Guide · Espresso machines
How to descale a Sage Bambino and Bambino Plus, step by step
Sage Bambino descaling step by step from Sage's BES450 and BES500 manuals: the flashing-button alert, the DESCALE line, the button holds, the rinse and how it differs on the Plus.
If you need to know how to descale Sage Bambino machines, the good news is that both the Bambino and the Bambino Plus run an automatic cycle. You fill the tank to the DESCALE line with descaling agent, hold two buttons for 5 seconds, and the machine does the rest, pausing when it needs fresh water for the rinse. The button combinations are different on each model, so it’s worth checking which one you have. We haven’t tested this in person. The steps below are based on Sage’s manuals for the Bambino (BES450) and Bambino Plus (BES500), checked 3 Oct 2026. Read how we compare.
How to tell when your Bambino needs descaling
- Bambino (BES450): the 2 Cup button flashes continuously when the machine needs cleaning and descaling.
- Bambino Plus (BES500): the 1 CUP and STEAM button and the 2 CUP button flash alternately for 15 seconds.
On both models, pressing a button cancels the alert and returns the machine to ready mode, but Sage’s manuals advise against ignoring it. They explain that hard water causes mineral build-up inside the machine, which can reduce brewing flow, temperature, power and the taste of your espresso.
What you need
- Sage descaling agent. We couldn’t check Sage’s own price on 3 Oct 2026, so check current price on the Sage UK site.
- A container that holds at least 2 litres, to go under the group head and steam wand.
- Fresh water for the rinse.
Who it isn’t for: anyone thinking of using vinegar. Use a descaling agent suitable for your machine and follow the pack instructions.
How to descale Sage Bambino (BES450): step by step
These steps follow Sage’s BES450 manual.
- Empty the drip tray and refit it firmly.
- Fill the tank. Fill the water tank to the DESCALE line and add the descaling agent to the water.
- Place your container. Put a 2-litre container under the group head and steam wand.
- Start descaling. Press the 2 Cup and Steam buttons together for 5 seconds. The 2 Cup button flashes throughout the cycle.
- Wait for the pause. When the descaling solution has been used up, the machine pauses.
- Refill. Rinse the tank and refill it to the MAX line with fresh water. Empty the container and put both back.
- Rinse. Press the 2 Cup button to run the rinse cycle.
- Done. When the rinse finishes, the machine returns to ready mode.
Who it isn’t for: Bambino Plus owners. Your buttons are different, so use the steps below.
How to descale Sage Bambino Plus (BES500): step by step
These steps follow Sage’s BES500 manual.
- Empty the drip tray and refit it.
- Fill the tank. Fill the water tank to the DESCALE line and add the descaling agent.
- Place your container. Put a 2-litre container under the group head and steam wand.
- Turn the machine off. Press the 1 CUP and STEAM buttons together to switch it off, and let it cool down.
- Enter descale mode. Press and hold the 1 CUP and STEAM buttons together for 5 seconds.
- Start the cycle. Press the 1 CUP or STEAM button to begin. The buttons flash alternately throughout.
- Wait for the pause. When the descaling solution has been used up, the machine pauses.
- Refill. Refill the tank to the MAX line with fresh water, empty the container and put both back. The 1 CUP and STEAM buttons light up when it’s ready.
- Resume. Press the 1 CUP or STEAM button to continue with the rinse.
- Done. When descaling is complete, the 1 CUP and STEAM buttons flash alternately, and the machine goes into standby.
Both manuals warn that the water tank should never be removed or completely emptied during descaling.
Who it isn’t for: anyone short of time. Leave room for the refill and rinse, and don’t leave the machine unattended with hot water running.
Cleaning, filters and other care
Descaling isn’t the only job. The Bambino Plus manual says to run a cleaning cycle when prompted, after around 200 extractions, by holding the 1 CUP and 2 CUP buttons for 5 seconds with a cleaning tablet in the basket. It also says replacing the water filter after 3 months or 40 litres will reduce the need to descale.
Keeping the steam wand clean after milk drinks helps too. See how to clean a steam wand.
Where to go next
Read our Sage Bambino review and Sage Bambino vs Bambino Plus comparison, or browse espresso machines. For Sage’s bigger machines, see how to descale a Sage Barista Express.
FAQ
How do you know when a Sage Bambino needs descaling? On the Bambino, the 2 Cup button flashes continuously. On the Bambino Plus, the 1 CUP and STEAM button and 2 CUP button flash alternately for 15 seconds.
Which buttons start descaling on a Sage Bambino? On the Bambino, hold 2 Cup and Steam for 5 seconds. On the Bambino Plus, switch it off, then hold 1 CUP and STEAM for 5 seconds.
How much water do you need to descale a Sage Bambino? Fill the tank to the DESCALE line for the descale, then to MAX with fresh water for the rinse.
Can you remove the tank during descaling? Sage says the tank should never be removed or completely emptied during descaling. Wait for the machine to pause before refilling.