Clean; care & maintenance, whether it’s pool equipment, accessories or electronics, keeping your investment ‘clean’, cleanliness improves longevity

Descale

Proper Maintenance And Care

Descale Modern Coffee Machines

Let's Descale

Descale with Apple Cider Vinegar

White vinegar or apple cider vinegar works, preferably organic, will work ofr this task. A quick tip: use vinegar to descale coffee machines. The objective is to clean and descale the pipes and water reservoir of a modern coffee machine. For machines, including camp pots and classic coffee pots, vinegar will suffice. For manual types, a mixture of vinegar and baking soda can be helpful. If there are stubborn coffee stains that are difficult to remove, a little baking soda can provide extra scrubbing power.

Typical Coffee Machines Needing descaling

Below, we have two machines, a. Keurig brand Coffee Machine and b. Breville brand Nespresso machine. We hve used both coffee machines and continue to clean them as needed, regularly and thoroughly. Simple monthly cleanings will go a long way.

Keurig Type Machines
Water Reservoir

Water Reservoir

Interface

Interface

Pod Area

Pod Area

Press to Clean

Press To Clean

Post Clean

Post Clean

To clean your Keurig (generic) machine, depending on the model you own, pour a mixture of vinegar and water into the reservoir. Choose a cup size and place the cup below the spout, then start the machine. Let the water and vinegar solution run through the machine until it’s all gone. For the next cycles, use only water in the reservoir. I usually run three full cycles: 1. Water with vinegar, 2. H2), and 3. More water. The aim is to ensure that all the vinegar is completely flushed out of the machine, including the small reservoir inside.

Remember, to run the machine as many times as necessary to clear out the vinegar. A small amount of apple cider vinegar shouldn’t cause any issues, assuming no allergies. We’re talking about trace amounts here. Just a disclaimer: I’m not a health professional, nor ram I representing apple cider vinegar or vinegar in any way that suggests health benefits. The vinegar is simply the cleaning agent, replacing store bought chemicals).

Nespresso Type Machines
Visual Inspection

Visual Inspection

Pod Area

Pod Area

Vinegar & Water

Vinegar & Water

Press and hold

Press And Hold

Ready to brew

Ready to Brew

Fresh Espresso

Fresh Espresso

Same process for the Breville (generic) Nespresso machine, caveat, holding the two ‘size’ buttons on the top of the machine..This will turn on the machine and it will run until the water reservoir is empty. I’ve found it easier to just unplug the machine, once it has finished running. Not saying that his is the correct way, just the way I clean the machine.

Ok, moving on, rinse and repeat, the same cycle as mentioned above – 1. water with vinegar, 2. water, 3. water. Run 2 or 3 cycles and your machine should be good to go. If the descale indicator light is on, you may need to run a fourth or fifth cycle. It’s time to clean if the light has been triggered. The cleaning schedule is monthly, sometimes every two months depending on usage. If we use either machine less frequently, it’s important to run the vinegar solution more often to maintain tubes, bungs, diaphragms and fluid mechanical components.

Let’s leave it at that. Some machines will require a K-cup to remain in the machine in order for it to run. You can just use a ‘spent’ cup, no harm in that. I typically make a cup to drink while I clean the machines, so I have a fresh cup if needed. Obviously, this quick tip – descale – is not necessary if you have one of the new machines, a K-cup with a QR code. The level of frustration on the first series, required a K-cup with the stamp.

Side Bar – Coffee Pots, Camp Pots and Manual Brewers

A simple way to keep these vessels clean is by using water, vinegar and baking soda. The reaction between the vinegar and soda is quite fun. I remember making a volcano-like structure in elementary school using the same two chemicals. To clean, grab a sponge or paper rag, place the soda at the bottom, then add vinegar and water. You can pre scrub the soda around the inside of the camp pot for example. Pour in the water/vinegar mixture (hot water where applicable) and scrub the mixture until the soda powder is fully incorporated into the liquid. This process typically only takes a minute. Scrubbing until it’s incorporated acts like the silica grit inside toothpaste, which helps scrub the stained sides, tops, or handles. 

