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Descaler for aluminum boilers
Greetings, my first post .
I have just recently purchased my first gaggia classic coffee machine. It is 16 years old and after reading all the numerous posts online I have managed to replace the pump and set the pressure using a gauge to 9.5 bar.
However after reading that citric acid as a descaler could cause pitting in the aluminium boiler I decided to do some research online for what could be a suitable cleaner.
After some research I have discovered that large scale aluminium boilers used for heating in applications such as schools or offices are treated with organic vegetable based tannin which apparently coats the aluminium preventing pitting and creates a much more effective heating surface.
More research discovers that tannin is contained in green tea or black tea
See ( "waterworld.com/articles/...corrosion.html")
If others on the forum would like to read the information provided in the above link I would appreciate feedback on whether they think that green or black tea would be a feasible descaling solution.... to be drawn into the Gaga classic aluminium boiler possibly as a descaler but also after descaling with citric acid I could then put a green tea solution through the machine that would coat the aluminium and make it safe from further pitting, improve it's heat exchange abilities and thereby also make it more safe for the consumer in keeping any aluminium compounds out of the coffee.Seems like it could be a simple viable solution.
Regards
Ian Morison
Comments
Also I have a 30yr baby Gaggia still going strong it's on 'permanent' loan to a mate now but shows no sign of letting up and is still used daily !