How to Clean an Espresso Machine at Home in 8 Easy Steps
A perfectly pulled espresso shot requires the right balance of pressure, temperature, and extraction time. Your espresso machine is finely tuned to hit all of these parameters, but only if it’s properly maintained. Over time, oils, minerals, and coffee grounds can build up inside an espresso machine and throw its operation—and the flavors in your shots—out of whack. That’s why it’s crucial to clean your machine regularly.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process of how to clean an espresso machine from top to bottom, inside and out. Proper cleaning is the key to pulling consistent, delicious shots and making your equipment last. So let’s get started!
Why You Need to Clean Your Espresso Machine
Coffee is an oily substance, and with each shot you pull, some of that oily goodness gets left behind. Coffee particles and oils collect in the portafilter and linger on the shower screen. As these residues build up over repeated use, they’ll continue extracting and taint your carefully crafted shots. You’ll notice bitter, overextracted flavors that just won’t go away, no matter how carefully you dose, grind, and tamp.
Two specific compounds that cause issues are cafestol and kahweol. These oil-soluble molecules are extracted along with regular coffee solubles but impart harsh, tar-like notes. To prevent cafestol and kahweol contamination, the portafilter and filter basket should be rinsed and scrubbed after every session.
Hard water is another headache for espresso machine owners. As water evaporates inside the boiler and circulates through the group head, it leaves behind mineral deposits like calcium and magnesium. These minerals coat the components inside your machine and make it difficult for the group head to maintain its ideal temperature. Scale buildup prevents proper heat transfer and makes the pump work extra hard to achieve the 9+ bars of pressure needed for espresso. Descaling solution is required to remove these deposits.
Consistent cleaning prevents a gradual decline in flavor and machine performance. Now let’s get into the whens and hows!
How Often Should You Clean an Espresso Machine?
Ideally, the portafilter and filter basket should be rinsed and scrubbed after each use. This removes wet grounds and oils that will immediately start degrading your next shot. It only takes a minute and makes a huge difference in taste.
For the internal components, aim to deep clean the group head at least once a month. If your machine gets daily use from a large family or office, bump that up to twice monthly cleanings.
When you notice extraction starting to slow down, shots tasting more bitter, or a decline in steaming performance, it’s a sign that a thorough cleaning is overdue. Don’t wait until your machine completely stops working! Staying ahead of the cleaning schedule prevents small issues from becoming big problems.
How to Clean Your Espresso Machine
With a little time and elbow grease, you can have your machine looking and performing like new again. First, gather your cleaning equipment.
- Espresso machine cleaning detergent
- Descaling solution
- Group head cleaning brushes
- Microfiber cloths
- Portafilter cleaning brush
- Bucket or sink basin
Now let’s put those tools and materials to use!
Step 1: Thoroughly Clean the Portafilter and Filter Basket
After brewing, immediately remove the portafilter and knock out the wet grounds into the knock box. Rinse away any leftover loose grounds with hot water. Using a cleaning brush, scrub out the filter basket and portafilter to remove oils and particulates. Rinse once more and allow to fully air dry.
Step 2: Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
Mix up detergent and descaling solutions according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Many specialized espresso cleaning products are concentrated and need to be diluted prior to use. Have your solutions ready before dismantling components.
Step 3: Disassemble the Group Head
Start by removing the dispersion screen underneath the group head. This will allow access to the group gasket. Remove the gasket and shower screen to expose the brew boiler outlet. From there, you can detach and remove the entire brew head. Consult your machine’s manual for exact disassembly instructions.
Step 4: Soak and Scrub the Group Head
Soak all removed components in your detergent solution, allowing time for the cleaner to break down oils and residue. Use cleaning brushes to scrub away any stubborn buildup on the brew screen, gasket, and other components manually. Rinse thoroughly.
Step 5: Reassemble the Group Head and Reinstall
Once everything is cleaned and rinsed, carefully reassemble the brew head, shower screen, and dispersion block. Ensure the gasket is seated properly to prevent leaks. Verify that your cleaned components are securely fitted before moving on.
Step 6: Backflush the Espresso Machine
Insert your blind filter into the portafilter, and add some cleaning detergent to it before locking it into the group head. Engage the brewing process to force detergent solution backward through the system. Repeat the backflush process until the discharged liquid runs clear.
Step 7: Clean the Steam Wand
Wipe down the steam wand with a damp cloth, removing any dried milk residue. Unscrew the tip and soak it in cleaning solution to dissolve built-up milk fats and rid of bacteria. Rinse and reattach.
Step 8: Clean the Outside of the Espresso Machine
Wipe down the outside of the machine to remove drips, dust, and spills. Empty the drip tray, rinse it out, and scrub it with detergent. Allow all parts to dry fully before reassembling.
With proper cleaning techniques and a monthly schedule, your equipment will produce cafe-quality espresso for years. Be diligent about basic maintenance, and your taste buds will thank you every morning. Enjoy your clean, perfectly tuned espresso machine!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my espresso taste bitter even when I’m using freshly ground beans?
Bitter, overextracted espresso is sometimes a sign that oil and coffee particles have built up in your espresso machine. These residues get left behind after each pull and will continue extracting, leaving harsh bitter compounds in your espresso. Thoroughly cleaning the portafilter, filter basket, and group head can remove these leftovers so your shots taste clean again.
How do I backflush my espresso machine?
Backflushing forces detergent backward through your espresso machine to clean internal components. Insert a blind filter into the portafilter basket to seal off flow, and add some espresso machine cleaning detergent to the blind filter, and lock it into the group head. Engage the brew process for 5-10 seconds to send cleaning solution backward through the group head. Rinse by repeating the process with plain water until discharge runs clear. Refer to your manual for backflushing best practices specific to your model.
Can I use regular dish soap instead of espresso cleaning detergent?
It’s best to use specialized espresso cleaning detergents instead of regular dish soap. Espresso machine detergents are formulated to cut through coffee oils and dissolve mineral buildup without leaving any residues. Dish soap may leave soapy film or odors that taint the flavor of your espresso and make it undrinkable. Investing in the proper detergent makes cleaning more effective, so it’s worth the investment.
How do I know when it’s time to deep clean my espresso machine?
Do a deep cleaning if you notice extraction slowing down, shots tasting more bitter, or steam pressure becoming unusually weak. Any decline in performance is a sign that oil and mineral buildup is interfering with your machine’s operation. Regular deep cleanings once every month prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems, so schedule your cleanings monthly even if you don’t notice a decline in performance or taste.