Urex
Urnex Biocaf Coffee Machine Descaler Powder - 900g (31.47oz)
Natural Descaling That Actually Works
Urnex Biocaf Descaler Powder is the eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemical descalers. This 900-gram jar provides approximately 18-32 uses (depending on machine size) of natural, biodegradable descaling power that removes mineral scale buildup from coffee makers, espresso machines, and kettles—without toxic chemicals or lingering odors.
The Problem with Mineral Scale: Hard water leaves mineral deposits (calcium, lime, magnesium) inside heating elements, boilers, and water lines. This scale buildup clogs machines, reduces brewing temperature, causes inconsistent extraction, and eventually leads to mechanical failure. Vinegar smells terrible and takes forever. Chemical descalers work but contain harsh ingredients.
The Biocaf Solution: Natural, biodegradable ingredients that break down mineral scale effectively without harsh chemicals or odors. Phosphate-free formula rinses completely clean. Made from plant-derived ingredients. Works just as well as chemical descalers—but better for you and the planet.
Key Features
✓ 100% Natural & Biodegradable
- Plant-derived ingredients
- Phosphate-free formula
- No harsh chemicals
- Odorless (unlike vinegar!)
- Eco-friendly and sustainable
✓ Effective Scale Removal
- Breaks down calcium and lime deposits
- Cleans heating elements and boilers
- Removes mineral buildup from lines
- Restores optimal brewing temperature
- Prevents machine breakdown
✓ Versatile Application
- Coffee makers (drip, pour-over)
- Espresso machines (home & commercial)
- Electric kettles
- Hot water dispensers
- Any coffee equipment prone to scale
✓ Economical Value
- 900 grams / 31.47 oz jar
- Approximately 18-32 uses per jar
- Depends on machine size
- Professional quality for home use
- Better value than small packets
What It Removes
Mineral Scale (Limescale): Calcium and lime deposits that accumulate on heating elements, reducing efficiency and affecting water temperature.
Calcium Buildup: Hard white crusty deposits that form in boilers, water lines, and on metal surfaces exposed to hard water.
Magnesium Deposits: Scale caused by magnesium in hard water that contributes to clogging and reduced performance.
Performance Issues Caused by Scale:
- Slow brewing/heating
- Reduced water flow
- Inconsistent temperature
- Weak or bitter coffee
- Loud/unusual noises
- Machine failure
How to Use
For Household Coffee Makers:
Step 1: Create Descaling Solution Mix 28g (1 oz) of Biocaf powder with 1 liter (32 oz) of warm water in a container
Step 2: Pour Into Reservoir Add descaling solution to machine's water tank
Step 3: Hold (15 Minutes) Let solution sit in reservoir for 15 minutes
Step 4: Run Brew Cycle Brew/run solution through entire machine into a carafe or container
Step 5: Discard Solution Empty and rinse container thoroughly
Step 6: Rinse Cycles Refill water tank with clean water only Run brew cycle until tank is empty Discard water and rinse container Repeat rinse cycles 2-3 more times
Step 7: Brew & Enjoy Machine is descaled and ready to use
For Espresso Machines:
Traditional/Home Espresso Machines:
- Mix 28g Biocaf per 1 liter warm water
- Follow machine manufacturer's descaling instructions
- Typically involves running solution through brew cycle and steam wand
- Rinse thoroughly with 2-3 full water tanks
Commercial Equipment with Removable Boilers:
- Remove boiler from machine, place in large bucket
- Create descaling solution: 50g (1.7 oz) powder per 1 liter warm water
- Cover boiler completely with solution
- Soak for 30 minutes
- Remove and rinse thoroughly with fresh water
- Dry completely before reinstalling
For Electric Kettles:
Step 1: Mix 28g Biocaf powder with 1 liter warm water
Step 2: Fill kettle with descaling solution Step 3: Boil solution (or heat if auto-shutoff engages)
Step 4: Let sit 15-30 minutes
Step 5: Pour out solution, rinse kettle thoroughly
Step 6: Boil fresh water 2-3 times, discarding each time
Step 7: Kettle is descaled and ready to use
Descaling Frequency
How Often Should You Descale?
