Espresso Machines

Your espresso machine may have an automatic light that signals when it needs cleaning, or you might just notice that your espresso tastes a little funky. Either way, routinely cleaning the machine is necessary to keep your morning java tasting fresh and delicious.

 Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Brush
• Screwdriver 
• Damp cloth
• espresso machine cleaner
• pin or paper clip
• pipe cleaner

Step1 Turn the machine off and unplug it before getting started.

Step2 Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions that came with your espresso machine.

Step3 Wipe off the outside of the machine with a damp cloth.

Step4 Backflush the machine as often as is recommended by the manufacturer. This should be done anywhere from once a week to once every other month, depending on volume of use and hardness of water. (More for heavily used machines)

Step5 Unscrew the group head using a screwdriver. Remove it.

Step6 Scrub the parts of the group head, including the screen and the brass dispersion plate, with a brush and plain water until everything is clean. You may have to soak these parts overnight in water mixed with an espresso machine cleaner.

Step7 Clean the milk wand with a damp cloth, or remove it and soak in warm water to remove milk residue. If needed, use a pipe cleaner to remove residue inside the wand, and a pin or paper clip to unclog the steam hole.

Step8 To decalcify the interior, use a espresso machine cleaner such as Cafiza by Urinex, this can be used to back-flush your machine or to soak heavily calcified parts.  Following this, run plain water through the machine two or three times to flush remaining cleaner or sediment.

Step9 Reassemble the machine.

 Tips & Warnings

• Depending on what type of machine you have, you can also use either a tablet or a powder formulated especially to clean espresso makers. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
• It is suggested that you clean your machine at least twice a week or daily if you are producing a large volume of coffee.
• There are special brushes made to clean the group heads of espresso machines.
• Never put soap in your espresso machine.

By eHow Home & Garden Editor