Chai machines handle powdered milk, sugar and spices every day. Without proper cleaning and basic maintenance, you can run into:

• Inconsistent taste from cup to cup
• Clogged lines or nozzles
• Extra wear on internal parts
• Unplanned downtime during rush hours

A simple routine plus periodic deeper checks help keep drinks tasting good and fresh and protects your investment.

Depending on your location and machine model, Chai Hai can help with:

• Maintenance guidance at installation – we show your team what needs to be cleaned and how often.
• Remote troubleshooting – phone, video or email support to diagnose common issues.
• Service visit recommendations – if an on-site technician is required, we guide you on next steps and options.
• Best-practice updates – tips on cleaning products, filters and routines as your volume grows.

Our goal is to help your team handle the day-to-day tasks and involve service only when truly needed.

Most of the important maintenance is basic cleaning your staff can do quickly. Typical routines include:

Daily

• Wipe down the machine exterior, buttons and drip tray.
• Empty and clean the waste tray if your model has one.
• Check premix levels and wipe any spills around the hoppers.

Weekly

• Run the machine’s recommended rinse or flush cycle with clean water.
• Remove and clean easily accessible parts such as nozzles or mixing chambers.
• Inspect the dispensing flow, power cable, placement and ventilation space around the machine.

Monthly – Descaling the Machine

Hard water can leave mineral build-up inside the heating system over time. A simple monthly descaling helps:

• Maintain consistent temperature and taste
• Reduce strain on internal parts such as heater element, solenoids and thermostat.
• Prevent flow issues and error messages

Always follow the specific instructions for your model, but the typical process is:

1. Prepare the machine

• Switch the machine off and let it cool slightly if it was just in use.
• Make sure there is no premix in the water lines during descaling.

2. Mix the descaling solution

• Use a food-service approved descaling product compatible with hot beverage machines.
• Mix it with water according to the product instructions.
• Pour the solution into the water tank or bottle that feeds the machine.

3. Run the descaling cycle

• Turn the machine back on.
• Dispense several cups of hot water through each drinks line (without premix) so the solution circulates through the internal pipes and heater.
• Let the solution sit inside the system for the recommended contact time.

4. Flush the system

• Empty any remaining descaling solution from the tank or bottle.
• Refill with fresh, clean water only.
• Run multiple cups of hot water through each line until the water is clear and any descaler smell is gone.

5. Final check

• Refill premix hoppers as normal.
• Dispense and discard the first 1–2 cups of chai from each flavour, then taste to confirm everything is normal.

Please note: If your location has very hard water or heavy usage, you may need to descale more often than once a month. Our team can recommend a schedule based on your site. (contact us)

We will show your staff exactly how to handle daily, weekly and monthly cleaning during Setup & Training. You can also post a simple checklist near the machine so every shift knows what to do.

Contact Chai Hai if you notice:

• Product is not dispensing, or buttons stop responding
• Leaks around the base or back of the machine
• Repeated error messages on the display

Kindly note: Share photos or videos when possible – it helps us diagnose issues faster.

In many cases we can solve the problem remotely by adjusting settings or guiding you through a deeper clean.

Machines are built for daily commercial use, but parts do eventually wear out. We can assist with:

• Guidance on ordering compatible parts (where applicable)
• Recommendations on authorized service options in your area
• Discussion of repair vs. replacement for older or heavily used machines

Our goal is to keep you serving chai with the least amount of disruption and cost.

If you operate multiple locations or high-volume sites, talk to us about a structured maintenance approach:

• Standardized cleaning routines across locations
• Central guidelines for staff training on machines
• Recommendations for spare machines or backup plans for critical sites
• Coordinated premix supply so machines stay in use and not idle

A simple plan reduces surprises and keeps your chai program consistent from store to store.

Need help with a machine right now or want guidance on a maintenance routine?

• Visit our Support section for Setup & Training, Repair Assistance and FAQs.
• Use Contact Support to share your location, machine model and a short description of the issue.
• If you are planning a new installation, mention that you want maintenance guidance included in your quote.

We will respond with clear next steps so you can get back to serving chai as soon as possible.