Weekly Cleaning: A Deeper Dive

It’s easy to overlook daily cleaning, but trust us — it’s the most important part of keeping your machine in top shape. A little effort now can save you from nasty buildup and funky-tasting coffee later.  

Purge: Before and after every shot, make sure to purge the group head. This simple step ensures that any leftover coffee grounds are cleared out, and it also helps to keep the temperature consistent.  

Wipe: After using the steam wand, always give it a quick wipe with a clean cloth to remove any milk residue. A quick purge after each use will also prevent any milk buildup inside the wand.  

Empty the drip tray: Empty and clean the drip tray regularly to prevent stagnant water from building up. This is an easy step that can often be forgotten but makes a huge difference in maintaining a clean, functional machine.  

By incorporating these simple daily steps into your routine, you’ll keep your coffee machine running smoothly and your coffee tasting fresh.

Now, it’s time to give your machine a bit more TLC. Weekly cleaning involves a deeper dive to keep things looking and functioning like new.  

Backflushing: Backflushing your machine with cleaning powder is an essential step. This helps to remove any coffee oils or grounds that may have built up inside the machine, especially around the group head. Backflush once with cleaning powder, and then again without it to ensure a thorough cleanse.  

Scrub the group head: Take a few moments to scrub the group head with a clean brush to remove any remaining coffee particles. This helps to maintain the seal and ensures optimal pressure when pulling shots.  

Soak your portafilters: Soak your portafilters in a cleaning solution or warm water to remove any oils and coffee residue that have built up over time. Steam wand cleaning: It’s not enough to just wipe down the steam wand after every use. Once a week, give it a proper cleaning. You can fill a milk jug with hot water and add a small amount of machine cleaning powder, then dip the steam wand into the solution for a while.  

This will help to remove any milk residue deep inside the wand. A little effort once a week goes a long way in ensuring your machine performs optimally.

The Importance of Water Quality 

Did you know that the water you use in your coffee machine can have a significant impact on both the taste of your coffee and the longevity of your machine? Bad water can result in bad coffee and can cause costly repairs due to scale buildup. Minerals like calcium and magnesium, commonly found in tap water, can accumulate over time and clog your machine’s internal components, leading to decreased performance. 

To keep things running smoothly, it’s essential to use filtered water in your coffee machine. Not only will this improve the taste of your coffee, but it will also help to prevent scale buildup. Many coffee machines come with built-in water filters, but these need to be replaced periodically. Be sure to replace the filter according to your machine’s instructions — this small step can help protect your machine and ensure consistent, high-quality coffee. 

Descaling: The Unsung Hero 

Descaling your machine is one of those tasks that often gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list, but it’s an essential part of maintaining your coffee machine. Over time, minerals from the water you use will accumulate inside your machine, forming scale. This scale can clog the internal components, reduce water flow, and negatively impact the taste of your coffee. Descaling is the process of removing this buildup, and it’s crucial for maintaining the health of your machine. 

Depending on your usage and the hardness of your water, you should run a descaling cycle every few months. If you're in a hard water area or use your machine daily, you may need to descale more frequently. Many espresso machine manufacturers offer descaling solutions or kits that you can use, but if you're unsure, consider calling in a professional to handle it. 

Replacing Key Components 

Just like a car needs oil changes and tire replacements, your coffee machine requires some parts to be replaced periodically. These key components include gaskets, seals, and burrs. 

Gaskets: The group head gasket is responsible for ensuring a tight seal between the portafilter and the machine. Over time, it can wear out and cause leaks. Replace your gaskets every 6 to 12 months, depending on usage. 

Burrs: The burrs in your grinder are responsible for crushing the coffee beans. As you use your grinder, the burrs will naturally wear down. Replace them every 300-500kg of coffee ground to ensure consistent grind size and optimal extraction. 

Filters: Regularly replacing the water filter in your machine is also important for maintaining coffee quality and machine longevity. 

By keeping track of these components and replacing them as needed, you’ll avoid performance issues and ensure that your machine continues to deliver great coffee.

Recognising Common Issues

Sometimes, even the best-maintained machines run into a few hiccups. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to address them:   

Low Pressure: If you notice low pressure when pulling a shot, the issue may lie with your grind size. Try adjusting the grind to ensure it's not too coarse. 

Steam Wand Spluttering: If your steam wand is spluttering, it’s likely that milk residue has built up inside. Make sure you’re purging and cleaning it after every use. 

Bitter Shots: If your espresso shots taste bitter, it's usually a sign that the group head is dirty or there’s an issue with the grind size. Clean the group head and adjust your grind to fix the problem.   

Leaks: Leaking water usually indicates a worn-out gasket. Check the gaskets and replace them if necessary.     

If you’re unable to troubleshoot the issue yourself, don’t hesitate to call a professional. 

Tips for Longevity

Taking care of your coffee machine doesn’t just mean cleaning it regularly. It’s about treating it gently and avoiding unnecessary wear and tear. Here are a few tips for keeping your machine running smoothly:  

Don’t overwork your machine: Give it a rest between brews to avoid overheating.  

Clean it daily: The more often you clean your machine, the better it will perform.  

Use good water: High-quality, filtered water will protect your machine and enhance your coffee.  

Replace parts before they fail: Gaskets, burrs, and filters need to be replaced regularly to avoid damage.