If you have a camp coffee pot or percolator, follow similar cycles using vinegar and baking soda to remove the coffee stains, burnt coffee, coffee grind oil/debris and residue. Using vinegar as a quick tip – to descale your coffee pots and machines is key. The baking soda acts as a scrubbing  booster  while the vinegar’s acid breaks down those hard-to-clean coffee spots. The same method can be used on pots and pans, but I’ll save that for another post. Holiday time seems to be an appropriate time and place.

Like the quick fix format? Check out other quick fix content here such as this disposal problems fix. Like the learn to descale your coffee equipment – pots and machines, fix a toilet float, clean and fixpool filter housing and filter problem or try a cell phone charging hack… Check them out!

Quick Fix – Pool

theQuick Fix – Pool

Solve Water Pressure (Spikes) – Clean Filter, Pump/Pump Filter etc.

Filter Top

Inspect the equipment

On an ongoing basis, it is important to keep the pool filter clean. Additionally, it is crucial to address any leaks and replace parts as needed throughout the lifespan of the pool. Monitoring the filter housing gauge can be helpful in the process. To begin this maintenance task, perform a visual and physical. inspection of the Pentair system, which includes the filter, pressure gauge, and blow-off valve. Be vigilant for any sudden spikes in pressure, as well as any obstacles that may impede proper water flow.

Filter Housing, Filter Change, New Gauge and Blower
Filter Top Showing Crack

Housing Crack

Filter Change

Filter Change

Clean Filter Insert

Clean Filter Insert

Inspect Filter Bottom

Inspect Filter Bottom

Filter Housing, Pump – Water Cycle Ecosystem

Along with the filter gauge, proper filter cleaning is necessary. Keeping the pool clean and free of debris is one thing, but keeping the debris and ‘gunk’ out of the system is another. Let’s focus on the main drain(s), pump filter, filter, filter housing and the return.

Chemicals aside, simple maintenance is key. Keeping the main drain clear, the pump filter and the filter cleaned and free of debris is important (simple, right?). Not too often, but when it does, focus on the filter housing gauge. Pressure can build when the filter is not allowing the recommended ‘flow’ back to the pool via the return. The blow off valve, assuming a generic housing, will help eliminate pressure when needing to power down the pump unit to clean the pump filter and clean, remove or replace the filter.

New Parts
Clean Filter Housing

Clean Filter Housing

Place Filter

Place Filter

Infilter Insert

Infilter Insert

New Filter Top

New Filter Top

Filter Housing Issue

Let’s skip ahead to the filter housing issue in our quick fix – pool article. First, here is a generic video showing the process of turning off the pool, removing the filter housing top and gaining access to the filter. Unfortunately, the filter housing top deteriorated due to sun exposure, water, contaminants. Luckily, it didn’t turn into a lost top or a comical scenario where the filter top ends up in a neighbors yard.

After a brief conversation with the pool professionals, it became clear that this is a common point of failure. It can be temporarily patched with epoxy but this is not recommended  for this application. In a pinch, do what you can to maintain it, but most of the time, it’s best to get a new top. We will also replace the gauges (these are not due for another day or two, as we have chosen to purchase replacements online).

Going Back to the filter and solving problems along the way will help you better maintain the equipment you have. This has been our approach to working on electronics and technology for our 20 years. Once you’ve learned a your lesson, you typically won’t be to keep notes on your pool filter and make sure to buy the correct filter for your system. Prices will vary as you all know.

Physical and Visual Inspection

Check the filter core, gauges, blow off valve, filter screen (if applicable), and filter. Something is clogging up our filter, possibly algaecide or leftover water coloring solution. It is washable, but for the sake of time, it’s best to replace the filter. This task is not brain surgery, but it must  be done correctly. Inspect all parts, clean what you can, and replace the items that are beyond cleaning. Filters and parts deteriorate over time.

While you’re cleaning out the pool, filters and whatever else might be causing problems in and around the pool. Check out our series on pool robots, maintenance, care and more importantly, Maytronic Dolphin robot repairs! Don’t miss out on this series, whether you have a robot, looking to invest into one or have a bot out of order or a Dolphin Down in desperate need of assistance… More content on the way! 

