How to Clean
and maintain your
Espresso machine
Whether you’re an amateur home barista or an experienced professional, keeping your espresso machine clean is essential for making quality coffee.
This guide will provide you with simple steps for cleaning your espresso machine, as well as tips for keeping it in top condition. From regularly cleaning and descaling the boiler, to cleaning the group head and portafilter, you’ll be able to maintain your espresso machine and get the best results with every brew!
Why Clean Your Espresso Machine
Cleaning your coffee machine regularly is essential. If you run a business that relies on a commercial espresso machine, such as a busy coffee shop, cafe or restaurant, it’s important to correctly maintain your equipment so that you can operate effectively.
Proper maintenance ensures that your machine will continue to produce high-quality espresso, while also extending its lifespan. There are several key reasons why regular cleaning is crucial:
Flavour Consistency
Over time, coffee residue, oils, and mineral deposits from water can build up in various parts of the espresso machine. These substances can negatively impact the taste and quality of your espresso, resulting in inconsistent flavours or even unpleasant aftertastes.
Optimal Functionality
Buildup of residue and deposits can hinder the machine's performance, causing uneven pressure and flow of water through the coffee grounds. This, in turn, may lead to subpar extraction and a decline in the overall quality of your espresso shots.
Preventing Bacterial Growth
The moist and warm environment inside an espresso machine creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mould. Regular cleaning helps to minimise the risk of contamination and ensure that your espresso remains safe to consume.
Prolonged Lifespan
Keeping your espresso machine clean and well-maintained reduces the risk of component failure and prolongs its lifespan. This not only saves you money on potential repairs and replacements but also guarantees that you can continue to enjoy top-quality espresso for years to come.
In the following sections of this guide, we will cover the essential steps and best practices for cleaning your espresso machine, ensuring optimal performance and great-tasting espresso every time.
Espresso Machine Cleaning Tools & Supplies Needed
Cleaning an espresso machine requires a variety of tools and supplies.
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A quality espresso machine brush is essential for removing coffee grounds and oils from the machine’s interior and exterior. It’s worth investing in brushes designed for different parts of the machine like the milk pipe and group head.
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A damp cloth or paper towels should be used to wipe away any moisture or spills that occur while you’re cleaning the machine.
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A cleaning solution or cleaning powder specifically designed for espresso machines should be used to prevent damage to the machine’s internal parts.
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A clean sponge or microfiber cloth is important for scrubbing residue, grease and other stains and polishing the exterior.
Other items such as a standard brush, needle-nose pliers, and a bottle brush can also be used to ensure the machine is properly cleaned and maintained. When using any of these tools, it is important to use caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safety.
How Often Should I Clean My Espresso Machine?
Espresso machines need to be cleaned regularly, and it’s recommended to complete different cleaning tasks at different intervals. Some tasks should be carried out after each use and some should be done daily, while other steps are only needed periodically.
Below we’ll break down the different steps involved in cleaning and maintaining your espresso machine, and look at how often you need to carry them out.
Cleaning Your Espresso Machine After Each Use
Throughout the day there are a few jobs that you should carry out as part of the coffee making process. If your machine is being used continuously then don’t worry if you don’t have time to complete each step after every cup, however you should aim to keep the machine clean whenever you have a few spare minutes.
Removing Used Coffee Grounds
Leaving used coffee grounds in the portafilter of an espresso machine can cause numerous issues.
It can lead to clogging of the portafilter, which can cause the machine to become temperamental and difficult to use. It can also lead to an unpleasant taste in the espresso as the old grounds can taint the flavour of the new espresso, and can result in quicker wear and tear of the machine as the grounds can become stuck in the tight spaces and cause friction.
It is therefore best to always ensure that all used coffee grounds are removed from the portafilter after each use.
Clean The Tamper
The tamper should be cleaned before and after each use to ensure that the espresso grounds are evenly distributed in the portafilter.
To clean the tamper, first make sure that it is free from any grounds or other debris. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe away any residue from the tamper. Rinse the cloth and repeat the process until the tamper is completely clean.
Once the tamper is clean, dry it thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth. Taking the time to properly clean the tamper will help to ensure that the espresso grounds are tamped evenly and consistently, leading to a better cup of espresso.
Daily Espresso Machine Cleaning
At the end of each day, there are a few cleaning tasks needed as part of the shut down process to ensure it’s well maintained and can continue to perform at its best.
Backflush the group head
Backflushing involves running water through the group head to remove coffee residue and oils. It should be done daily to keep your machine running smoothly.
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Remove the portafilter and basket, then attach a blind basket (a basket with no holes) to the portafilter.
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Add a small amount of espresso machine cleaning detergent to the blind basket.
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Lock the portafilter into the group head and start the water flow as if pulling a shot.
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Remove the portafilter, rinse the blind basket, and repeat the backflushing process with clean water to remove any remaining detergent.
