Better Tasting Coffee – Over time, coffee oils and mineral deposits from water buildup, leading to bitter or off-tasting coffee. We can attest to this as we have high-traffic, high-volume coffee shops that sell our coffee and even the cleanest of them can run into issues if they do not go beyond routine espresso machine cleaning. Additionally, our coffee owners are flavor experts so it’s almost as if they KNOW when the espresso machines need to be clean just by tasting the coffee beans after they are brewed.
Prevents Bacteria & Mold – Moist environments like coffee machines can breed bacteria and mold, which can end up in your cup. Imagine that inside the espresso machine, there are several thin tubes connecting the water pumps and steamers. These tubes can be as narrow as a straw you use for you water bottle and those should be cleaned after every use! So it’s very important that you follow the below instructions on how to clean your espresso machine so you do not end up with mold or bacteria.
Extends Your Espresso Machine Lifespan – Regular cleaning prevents clogs, scale buildup, and mechanical failure. This is TRUE, the coffee beans are very acidic in nature and can build up behind the scenes. If this coffee residue builds up and is never taken care of, it can cause the coffee machine to break or need all kinds of premature repairs.
Improves Brewing Efficiency – A clean machine ensures consistent water flow and temperature, resulting in better extraction. Think of the pipes in your home, if those get backed up the water doesn’t flow properly. This is the same with coffee makers, it might take a lot longer for water to get through them if you do not regularly clean your coffee brewer.
Removes Limescale & Calcium Deposits – Hard water leads to mineral buildup that can affect performance and taste. Several homes inherently have hard water, unless you use a water softener. This can and WILL negatively impact your espresso machine or home brewer. It’s a lot harder to address the issues once it’s built up. Luckily the specific cleaners that are out there can do prevent this buildup and save you money on replacing your espresso machine in the long run!
How to Clean Your Coffee Brewer
Daily Cleaning (After Each Use)
- Drip Coffee Makers & Single-Serve Machines
-
- Discard used coffee grounds or pods.
- Rinse and wash the carafe or cup tray with warm, soapy water.
- Wipe down the exterior and control panel.
- Espresso Machines
-
- Purge the steam wand and wipe it clean.
- Rinse the portafilter and basket.
- Empty and rinse the drip tray.
Deep Cleaning (Weekly or Bi-Weekly)
- Descale with Vinegar or Descaling Solution
- Fill the water reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water (or use a commercial descaler).
- Run a brew cycle (without coffee) until halfway through, then pause for 30 minutes.
- Resume and complete the cycle.
- Rinse by running two cycles with fresh water.
- Clean Coffee Oils & Residue
- Remove and wash the filter basket, carafe, and any removable parts with warm, soapy water.
- Use a toothbrush or soft brush to scrub any stubborn coffee stains.
- Steam Wand & Portafilter (Espresso Machines)
- Soak the portafilter and basket in a mixture of warm water and espresso machine cleaner.
- Use a steam wand brush to remove milk residue.
How Often Should You Clean Your Coffee Maker?
Daily: Rinse removable parts and wipe down the machine.
Weekly: Deep clean to remove coffee oils and bacteria.
Monthly: Descale to remove mineral buildup (or more often if using hard water).
A clean coffee brewer makes a noticeable difference in taste and performance. Plus, it saves you from machine failures and nasty surprises in your cup! Take if from the experts, we have been roasting coffee for over 50 years, we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to filthy espresso machines.