How to Clean your Coffee Machine

A clean coffee machine makes all the difference in brewing a perfect cup of coffee. If lately your coffee hasn’t tasted as good as it used to, or your machine is brewing slower than usual, it might be time for a clean. 

In this blog, we’ll show you how to maintain and clean your coffee machine. You’ll learn how to spot the signs that it’s time to clean your machine, the tools you will need, and a simple step-by-step guide to get your coffee maker running like new again.

Keeping your coffee machine in top condition is key to brewing the perfect cup of coffee.

Over time, your coffee maker can accumulate oils, debris and mineral deposits that can affect the taste of your coffee. So, how do you know when it’s time to clean your machine?

Here are the most common indicators that your coffee machine needs attention:

• Unusual taste or smell: If your coffee starts tasting bitter ot has a musty odour, it’s likely due to a buildup of old oils or debris inside the machine
• Slow brewing time: If your coffee takes much longer to brew than usual, a blockage may be slowing down the water flow. 
• Visible build-up of coffee oils: A greasy residue around the filter or brew head is a clear indication that coffee oils are accumulating
• Strange noise: If your machine starts making odd noises, such as popping or grinding, this could be an internal blockage 
• Decrease in water quality: Cloudy or discoloured water can be a sign that mineral deposits are affecting the water flow and quality of your coffee.
• No Steam/ Weak Steam: If your steam wand isn’t producing steam, or the output is weak, it’s likely clogged with milk residue or mineral build-up.

Here’s a list of essential items for cleaning your coffee machine:

• Microfibre cloth 
• Non-scratch sponge 
• Dish soap 
• Coffee machine descaler 
• Multi-surface cleaner 

Cleaning your coffee machine doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right tools and a little time, you can keep your coffee machine running smoothly and your coffee tasting fresh. 

Step 1: Turn off and unplug the machine

Before you start cleaning, make sure to switch off and unplug your coffee machine from the mains. Safety is paramount! 

Step 2: Disassemble the parts

Disassemble the machine and remove all detachable parts such as the filter basket, drip tray and water tank. Clean each part thoroughly using a soft sponge or microfibre cloth, dish soap, and warm water to remove built-up coffee residue. 

Step 3: Clean the water reservoir 

Mix warm water and a little dish soap to clean the reservoir, then gently scrub using a non-scratch sponge or bottle brush. Rinse well and dry with a microfibre cloth.

Step 4: Descale the machine 

To descale the machine, you can either use a coffee machine descaler or a solution of 50/50 white vinegar and water to run a cleaning a cycle, which will flush out limescale and mineral deposits. We recommend you keep an empty container under the spout to catch any excess liquid. 

Step 5: Run clean water 

Once you have descaled the machine, you should run 2-3 cycles of clean water through the machine to remove any leftover descaling solution.

Step 6: Wipe down the exterior 

Remove any smudges, stains, and spills on the exterior of the coffee machine with a microfibre cloth dipped in warm, soapy water and a little multi-surface cleaner. 

Step 7: Clean the coffee grinder (if applicable) 

If your coffee machine has a grinder, use a small grinder brush or a dry toothbrush to clean out coffee residue and buildup. 

Additional cleaning tips for different types of coffee machines

Different coffee machines have slightly different cleaning needs. Below we have listed some quick additional cleaning tips based on the kind of coffee machine you have. 

How to clean Bean-to-cup machines 

• Rinse the brew unit weekly 
• Clean the coffee ground container regularly 
• Use grinder cleaning tablets occasionally

How to clean Pod machines 

• Rinse the pod holder after each use 
• Run a water-only cycle to remove leftover coffee
• Descale the machine monthly 

How to clean Espresso machines 

• Wipe the steam wand after every use 
• Clean the portafilter and group head with a brush

To keep your coffee machine in top shape and get the best results from your coffee machine, regular cleaning is essential. Understanding how often to clean your machine will help you preserve its performance and the taste of your coffee. Here’s how often you should clean different parts of your machine:

Regularly cleaning your coffee machine is the secret to enjoying better coffee every time you brew. Following these simple steps mentioned in today’s blog and incorporating regular cleaning will ensure your coffee machine remains in top shape.

Whether you’re using a pod machine, espresso machine, or bean-to-cup system, a clean machine leads to better taste and longer-lasting performance. 

So, make it a habit to clean your coffee machine regularly, and enjoy the perfect cup of coffee, day after day.