In summary, these quick fix – pool tips can be used  to inspect all components of the pool pump. Conduct a visual inspection, clean the baskets, filter, filter core, filter housing bottom, and check the water. Balance the water with chemicals as needed, then deploy the pool robot to start the cleaning process.

Like the quick fix format? Check out other quick fix content here such as this disposal problems fix. Like the learn to descale your coffee equipment – pots and machines, fix a toilet float clean. Like this quick pool filter housing and filter fix, try a cell phone charging hack… Check them out!

Quick Tip – Float

Stop Running Water

Pesky Toilet – Fix Running Water Issue

Switch out the float and the flap

Toilet Running? Quick Tip – Check the Float, Stop the Water Flow Correctly.

Quick Tip: Is your toilet leaking or running? Start by checking for a few common issues. Is the water continuously filling the toilet? This could indicate a water shutoff problem. Is the flap broken, deteriorating, or blocked by debris like a tank cleaner puck or tablet?

Here are two simple steps to fix the problem we are trying to solve in this quick tip article regarding floats and flaps. First, check the flap. Is it the correct size and in good condition? If not, replace it. Adjust the flap sinker and chain as needed. Second, check the float. Make sure it is floating properly to shut off the water once the tank reaches the set float height. Fixing these issues can help stop your toilet from leaking or running.

Toilet Inspection, Repair
Visual Inspection

Visual Inspection

Unscrew Water Hose

Unscrew Water Hose

Tank Screw

Tank Screw

Replace Flap

Replace Flap

Water Pipe

Water Pipe

Screw Water Hose

Screw Water Hose

When it comes to toilet repair, there are few things you need to check, such as water height and water pressure. For a quick fix, start by turning off the water, draining the tank, vacuuming out any remaining water (having a bucket nearby can be helpful in tight spaces). Let’s loosen the plastic nut(which is a common material these days) that connects the tank to the water spout. Do the same  for the float nut, which is the other connection point under the tank for modern toilets.

Once the hose and float have been removed, along with the float assembly and hose connecting the ‘out flow’ pipe, which may be another potential leak point, replace what was removed with new materials and turn the water back on. And just like that, your toilet is fixed. It may not be a technical task, but everyone has a toilet, and appliances and fixtures can break down from time to time. Keep this handy tip in mind for the next time.

Like the quick fix format? Check out other quick fix content here such as this disposal problems fix. Like the learn to descale your coffee equipment – pots and machines. Much like this fix a toilet float article… clean and fixpool filter housing and filter problem or try a cell phone charging hack… Check them out!

Part 5

Part 5 – Rebuild And Upgrade

Sonic Pad Adjustments, Assembly

Part 5 Inputs/Outputs

Labwork – Upgrade Part 5

Finally, a moment to enjoy and success is here. Everyone has been eagerly anticipating a full print test of the Ender 3 Max Neo, Sonic Pad, and Creality TPU. The full print was successful without the need for a dreaded motherboard upgrade. 

No motherboard upgrade is needed at this time! We just need more time to print and tweak, print and tweak. Success! A fresh print, an end-to-end cube test print… just look at the ironing, ‘it’s alive, it’s alive’. It may seem like a small win, but it is a win nonetheless. The config/console appears to be correct, which is no surprise, I’m looking into a few more tweaks in the end.

Upgrade Continues

Let’s highlight a few things. An update was overdue, especially this one celebrating the print test win. Check. After a very early start this morning (the pictures are included below) we’ve got the Ender 3 Max Neo producing TPU test prints with minimal blips, blurbs, zits, stringing etc. All good things.

The key takeaway,  is that delta refers to extrusion setting, which controls the direct drive pressure on the filament. s… These settings can be found in the advanced settings under extrusion settings. A reminder for those using the Creality Sonic Pad interface: if you are using the onboard interface, you will need to look for something called  “steps” or a way to control the stepper. In layman’s terms, this refers to the ‘pressure in steps’ needed to  push filament through the extruder.

