Before, I used white vinegar for descaling. It was moderately effective but corrosive. And over time, the espresso machine eventually flee. As I needed a new espresso machine, I chose a Krups descaling and took the brand ... much more effective and the machine hold out. It's inexpensive and if you want to space cleanings, one can fill his espresso machine with a low mineral spring water, which will also give better coffee. Krups recommend descaling every 8 months. But by using a source of water or a filter cartridge, you can not do descaling every 2 years.