Whether you prefer an extra sweet latte or a dry cappuccino, there’s no greater luxury than enjoying a hot, fresh espresso drink from the comfort of your own home. If you’ve recently upgraded your coffee bar with an electric espresso machine, you’re on your way to becoming a barista! But before you get too excited, you must learn how to properly care for and clean your espresso machine. Luckily, we have a step-by-step guide to help you through it. Why is it Important to Clean Your Espresso Machine? Making espresso at home is easy, but that doesn’t mean the job is done after you pull your shots! In order to keep your beverage quality high and your machine in working condition, you must prioritize cleaning. Routinely cleaning your espresso machine helps remove the residue and buildup left by coffee oils, improving overall taste and prolonging the lifespan of your machine. If you don’t clean the machine often, you’ll end up with bitter flavors, unwanted coffee acidity, and clogged parts—and no one wants that! Essential Supplies for Cleaning an Espresso Machine When you buy an espresso machine to pair with our Perfect Espresso beans, stock up on these cleaning supplies: Commercial cleaning solutions (for parts, backflushing, and steam wand) Group head cleaning brush Backflush portafilter disk Clean, lint-free cloth Water Step-by-Step Guide to Fully Cleaning an Espresso Machine So, you’ve managed to pull your first decaf espresso doppio—now what? After your drink is done, it’s time to clean the machine. Tap out the puck in the knock box and follow these simple cleaning steps to keep your espresso machine in tip-top condition: Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Solution Before you disassemble any parts or get to scrubbing, prepare your cleaning solution. Mix your powder or liquid solution until incorporated and set aside. Pro tip: The type of cleaning solution you choose can depend on your machine, so read the instructions carefully before purchasing one. Step 2: Take Apart the Portafilter You likely already know that the portafilter is the handheld part of the machine that gets filled with the espresso grinds—but did you know it can be taken apart? In order to fully clean the espresso machine and get that fresh flavor profile with every shot, you should always remove the basket from the handled section, scrub off the residue, and submerge it into the cleaning solution to let it soak. Step 3: Clean the Group Head Next, you have to clean the area that dispenses the hot, pressurized hot water, also known as the group head. Since this is where the portafilter screws in, it has constant contact with the coffee. The best method to remove the residual grounds is to remove the shower screen and gasket with a screwdriver and place them in the cleaning solution. Then, scrub the area with a group head brush. Step 4: Backflush the Machine The inner workings of an espresso machine are complex—but they’re also the key to creating that highly pressurized, concentrated shot! Keeping the brew circuit clean and clear of any blockages is a must. That’s why backflushing is essential. Do it in five easy steps: After removing the normal portafilter and cleaning the group head, take out your backflush disk portafilter. Add a teaspoon of backflush cleaning powder to the disk. Lock the portafilter back into the group head. Activate the backflush process according to the machine’s instructions. Repeat the process 3-4 times or until the water runs completely clear, ensuring all detergent is rinsed out. Remove the backflush disk portafilter and rinse it thoroughly. Let the water run out of the group head for a few seconds and wipe it clean with a cloth. Step 5: Clean the Steam Wand If your espresso machine has a steam wand feature, you should soak the wand in a pitcher of warm, soapy water for a few minutes after each use. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe it down, staying careful not to burn yourself on the potentially hot wand! For a deep clean, follow the same steps with a diluted cleaning solution to fully purge any leftover milk. Step 6: Rinse Out Drip Tray Don’t forget to scrub and rinse off the drip tray! The tray often has streaks, strewn grounds, and coffee stains, and cleaning it off will keep your machine looking clean to the naked eye. Step 7: Wipe the Exterior Before reassembling, take a clean, lint-free cloth and wipe down the exterior of the machine to bring back its signature shine! Make sure you get the front, sides, back, and top. FAQ for Cleaning an Espresso Machine: What is Descaling? Descaling is the process of removing the mineral buildup caused by water flowing through a machine. Whether you use tap or filtered water, minerals like calcium or magnesium can accumulate in the crucial heating elements. This buildup can affect overall flavor, water flow, and heat, so it’s important to add descaling to the to-do list for cleaning any coffee machine. How Often Should You Deep Clean an Espresso Machine? The machines in cafés must be top-to-bottom cleaned at least once a day, but unless you are also making hundreds of lattes a day, your at-home cleaning routine can be a little more relaxed. Since the minerals and clogging issues occur over time, you can save the big deep cleans for around one to two times a month. You should, however, scrub the leftover grounds from the group head and rinse out your portafilter after every use. Can You Clean Espresso Machines with White Vinegar? While some people claim that using an extra diluted white vinegar solution is perfectly acceptable for an espresso machine, it’s much safer to use a commercial cleaning solution as they are designed to elongate the lifespan of the inner workings. We wouldn’t want your Espresso Lover beans to have a slight vinegar taste—check your specific machine’s manual for any guidance. Whether you’re a novice or a pro coffee maker, properly cleaning your espresso machine is a must! With a few simple steps, you can clean it on the regular and keep yourself caffeinated and happy day after day. Enjoy your favorite strong Knee Buckling Espresso each morning with your freshly cleaned espresso machine.