In Part 5, we highlights the success of the extrusion win, along with making other minor tweaks such as adjusting the heat at the tip, improving bed adhesion, and adjusting speed to match the Sprite Extrusion settings. We found that print temps between 220-240 C, depending on the filament type – Duramic or Creality TPU. Additionally, we increased the flow rate by an additional 25%, bringing it to 125%, and reduced the speed by 25% approximately 75%. Therefore, the settings are as follows: 220C – 240C Nozzle – 75C Bed – 75% Speed – 125% Flow Rate – Sprite Extrusion Settings Enabled.

Currently, some additional adjustments are being made to the movement settings in Part 5. The Z height appears to require some minor adjustments in specific areas, although the reason for this is unclear. It could be related to the differences between the initial layers and the subsequent layers. 3D printers enable users to control various settings throughout three stages of the printing process: the beginning, middle and end.

3D Printer Upgrade Inspiration
Evening Print

Evening Print

Halot Reflection

Halot Reflection

Sonic Pad

Sonic Pad

Adjustments

Adjustments

Spider Hot End

Spider Hot End

First Globule

First Globule

Test Cube

Test Cube

Failed Test Print

Failed Test Cube

One other thing to mention, which I failed to include in my previous post, Part 4 is that bed adhesion continues to be an issue. It could be the dark horse  among the issues at play.  A quick fix for bed adhesion is using alcohol and paper towels to keep the adhesion plate clear and clean! Make sure to throughly clean the plate by scrubbing away any oil residue, filament, blips, dust, stringing, dog hair (thanks, Zeus), and any other debris that might accumulate on the build plate in a typical office environment.

I don’t recall if keeping the plate clean actually made a difference when it comes to cleaning the bed, but we have tried a few different methods. We experimented with a clean bed, a taped bed (using Blue Painters Taps), and a sprayed/glue stick adhesive bed. All in an effort to find an alternative solution for prints shifting on the bed surface.  We will also be posting some build plate test and will be trying spray adhesives next. Could that be the answer?

More Adjustments

A few adjustments with the Hex (Allen) keys, resetting the rail wheels, and we’ve successfully completed Part 5. Looking back, I’m not sure if the build plate really needed to be cleaned between PLA prints. If you look closely a the picture, you’ll see that the Creality Sonic Pad is now operational as planned. Personally, I don’t think I would have kept the generic screen that originally came with the machine. The Wifi, Cloud Printing/Slicing, direct printing, and customizable settings are all key reasons to stick with the Sonic Pad.

One item to note, is that we have not been able to get the Wifi Box 2.0 to work in the upgraded sandbox. Furthermore, for the time being, we will set aside the Wifi Box 2.0 until we can determine the optimal print settings and ensure consistent adhesion. Despite this, we are staying positive and moving forward with larger format prints, including  some TinkerCad projects for a true test. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that we have relocated the printer from the workbench. The tabletop did not provide the necessary stability due to the incessant shaking, vibration, and back-and-forth motions of the printer assembly.

Overall, today is a win after having the printer on the bench for the past few weeks. Check out the previous series articles – Part 1 Teardown,  Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4. We are on an upswing, with new parts, new break-fix settings, slicing settings and a new location for the 3D printer to operate. For those interested in what’s coming next, I have a backlog of TPU Max Neo parts, including a new digital spool, some technology ‘smartphone covers’, and a unique locking mechanism for a cooler. More details on that later.

Disposal Problem

Food and Debris Stuck, Fix A Disposal Problem

No Grind, Time For A New Disposal

Disposal - Internals

Lab Work – Emergency Fix

A few weeks ago, had a minor issue with the sink disposal. The picture here is speaks volumes about the problem we encountered. 

Once the problem was identified, it was clear that we needed to replace the disposal unit. Upon closer inspection, we found that rust had caused significant damage internally. I had to remove the seal and screws to crack open the top of the disposal unit. Honestly, I  was surprised by how worn out the unit was. It was definitely time for a replacement, and were fortunate to have discovered the issue when we did.

