When you use your espresso machine every day, it’s important to keep it clean. A clean machine is sanitary and will also last longer. If left unclean for too long, an espresso machine can develop mold and mildew which could be potentially harmful.
This article explains how often you need to clean your espresso machine and what cleaning agents are safe for use with these machines.
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How to clean your espresso machine
In order to clean your espresso machine effectively, you must first start by switching it off and unplugging it. Next, remove the portafilter and puck and set them aside.
Now, using a damp cloth or paper towel, wipe down the outside of the espresso machine thoroughly. Clean the drip tray and the steam wand, making sure to remove any built-up residues or oils.
Finally, wipe down the grinder to remove any leftover espresso grounds and then store your machine.
Also Read: What can I use to descale espresso machine?
Regular cleaning
Cleaning your espresso machine regularly will help to avoid many cleaning issues, particularly problems such as clogged milk frothing wand tips and clogged steam wand holes.
To clean your machine regularly, follow the steps outlined below. – Remove the portafilter after every use and clean it with a damp cloth. This will ensure that the filter is free of espresso grounds which could build up and clog the machine and damage it over time.
– Clean out the drip tray and steam wand each day. Again, this will prevent any build-up from damaging your machine.
– Clean the milk frothing wand and steam wand holes after each use. You can do this with a toothpick or swizzle stick.
– Deep clean your machine after every 2 or 3 uses. Again, this will prevent build-up and damage to your machine.
– Clean the filter basket regularly. The more oil and residues are allowed to build up in the filter, the harder it will be to clean later on.
Deep cleaning
In order to properly clean your espresso machine when it has become particularly clogged, you may need to do a deep clean. To do this, follow the steps outlined below.
– Remove the portafilter and set it aside.
– Take the filter basket out and place it in a sink full of water and some cleaning agent, such as white vinegar or water, and a drop of dish soap.
– Let the basket soak for around 15 minutes.
– Remove the basket and use a clean cloth to wipe it out thoroughly.
– Take the boiler apart to thoroughly clean it. – Remove the steam wand and use a sponge or brush to clean it out.
– Clean the grinder with a brush.
– Wipe down the outside of your espresso machine, including the steam wand and grinder.
– Reassemble your machine and plug it in.
How often to deep clean your espresso machine
Ideally, you should deep clean your espresso machine after every 2 or 3 uses. This will ensure that you avoid any damage to your machine and that it runs as smoothly as possible.
Also Read: Why are commercial espresso machines so expensive?
Cleaning agents that are safe for espresso machines
The majority of cleaning agents are safe for use in cleaning espresso machines, as long as you thoroughly rinse them out afterward.
For example, white vinegar and water are great cleaning agents for espresso machines, as well as an inexpensive alternative to commercial cleaning agents. Other cleaning agents that are safe for use with espresso machines include water, dish soap, and baking soda.
Coffee filters are also very effective at cleaning espresso machines and are cheap to buy in bulk. Whilst other cleaning agents, such as alcohol and bleach, are effective at cleaning surfaces, they are very bad for use in espresso machines as they damage the machine’s internal parts.
Therefore, it’s best to avoid these cleaning agents when cleaning your espresso machine.
Convenience store coffee machine cleaning agents
Convenience store coffee machine cleaning agents are very bad for use in cleaning espresso machines. Often, they are very abrasive, which can damage your machine’s internal parts.
Therefore, it’s best to avoid these cleaning agents, particularly if you’re a regular coffee drinker. If you are a regular coffee drinker and you use these cleaning agents, you risk damaging your machine’s parts and internal workings.
This can lead to issues with pressure and flow rates and a lower-quality espresso. You may also damage your machine and need to replace it earlier than expected.
If you make a regular habit of using convenience store cleaning agents, you could even be putting yourself at risk of developing health issues.
How to stop the drip tray getting dirty?
A common problem with many espresso machines is that the drip tray gets dirty over time.
Dirty drip trays can cause problems with the quality of your espresso drinks. They can also affect the taste of your espresso drinks by causing unwanted sediment to build up on the inside of the drip tray.
To prevent this from happening, you should clean your drip tray regularly.
However, how often you need to clean your drip tray depends on how much coffee you use, how frequently you use your machine, and how often you clean your machine.
The following guide will show you how to clean your drip tray:
Step 1 – Remove the drip tray
Firstly, remove the drip tray from your machine. This can usually be done by lifting off the top cover of the machine.
Step 2 – Clean the drip tray
Next, wipe down the drip tray with a damp cloth. Use a soft brush or sponge to get into all nooks and crannies.
Step 3 – Rinse the drip tray
Once you have cleaned the drip tray, rinse it thoroughly under running water. Make sure that you don’t leave any residue behind.
Step 4 – Dry the drip tray
Finally, dry the drip tray with a towel. It’s important to ensure that there are no wet areas left on the drip tray.
Also Read: The Easiest Ways To Recycle A Broken Espresso Machine
How to clean a Delonghi espresso machine with vinegar?
Delonghi espresso machines are very easy to maintain. However, when you start to notice some signs of wear and tear, you might want to consider having them serviced.
One thing that you should know about Delonghi espresso machines is that they come with an automatic cleaning system. This means that they will automatically clean themselves once in a while without needing any intervention from you.
In order for the automatic cleaning system to work properly, you need to follow these steps:
Step 1 – Turn on the machine
First, turn on your Delonghi espresso machine. You can find the switch next to the power button.
Step 2 – Wait for 5 minutes
After turning on the machine, wait for 5 minutes before starting to clean it. During this period, the automatic cleaning system will begin working.
Step 3 – Clean the machine
After waiting for 5 minutes, you can now start cleaning your machine. To do so, simply open the door of the machine and pour a cup of hot water into the reservoir. The water will then flow through the machine and clean it.
Should I buy the Breville Oracle espresso machine?
If you want to make great tasting espresso drinks at home, then you should definitely consider buying the Breville Oracle espresso maker.
This machine has been designed to produce high-quality espresso drinks. It features a built-in grinder which makes grinding beans quick and easy.
It also comes with a programmable milk frother which allows you to control the temperature of your milk.
Another feature worth mentioning is its ability to steam milk as well as brew cappuccino and latte macchiato.
You can even adjust the strength of your espresso drinks using the included tamper.
What are the pros and cons of the Breville Oracle Espresso Machine?
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Comes with a tamper
- Has a programmable milk frothing wand
Cons:
- No auto shutoff function
- Not dishwasher safe
Also Read: Espresso machine and coffee maker difference
Conclusion
Cleaning your espresso machine regularly is important as it will help to prolong its lifespan and keep it functioning smoothly.
There are a number of things that you can do to keep your machine clean including removing the portafilter and cleaning out the filter basket after each use, cleaning out the drip tray and steam wand each day, and cleaning out the milk wand and steam wand holes after each use.
It’s also important to do a deep clean of your machine every 2 or 3 uses. When cleaning your machine, you should avoid using abrasive or harmful cleaning agents. Instead, you should use water, a drop of dish soap, or white vinegar and water.
You should also avoid using convenience store coffee machine cleaning agents as they can damage your machine.
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