1. Daily Rinse Ritual
- Clean your espresso machine group head after each use: Flush with water, then wipe with a dedicated cloth.
- Wipe down your steam wand immediately after steaming to prevent milk build-up with a damp, dedicated cloth.
- Empty and rinse your drip tray to prevent mold growth.
- Remove your group handle basket and clean the underside of the basket and inside the group handle with clean water after the last use for the day.
- Backwash your group head with the recommended espresso cleaning powder / solution as per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Give the group head O-ring a light scrub with a group handle cleaning brush.
2. Weekly Deep Clean
- Soak removable parts in espresso machine cleaner .
- Clean your coffee grinder with specialised cleaning pellets.
- Remove the group handle basket and soak it and the group handle in a solution. of hot water and dissolved espresso machine cleaning powder. Make sure to only soak the group handle head, not the handle. Again, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Descale your Machine to remove mineral buildup as per your coffee machine’s descale instructions.
- Inspect gaskets and O-rings for wear.
- Brush out loose grounds daily [link to tools]
- Empty your leftover beans from the hooper into an airtight vacuum sealed container at the end of each day (link to airscape page in shop)
- Grind out any beans left between the burrs at the end of every day
- Calibrate regularly for consistent grind size [link to article]
- Don’t forget to clean your hopper out daily once emptied. A wipe out with paper towel will normally do the job.
- Purge before and after each use to expel any stale water / steam and or old milk
- Wipe clean immediately to prevent milk buildup
- Soak the tip weekly in hot water and a cleaning solution if milk has built.
- Use filtered water to reduce scale buildup
- Change water filters as recommended by the manufacturer
- Consider using a water softener in hard water areas
7. Timing is Everything
- Set reminders for weekly and monthly cleanings
- Keep a diary to track your cleaning schedule
- Replace worn parts (gaskets, burrs) according to usage, not just time
8.Tools of the Trade
- Invest in proper cleaning brushes and tools
- Use manufacturer-recommended cleaning products
- Keep microfiber cloths handy for quick wipes.
9. Beyond the Machine
- Clean your tamper after each use. A simple wipe over with a dry cloth or a brush down will do the trick.
- Wash milk jugs daily
- Regularly clean your coffee storage containers
Remember, a clean machine is the secret ingredient to consistently great coffee. By following these tips, you'll not only extend the life of your equipment but also ensure every cup is as delicious as the last, giving you the confidence that your coffee is always top-notch. Happy brewing, fellow home baristas!
Want to discover more? Click here to discover how to make the perfect espresso in our step by step guide.