Disposal Parts and Install
New Install

New Disposal Install

Debris Filter

Debris Filter

Clean Teeth

Clean Teeth

Interior View

Interior View

Next, the title, “Disposal Problem ‘no grind’, time to replace it a new title. Unfortunately, the 1/2 replacement had a short in the wiring. Being a conscientious consumer, I decided to upgrade to the new InSinkErator 3/4 hp, which you can see here. It was a smart choice as it was the same brand and fit perfectly in the cabinet space. You can see the final installation below. These disposal units are usually plug and play, assuming that piping and plugs are readily available and identical. For this reason, I stuck with the same brand, hoping for seamless setup.

Next, I didn’t want to hack away at the existing piping, cabinetry etc, just want to maintain and in this case boost the output. You’ll see a slight increase in HP, a plastic outer case/shell and a sparkly new (newly cleaned) lower cabinet for it’s foreseeable future. What a mess. Moving along, fix in place, watch what you put down the sink etc. Remember to check the sealant between the disposal and connector. We had a little leakage that has now been remedied. Not bad, virtually the same machine, replaced, tools – pliers, pipe wrench, flathead, pipe tape and a small bin in case of water leaks or intrusion in the future.

Like the quick fix format? Check out other quick fix content here such as this disposal problems fix. Learn how to descale your coffee equipment – pots and machines, fix a toilet float, clean and fixpool filter housing and filter problem or try a cell phone charging hack… Check them out!

Finally, hopefully (fingers-crossed), you can learn a thing or two. Be sure to unplug disposals, have some extra ‘shop’ towels to mop up excess water or worse, sink goo. Make sure local power outlets are off and to be safe, turn off water where applicable.

Quick Fix – Nano Mixer

Nano Mixer Fix

Bloom’n Again, Mixer Back In Action

Clean Bloom Housing

Tech | Tools – Frother Quick Fix

Quick Fix – Disassemble, Clean, New Batteries…

Quickly stir in sugar and milk, mix up your protein powders and fine particulates; all made easy with the Bloom mixer. I wanted to share a quick fix, as our nano mixer quit on us a few weeks back. Typically, the morning and afternoon espresso is ‘cut’ with a few granules of sugar and some half and half… as I get older, the trend has been ‘lighter and sweeter’… any how, here is the internal works of the mixer, teardown – a few screws, clean up, reset the metal prongs and a new set of batteries and we were back in business. Mixing up protein powder, scrambling eggs and espresso/coffee.

Just a note, be sure to keep the lower body (green structural plastic in the picture) dry if you can, there is a bit of a seal there… but better safe than dropping $20 – $40 on a new one. Again, here is the link for the Bloom variety, I think the mixer has been updated since the date of purchase.

We’ve tried the ‘mini blenders’ like the Bullet’s, and the hand blenders, the top of the line so to speak, with the blenders… there are advantages to all, negatives as well. The Bloom mixer is great,  now that we got a Quick Fix – Nano Mixer running again. Nice mixer for the small stuff, no need to plug anything in, or clean up pre-made cups etc. Magic Bullet style mixers were great for ‘bullet coffee’*.

Make Bullet Coffee

Never heard of bullet coffee. Make some coffee in a Bodum or Colleti.. or choose your home Coffee Machine. See below. There are a few of the nano/hand mixers on the market, and Amazon can help you find one that fits your budget. I’ve included some below so you can make your own ‘bullet coffee’, with links included…

*Bullet Coffee Recipe: Full Fat Butter, Raw Coconut Oil, espresso/coffee of choice – Nespresso Pods – Tokyo Vivalto Lungo, a few spins of the mixer, and you’re done.

In conclusion, I’ll probably post more about espresso machines, specifically the Nespresso machine. Stay tuned for more. Thanks!

