Manual and semi-automatic espresso machines:
Manual and semi-automatic espresso machines require you to grind the coffee yourself and control the process. They typically have a portafilter and brewing unit.
Daily cleaning:
Rinse the portafilter and filter basket: Remove the portafilter and rinse it with warm water. Make sure to remove coffee grounds from the filter basket.
Wipe the steam tip: After each use, wipe the steam tip with a damp cloth to remove milk residue. If there is milk inside the tip, you can use a needle to clean it.
Clean the brewing unit: Rinse the brewing unit by running an empty brew (without coffee) through the machine.
Weekly cleaning:
Use backflush: If your machine has a three-way valve, you can use a blind filter and an espresso machine cleaner to perform a so-called "backflush." This helps remove coffee oils and residue from the valve.
Wipe the machine: Use a damp cloth to wipe the entire surface of the machine, including any drip trays.
Monthly cleaning:
Removable parts: Disassemble and clean removable parts such as portafilter, steam tip and drip tray.
Descaling: Use a descaler specifically for espresso machines and run it through the machine to remove lime build-up.
