Models 172022, 172024, 172025 and 172026
To descale your Morphy Richards Manual Compact Espresso Machine, run a suitable descaling solution through the brewing head and steam wand, rinse both systems thoroughly with clean water, then reset the descaling reminder by holding the one-cup, two-cup and steam buttons together for three seconds.
Follow the complete instructions below to ensure the process is carried out correctly.
When Should I Descale My Espresso Machine?
Your espresso machine has an automatic descaling reminder that activates after approximately 500 operating cycles.
When descaling is due, all the indicator lights flash five times when the machine is switched on.
This is a maintenance reminder, not an indication that the machine is faulty.
You may also need to descale if you notice:
- Coffee or water dispensing more slowly than usual.
- Reduced water flow through the brewing head.
- Reduced steam performance.
- Signs of mineral build-up.
The frequency of descaling depends on how often you use the appliance and the hardness of your water supply.
What Do I Need to Descale My Espresso Machine?
Before starting, prepare:
- A suitable descaling product intended for espresso or coffee machines.
- Fresh, clean water.
- A suitable jug or bowl to collect the discharged water.
- Access to a sink for emptying the container.
Always prepare and dilute the descaling solution according to the descaler manufacturer's instructions.
Do not use vinegar or unsuitable household cleaning chemicals.
Important: The machine will dispense hot water during descaling. Take care to avoid burns or scalding, keep hands away from the outlets and do not leave the appliance unattended.
Step 1 – Prepare the Descaling Solution
- Switch off the espresso machine and unplug it.
- Allow the appliance to cool completely.
- Remove the water tank and empty any remaining water.
- Prepare the descaling solution according to the descaler manufacturer's instructions.
- Fill the water tank with the prepared solution up to the MAX level.
- Refit the water tank securely.
Do not exceed the MAX filling level.
Step 2 – Descale the Brewing Head
- Plug the machine into the mains supply.
- Ensure the steam control dial is fully OFF.
- Press the On/Standby button to switch on the machine.
- Wait until the one-cup and two-cup buttons are steadily illuminated, indicating that the machine is ready.
- Place a suitable cup or bowl beneath the brewing head.
- Press the two-cup button once to dispense the descaling solution.
- Repeat this three more times, making four dispensing cycles in total.
- Empty the collecting container whenever necessary.
This allows the descaling solution to pass through the coffee dispensing system.
Do not use coffee grounds during descaling.
Step 3 – Descale the Steam Wand
The steam system must also be descaled.
- Position the steam wand inside a suitable jug or bowl.
- Slowly turn the steam control dial to dispense the descaling solution through the wand.
- Allow the solution to continue flowing through the steam wand.
- Stop periodically to empty the collecting container before it becomes full.
- Continue until the water tank is empty.
- Turn the steam control dial fully OFF.
Caution: The discharged water and steam may be extremely hot. Avoid contact with the steam wand and hot liquid.
Descaling both the brewing head and steam wand helps remove mineral deposits throughout the machine's water system.
Step 4 – Rinse the Machine with Clean Water
Once the descaling solution has been dispensed, the machine must be thoroughly rinsed.
- Refill the water tank with fresh, clean water up to the MAX level.
- Ensure the steam control dial is OFF.
- Place a suitable cup or bowl beneath the brewing head.
- Wait until the one-cup and two-cup buttons are steadily illuminated.
- Press the two-cup button four times in total, emptying the collecting container as necessary.
- Move the container beneath the steam wand.
- Slowly open the steam control dial to dispense clean water through the wand.
- Continue until the water tank is empty, stopping to empty the container whenever necessary.
- Turn the steam control dial fully OFF.
This completes the clean-water rinsing procedure specified in the manufacturer's user manual.
If any descaling solution remains evident, repeat the clean-water flushing procedure before preparing drinks.
Step 5 – Reset the Descaling Reminder
After completing the descaling and rinsing procedures:
- Ensure the espresso machine is switched on.
- Locate the one-cup, two-cup and steam buttons on the control panel.
- Press and hold all three buttons simultaneously for three seconds.
- Release the buttons.
The descaling reminder will now be reset.
Important: This button combination only resets the reminder. It does not automatically descale or clean the machine.
Always complete the full descaling and rinsing procedures before resetting the reminder.
Why Are My Espresso Machine Lights Still Flashing After Descaling?
If the lights continue flashing after descaling, the next step depends on the flashing pattern.
All lights flash five times when switching on
The descaling reminder may not have been reset. Repeat the three-button reset described in Step 5.
All buttons continue flashing
Check that the steam control dial is fully OFF. An open steam dial can trigger a warning indication.
One-cup and two-cup buttons are pulsing
The machine may be heating or cooling to the correct brewing temperature. Wait until both buttons are steadily illuminated.
For further guidance, see:
Why Is My Morphy Richards Espresso Machine Flashing or Beeping?
What If My Machine Still Has Poor Water Flow After Descaling?
If the machine continues to dispense coffee slowly, produces very little water or stops dispensing altogether, descaling may not be the only cause.
Follow our dedicated troubleshooting guide to check for other possible restrictions or operating issues:
Espresso Machine Not Dispensing Coffee – Troubleshooting
What If My Steam Wand Still Has Low Pressure After Descaling?
If steam pressure remains weak or the wand is not producing steam after descaling, further checks may be needed.
Follow our dedicated guide:
Steam Wand Not Working – Manual Compact Espresso Machine
This will help you identify whether the issue is related to steam preparation, cleaning or a possible blockage.
How Can I Reduce Limescale Build-Up?
To help maintain your espresso machine:
- Use fresh drinking water and consider filtered water in hard-water areas.
- Follow the machine's automatic descaling reminder.
- Descale when mineral build-up is suspected or water flow becomes restricted.
- Clean the water tank and filter holder regularly.
- Clean the steam wand after each use to prevent milk residue and blockages.
Cleaning the steam wand removes milk residue but does not replace descaling the internal water system.
Still Need Help?
If you've completed the full descaling procedure and followed the relevant troubleshooting guide but the issue remains unresolved, please contact Morphy Richards Customer Support.
To help us assess your enquiry, please provide:
- Model number: 172022, 172024, 172025 or 172026.
- Serial number: Located on the rating label
- Proof of purchase: Showing the product, retailer and purchase date.
- Description of the issue: Explain whether the problem relates to the descaling reminder, water flow or steam performance.
- Descaling details: Confirm the descaling product used and whether both the brewing head and steam wand were flushed.
- Troubleshooting completed: Explain which additional checks you've carried out and their results.
- Photographs or video: Where safe and relevant, provide evidence showing the issue.
Our team will review the information and advise on the next steps.
Please do not return your appliance unless instructed to do so.
User Manual
Download the Morphy Richards Manual Compact Espresso Machine User Manual – CM172022MUK Rev3