Descaling frequency depends on your water hardness. Test your water or descale based on this schedule:
Hard Water Areas (10+ grains per gallon):
- Home machines: Every 1-2 months
- Commercial machines: Monthly or more frequently
Moderate Water Areas (5-10 grains per gallon):
- Home machines: Every 2-3 months
- Commercial machines: Every 1-2 months
Soft Water Areas (<5 grains per gallon):
- Home machines: Every 3-6 months
- Commercial machines: Every 2-3 months
Signs You Need to Descale:
- Slow brewing or heating
- Unusual machine noises
- Reduced water flow
- Coffee tastes off or bitter
- Machine displays descale warning light
- Visible scale buildup
Product Specifications
Size & Quantity:
- 900 grams / 31.47 ounces
- Powder formula
- Approximately 18-32 uses depending on machine size
- Comes with measuring information
Formula:
- Natural, biodegradable ingredients
- Phosphate-free
- Plant-derived
- Odorless (no vinegar smell!)
- Food-safe when rinsed properly
Certifications:
- Made in USA
- Eco-friendly formula
- Safe for coffee equipment
Storage:
- Keep jar tightly closed
- Store in cool, dry place
- Shelf life: 2+ years when stored properly
Why Biocaf vs. Other Descalers
Biocaf Natural Descaler (This Product)
Advantages:
- ✓ 100% natural, biodegradable
- ✓ Phosphate-free
- ✓ Odorless (no vinegar smell)
- ✓ Eco-friendly
- ✓ Plant-derived ingredients
- ✓ Rinses clean completely
- ✓ Safe for all coffee equipment
Perfect For:
- Eco-conscious users
- Those avoiding harsh chemicals
- Home and light commercial use
- Regular maintenance descaling
Chemical Descalers (e.g., Dezcal)
Advantages:
- ✓ Very aggressive on heavy scale
- ✓ Faster acting
- ✓ Stronger formula
Disadvantages:
- Contains chemicals
- Harsher on equipment over time
- Not biodegradable
- Requires more thorough rinsing
Best For:
- Heavily scaled commercial machines
- Neglected equipment
- Very hard water areas
White Vinegar
Advantages:
- ✓ Cheap
- ✓ Readily available
Disadvantages:
- Terrible lingering smell
- Weak acid (takes much longer)
- Requires many rinse cycles
- Not as effective as descaling powders
- Can damage some machine components
About Urnex
The Gold Standard in Coffee Equipment Cleaning Since 1936
Founded in 1936 in Manhattan, Urnex started with a simple mission: eliminate the oily buildup that made fresh coffee taste bitter. The solution was the original Urnex® Urn & Brewer Cleaner™, printed with a motto still used today: "No More Bitter Coffee."
For nearly 90 years, Urnex has pioneered every major advancement in coffee equipment cleaning—from the first espresso-specific cleaner (Cafiza) in the 1980s to today's eco-friendly Biocaf line.
Why Professionals Choose Urnex:
- Trusted in 70+ countries by barista champions and cafés
- Industry standard for professional equipment
- NSF certified, Made in America
- Same formulas used by the world's best coffee shops
The Philosophy: Great coffee is a journey from seed to cup. If your equipment is dirty, all that care is wasted. Clean equipment = better tasting coffee.
Frequently asked question
Biocaf Cleaning Powder removes coffee oils and residue from brew groups and equipment. Biocaf Descaler removes mineral scale from heating elements and water systems. You need BOTH for complete machine maintenance.
Yes! Biocaf Descaler is safe for all espresso machines including superautomatics. Follow your machine manufacturer's descaling instructions.
Approximately 18-32 descaling sessions depending on your machine size. Small home machines use ~28g per descale. Larger commercial equipment may require 50-100g.
Yes! Biocaf breaks down mineral scale just as effectively as chemical descalers. The difference is the natural, biodegradable formula that's safer for you and the environment.
Absolutely! Biocaf Descaler works great for single-serve machines, Keurig, Nespresso, and pod-based brewers. Follow your machine's descaling cycle instructions.
For routine maintenance, yes. For severely neglected machines with heavy scale buildup, you may need 2-3 descaling treatments or switch to a stronger chemical descaler like Dezcal.
You can buy water hardness test strips at hardware stores. Alternatively, look for signs: white crusty buildup on faucets, soap doesn't lather well, spots on dishes, or check your city's water report online.
No! Biocaf is completely odorless. Unlike vinegar, there's no lingering smell after descaling.