tank to about an inch below the top fill line.
Step 2: Add 2 oz of Halefresh descaling solution (use 1 teaspoon for Ratio Eight machines built or serviced before July 2024).
Step 3: Start the Ratio and let it run through a full brewing cycle.
Step 4: Once the cycle is complete, fill the tank with cold water to the top fill line.
Step 5: Run another full cycle with just water.
Step 6: Repeat steps 4 and 5 once more to ensure thorough rinsing.
Pro tip: If you notice the glass supply line on the Ratio Eight or Six looking cloudy, it’s time to descale. On the Four, you’ll notice it collecting around the bottom of the removable water tank.
Ratio Clean Routine Bundle
We’ve put everything you need into one bundle for keeping your Ratio looking crispy, including our all natural carafe brush.
- Descaling solution
- Clearly Coffee cleaner
- Ratio microfiber towel
- Ratio all natural carafe brush
