A great cup of coffee starts with a clean machine. Whether you’re pulling shots at home or running a busy café, proper maintenance is the key to brewing flavorful, consistent espresso. Over time, oils, residue, and mineral deposits can silently impact the taste of your coffee—and even shorten the lifespan of your equipment.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to clean your coffee machine the right way, and highlight the essential cleaning products every barista should keep on hand.

Why Regular Cleaning Matters

Coffee might be delicious, but it's messy business. Every shot leaves behind oils and fine particles that cling to group heads, portafilters, and valves. If ignored, that buildup can lead to bitter-tasting espresso, clogged water flow, and costly repairs.

Routine cleaning not only protects your machine—it also ensures each cup lives up to its full flavor potential.

How Often Should You Clean Your Machine?

• Every day: Wipe down the steam wand, clean portafilters, empty the drip tray
• Every week: Backflush the machine using espresso machine cleaning powder or tablets
• Every 1–2 months: Descale the internal system (especially in hard water areas)

Step-by-Step: Deep Cleaning Your Espresso Machine

1. Backflush Using Cleaning Powder or Tablets

Backflushing removes built-up oils and residue from the group head. Here’s how:

• Insert a blind filter into your portafilter
• Add Espresso Machine Cleaning Powder or drop in a Cleaning Tablet
• Lock in the portafilter and run the brew cycle for about 10 seconds
• Stop and repeat this cycle several times
• Rinse thoroughly by running clean water through the system

Pro Tip: Use backflush products made specifically for espresso machines to avoid damaging internal components.

2. Soak and Scrub the Portafilter and Filter Basket

Even the most seasoned baristas can forget that the portafilter needs regular deep cleaning. Soak it in a hot water solution with cleaning powder to break down tough oils, then scrub thoroughly.

3. Clean the Steam Wand Daily

After each use, purge steam and wipe the wand with a damp cloth. For a deeper clean, soak the tip in hot water and run steam through to clear any milk residue. Leftover milk can become a breeding ground for bacteria if ignored.

4.Empty and Wash the Drip Tray & Water Tank

The drip tray collects more than just water—coffee residue and grime build up fast. Clean it daily, and don’t forget the water reservoir. Rinse it regularly to prevent mold or scaling.s

5.Descale for Long-Term Health

Minerals in water can cause internal scaling, which restricts flow and heat. Use a food-safe descaling solution once every month or two to flush the system and restore performance.

The Best Cleaning Products to Use

• Espresso Machine Cleaning Powder – Deep cleans group heads and valves
• Cleaning Tablets – Ideal for automated backflushing in modern machines
• Group Head Brushes & Wand Cleaners –For daily wipe-downs and scrub sessions
• Descaling Solutions – Helps remove internal mineral buildup

Each of these products is selected to be safe, reliable, and easy to use—trusted by baristas and roasters alike.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your coffee machine doesn’t just protect your investment—it directly impacts the flavor in your cup. By following a simple cleaning routine and using the right products, you’ll enjoy smoother brews, extend the life of your machine, and keep your coffee consistently delicious.

Want to keep your espresso tasting as fresh as day one?

Explore our full range of cleaning supplies at Espresso Parts Online.