Sous Vide Smorgasbord

We Have A Sous Vide Smorgasbord

Sous Vide Success

Annova Sours Vide - Smorgasbord

Gear – Anova Sous Vide

Hungry? Prep, cook and serve using an Anova Precision Cooker. Work up an appetite while you prepare, cook and serve for an all day picnic. Fish, poultry, beef… Anova does it all

Put the Anova Sous Vide precision cooker to the test with fish, shrimp, lamb, beef, chicken, pork… even pork butt; a Sous Vide Smorgasbord. In just one day, prepare a feast for the masses or an all day picnic. Cook up 2+ pounds or more of our honey-glazed, thick-cut bacon, a BBQ-inspired beef brisket, Italian sweet sausage with all the fixins’… chil-i-lime, lime and garlic chicken, peppered beef burgers, and simple beef hot dogs.

Smorgasbord
Full Meat Plate

Full Meat Plate

Sous Vide

Sous Vide

Bacon, Dogs, Sausage

Bacon, Dogs, Sausage

Burgers, Chicken Patties

Burgers, Chicken Patties

Although time is irrelevant when you’re having fun, are you new to precision cooking? Start early early enough for the beef to cook and the chicken to be prepped for a final sear. Have everything ready before ‘game time’. 

Typically a safe window is four to five hours, but those with experience may opt for a tighter window. With more experience and times, the window becomes more refined. Regardless of duration, the options are limitless.

Try it all reduce cooking times on the grill. No need to stick to just the grill or stove top. Whichever you have, be prepared. A precision cooker ensures perfection. When finished on a hot griddle or grill you become the chef at home. More on the griddle will be discussed later.

For now, the feast is prepared, with smorgasbord after smorgasbord being churned out around the 130 degree mark. With a few modifications and trial test runs, you’ll quickly learn how temperature and duration affect the outcome of your choice of protein or veg alternatives. See what works best for you. The most important thing to remember is to seal your bags appropriately. Season your entrees with the freshest ingredients you can find, including herbs and all the fixings. This is a great way to switch up how, where, and with whom you cook. As for dessert, what’s on the menu?change up how, where and with whom you cook. What’s for dessert?

Just a quick side-note, if you have not tried to sous vide or have not thought about the usage of a precision cooker via a food water bath… I use it around the holidays to prep for meals. have a look around, some of the best food on the market has been sous vide, stored and seared at time of consumption. Now, I’m not saying I’m obverse to the process of using the cooking method in mass, I’m advocating for showing you that even your local, regional and global coffee shops, bars and gastropubs use the sous vide cooking method. The point, the method of cooking helps prep, heat, and serve at a very precise temperatures. Precision is key, we recently cooked a beef brisket for 3 days plus just to put this logic to test. Cheers

COLETTI CAMP POT

Coletti Camp Percolator

Get Your Own – Colletti Camp Pot

Camp pot - Coletti Pot

Gear – Coletti Camp Percolator

Camp Pot – Big fan of my camp percolator, or use it for everything coffee.

Lifetime guaranteed. If you’re looking for a simple, no fuss coffee pot, look no further. We tossed out the old Keurig, what a mess. The COLETTI COLETTI CAMP POT (percolator) was the answer and has now been in use for just under a year. It’s a simple 5, 7, or 9 cup pot, stainless, no frills, glass percolator top. THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF THIS CONTRAPTION!

The COLETTI CAMP POT percolator is a versatile pot that can be used anywhere, in the office, outdoors, or on your next camping trip. This pot is typically used on a stove top indoors, making at least 9 cups per round. You can also opt for the 12 cup option for just a few dollars more, around $45 with tax and shipping included.

Buy A Percolator
Camp Percolator

Percolator

Coletti Top

Pot Top

Get your own COLETTI CAMP POT… Check out the Coletti Bozeman Camp Percolator for yourself. By the way, if you choose this pot, make sure to buy an extra perc glass top. The COLETTI replacement comes 2 per pack. We broke ours by flipping the top wildly, like the wild, wild west during the ill-fated wash process. We didn’t screw the top tight enough, flipped the lid, and the top flew like a rock screaming out of a Roman Catapult onto the tile floor. 

Lastly, if you’re looking for some great coffee, give Heart Roasters a shot. My favorite is the Ethiopia Worka Sakaro. As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?