Soaking the Portafilters & Baskets
Soaking the portafilters and baskets helps remove built-up residue and oils.
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Fill a container with hot water and add a small amount of espresso machine cleaning detergent.
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Disassemble the portafilters and baskets, and place them in the container.
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Allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes, or as recommended by the cleaning detergent manufacturer.
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Use a brush to scrub off any remaining residue, then rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow them to dry.
Wiping & Brushing
Wiping and brushing various parts of the machine helps remove residue and maintain cleanliness.
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Wipe down the steam wands with a damp cloth after each use to prevent milk residue buildup.
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At the end of the day, use a group head brush to scrub around the group head and remove any remaining residue.
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Wipe down the machine's exterior with a damp cloth, and make sure to clean drip trays and grates.
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Be sure to wipe off any wet spots that may have accumulated on the machine.
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Once the surface is dry, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away any stubborn coffee grounds or dust particles.
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Use a clean cloth to wipe away any remaining residue and to give the machine a final shine.
Maintain the Steam Wand
Maintaining the steam wand when cleaning an espresso machine is a crucial step in keeping your machine in good working order.
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First, the steam wand should be disconnected from the machine and wiped down with a damp cloth.
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If there are any coffee grounds stuck to the wand, they should be gently scrubbed away before wiping down again.
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Submerge in a mixture of water and vinegar, and allow to soak for several minutes.
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After the wand has been soaked, it should be rinsed thoroughly with clean water and dried with a clean cloth.
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Reattach the wand to the machine and test to make sure that it is producing a consistent stream of steam.
Weekly Espresso Machine Cleaning
If you’re following a daily cleaning and maintenance schedule, then about once a week it’s worth giving your machine a more thorough cleaning.
Descaling
Descaling is essential for removing mineral deposits from the machine's internal components. The frequency of descaling depends on water hardness and usage, but a weekly schedule is recommended for most commercial machines.
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Turn off the machine and allow it to cool down.
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Mix a descaling solution according to the manufacturer's instructions and add it to the machine's water reservoir.
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Run the descaling solution through the machine by pulling shots and steaming as you would normally. Ensure that the solution reaches all internal components.
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Empty the reservoir, rinse it thoroughly, and refill it with clean water.
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Flush the machine with clean water by pulling shots and steaming until all traces of the descaling solution are gone.
Periodic Espresso Machine Cleaning & Maintenance
A well looked after espresso machine shouldn’t give you too many maintenance issues. However, just like any other precision piece of equipment, there are some maintenance tasks that will be required from time to time, depending on your machine’s specifications and on how often you use the machine.
Replacing Gaskets and Screens
Over time, gaskets and screens can wear out, affecting the machine's performance. It's essential to inspect these components regularly and replace them as needed.
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Turn off the machine and allow it to cool down.
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Remove the group head screen by unscrewing it or using a specialised tool.
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Inspect the screen for wear or damage, and replace it if necessary.
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Inspect the group head gasket, which should be soft and pliable. If it's brittle or damaged, replace it.
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Reassemble the group head, ensuring that all components are properly seated and secure.
Lubricating Moving Parts
Lubricating moving parts helps ensure smooth operation and reduces wear on components.
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Turn off the machine and allow it to cool down.
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Consult your espresso machine's manual to identify which parts require lubrication, such as the group head's moving parts or steam wand joints.
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Apply a food-grade lubricant to the specified parts according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Inspecting and Cleaning Water Filtration System
Ensuring that the water filtration system is clean and functional helps maintain water quality and reduces scale buildup.
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Inspect the water filtration system according to the manufacturer's instructions, checking for damage or excessive buildup.
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Replace or clean filters as needed, following the manufacturer's guidelines.
Checking for Leaks
Regularly inspect your espresso machine for leaks, as these can indicate worn or damaged components.
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Inspect the machine for any signs of water leakage, paying special attention to areas around the group head, steam wands, and water connections.
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If leaks are detected, consult your machine's manual or contact a professional technician for assistance.
Espresso Machine Servicing
Maintaining an espresso machine involves a range of different tasks, and it’s essential that regular maintenance is carried out in order to ensure that the machine continues to perform at its best and provide you with many years of hassle free service.
For this reason, many business owners use a professional to carry out their coffee machine servicing. This ensures that the components and performance of the machine can be checked by an expert, and that any worn or broken parts can be replaced as needed.
If you do not have the time, skills or resources to carry out servicing on your machine internally, then a convenient and cost effective option is to use a service such as PureCare from PureGusto. This delivers a tailored package which can include:
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Boiler Safety Check (required every 12 months)
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Front end service (recommended every 12 months)
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Full service (recommended ever 20-24 months)
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Major service (recommended for for older, never serviced or infrequently serviced machines)
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One off repairs as needed
To find out more about servicing options for your commercial coffee machine, call our service and repair team on 0844 567 4666 or contact us online.
