Cleaning Your Espresso Machine

Daily
Start by scrubbing the dispersion screens and gasket area with the wire brush. Clean the filter baskets with the wire brush, and remove the basket to scrub both sides. Hold the basket up to the light to verify that the holes are clear. Rinse the portafilters with hot water. Use a clean damp cloth to wipe steam nozzles to remove milk residue after each use. Backflush with water periodically throughout day (after 20-30 draws) for 30 seconds. Rinse drain tray and pour hot water down the drain to clear the way. To clean the outside of the espresso machine, wipe it off with a soft damp cloth and then dry it with a soft dry cloth.

Weekly
Cleaning schedule will depend on volume of your espresso stand. You will need to perform this “weekly” cleaning more often for busier stands. Your espresso machine should be back-flushed with soap at least once a week. First, substitute the blind filter (with no screen holes) into the portafilter and turn on water for 30 seconds to backflush the group head. Hot water will be forced back through the discharge tube. Then fill the blank screen with an espresso cleaning solution (such as puro caff or ESP) and follow the manufacturer’s specifications. Dump out the dirty water from the portafilter and repeat backflushing until the water runs clear and all soap has been rinsed out. Remove the portafilter and replace the blind filter with a regular filter. Run 3 or 4 brewing cycles through the machine until the water is no longer soapy. It is very important to rinse out all soap, or it can become dried on and cause problems with making espresso. Next soak screens and portafilters in cleaner. When done soaking, rinse thoroughly. Rinse drain tray and pour hot water down the drain to clear the way. To clean the outside of the espresso machine, wipe it off with a soft damp cloth and then dry it with a soft dry cloth.