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How to clean your coffee machine
Find out how to clean your coffee machine with these easy steps.
Make the most of every bean with a squeaky-clean coffee machine. From a light spruce or a full-on descale, keeping your machine in tip-top shape not only helps it last longer, but it makes every mugful taste its best.
Pod machines
Pod machines are really low maintenance, rinse it with water every now and then to keep it ticking over nicely. Occasionally, it’ll need you to run a descaling programme too.
When it needs descaling:
- Check the manual - some manufacturers recommend specific products to get the very best out of their machines. And remember, not following the correct advice could void your product warranty.
- Fill the water tank with the recommended solution.
- Then just pop on the descaling setting and follow the instructions.
- When it’s done its thing, refill the water tank and run a few rinse cycles to flush out the descaling solution.
Filter coffee machines
Filter coffee machines aren’t tricky to look after either. They need a few little daily tasks to keep them ticking over, plus the occasional descale.
Daily tasks:
- Wash the carafe and reusable filter basket with warm, soapy water.
- Throw paper filters in the bin after each use to stop stale coffee spoiling your brew.
When it needs descaling:
- Check the manual - some manufacturers recommend specific products to get the very best out of their machines. And remember, not following the correct advice could void your product warranty.
- Fill the water tank with the recommended solution.
- Then just pop on the descaling setting and follow the instructions.
- When it’s done its thing, refill the water tank and run fresh water through the machine a few times to flush out any descaling solution.
Bean to cup and espresso machines
Since bean to cups and espresso machine have more components, they need more regular TLC to keep making barista-style coffee at home.
Daily tasks:
- Empty the coffee grounds container.
- Rinse the container and drip tray.
- Clean the milk frother or steam wand after every use - that’ll stop a buildup of dried milk spoiling your morning cuppa.
Once-a-week jobs:
- If your model’s got a removable brew unit, take it out and rinse under warm water.
When it needs descaling:
- Check the manual - some manufacturers recommend specific products to get the very best out of their machines. And remember, not following the correct advice could void your product warranty.
- Fill the water tank with the recommended solution.
- Then just pop on the descaling setting and follow the instructions.
- When it’s done its thing, refill the water tank and run a few rinse cycles to flush out the descaling solution.
Cleaning the group head on your espresso machine:
Most models have a setting for cleaning the group head to stop it getting clogged in future. To do this, follow these tips:
- Check the manual - some manufacturers recommend specific products to get the very best out of their machines.
- Most models have a blank that can go in your portafilter, just pop a cleaning tablet in and choose the group head cleaning setting.
Top tips
Wipe down drip trays and coffee spouts after every use to make sure every cuppa tastes its best.
Remove any old, used coffee from the machine regularly to stop oils getting in areas you can’t see.
Use pipe cleaners to clear out tricky places, like spouts and steam wands – that’ll keep your machine in good nick.
If you don’t use your machine every day, give it a quick flush with water before you do.
How often should I descale my machine?
As a general rule, most manufacturers recommend descaling every 3-6 months. Lots of models have an indicator light to let you know it’s time, meaning you don’t have to keep track. If you live in a hard water area or use your coffee machine several times a day, you might need to run it more often to keep it brewing delicious drinks on demand.
