Hello
It is generally known that espresso & Bean to Cup machines do need a clean, in fact they often tell you. However so does brew equipment. Here at D&H we sell cleaning agents for Brew Equipment, Espresso Machines and Jura Bean to Cup and we just wanted to tell you more about them!
This document has two sections:
- A Guide to Cleaning your Espresso Machine
- A Guide Cleaning Your Manual Brew Equipment
All our cleaning products can be found here, for espresso users I should recommend the Cafetto trial pack (chose the ship with sub option!). Please make sure you do read your own manufacturers guide for cleaning the coffee machine.
Cleaning Products – Dog & Hat Coffee
A Guide Cleaning Your Espresso Machine
A good espresso starts long before the shot, it begins with a clean machine and great water. Here in the office, we only use bottled water to avoid limescale build up in all our machines. I have a Rocket R58, Sage Barista Pro and an ACS Vesuvius at home. For anyone interested I love the smaller footprint of the Rocket and top-down water tank access over the ACS, however, prefer the flick handles of the ACS over the rotary knobs on the Rocket for water and steam. The flick handles allow a much faster action. The water access on the ACS includes a side door and some jiggery pokery to get the tank full! (I digress from cleaning!)
Regular cleaning of your espresso machine is essential for consistent flavour, longevity, and performance. Residue from coffee oils, milk, and minerals can quickly build up, affecting taste and potentially damaging internal components. Here’s how to keep your espresso machine spotless and running like new. It does make a difference; I have neglected a machine for a few months always notice a remarkable change after cleaning it through.
Why Cleaning Matters
Over time, espresso machines accumulate:
- Coffee oils and grounds that turn rancid and impart bitter flavours.
- Milk residue that can cause sour smells and bacteria growth.
- Mineral scale (from hard water) that clogs valves and reduces pressure efficiency.
Cleaning prevents these problems, ensuring every shot is rich, balanced. Often limescale can damage the machine, by expanding joints. 1mm layer of limescale on a heating element can reduce energy efficiency by up to 10% for example. Keep Limescale away!
Daily Cleaning Routine
1. Flush the Group Head
After each use, run water through the group head for a few seconds to rinse away coffee particles. This simple habit prevents buildup around the gasket and shower screen.
2. Backflush the Machine
Most commercial and prosumer machines have a three-way valve that allows backflushing. I have just popped a link below to confirm how Sage appliances do a back flush.
- Insert a blind filter basket (a basket with no holes) into the portafilter.
- Add a small amount of espresso machine cleaner (not dish soap).
- Start the brew cycle for about 10 seconds, then stop. Repeat 5–10 times, alternating between running and pausing.
- Remove the portafilter and rinse thoroughly before backflushing again with just water.
This removes coffee oils and residues from the internal brewing path. (link to SAGE Backflush tutorial Tutorials - How to perform a clear water backflush | the Barista Express™ Impress | Sage)
There is a shortage of Sage Descaler and Sage Water Filters in the UK, so we are selling the WILFA Descaler liquid at the moment.
Wilfa Brewfresh Universal Descaler – Dog & Hat Coffee
3. Clean the Steam Wand
Immediately after frothing milk, purge the wand by releasing steam for a few seconds. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth. For a deeper clean:
- Soak the wand in a milk-cleaning solution.
- Use a small cleaning brush or pin to clear any blocked holes in the tip.
Sage The Steam Wand Cleaner – Dog & Hat Coffee
4. Empty and Rinse
Don’t forget to empty the drip tray, wipe the exterior, and rinse the portafilter baskets and spouts.
Weekly or Deep Cleaning Routine
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Soak Components
Remove the portafilter, baskets, shower screens, and steam wand tip. Soak them in a mixture of warm water and espresso cleaning powder for 15–30 minutes. Scrub and rinse thoroughly. -
Descale the Machine
If you notice slower water flow or inconsistent pressure, mineral deposits may be to blame. Use a descaling solution designed for espresso machines: - Fill the water tank with the solution.
- Run half through the brew head and steam wand.
- Let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then flush with fresh water until no residue remains.
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Wipe Down the Body and Accessories
Use a microfiber cloth to clean the exterior and remove fingerprints or coffee splashes. A clean machine looks as good as it performs.
Tips for Longevity and Performance on Espresso Machine.
- Use filtered water to reduce scale buildup.
- Replace gaskets and shower screens every 6–12 months for optimal sealing.
- Avoid harsh detergents or abrasive pads that can scratch finishes.
- Keep a regular cleaning schedule — a few minutes of maintenance daily saves hours of repair later.
A Guide Cleaning Your Manual Brew Equipment
Yes, there is cleaner for manual equipment such as V60's and AeroPress brewers. These can get a buildup of oils and can feel greasy and grubby. I admit to putting mine in the dishwasher sometimes, but they can get tainted. There are dedicated cleaners you can buy from Cafetto.
The brew clean is a power with a measuring scoop, with instructions as follows:
- Pour 1 sachet (10g) into 2L H20 in a jug and stir until powder is dissolved
- Pour solution into carafe (or place brewer into solution).
- Leave for 15 minutes
- Discard solution
- Rinse carafe with water
Manual Equipment: Brew Clean provides a superior clean, removing coffee oils and coffee stains from carafes, servers, V60, AeroPress and other manual brewing equipment.
Cafetto - Brew Clean – Dog & Hat Coffee
The Grinder : Cleaning the internal components of a coffee grinder are often overlooked or deemed unnecessary. However, cleaning the internals will remove build up of stale coffee residue, odours and reduce blockages between burrs and chutes. Cleaning will also improve grinder performance and extend the working life of its burrs. The ingredients feed through the grinder burrs/blades easily, with no clogging or damage. Safely removes build-up of stale coffee and coffee odours. The cleaner is a natural seed-based proprietary formula that does not contain any binders or chemicals during processing (Contains Gluten).
