You can extend the lifespan of your espresso machine with the following coffee machine cleaning tips.
Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for serving great coffee from your espresso machine. Whether you're a barista or a cafe owner, ensuring your equipment is clean and in good condition should be a top priority, especially since it produces hundreds of coffee shots each day.
Depending on the specific model, espresso machines can last 8-10 years if properly cared for. You can maximize the lifespan of your espresso machine with the tips provided below.
The espresso machine is the heart of a cafe. Photo: Victoria Arduino
When Should You Maintain and Clean Your Espresso Machine?
Your maintenance routine should involve regular, frequent check-ups, and the replacement of certain machine parts on an annual basis. By proactively replacing small parts according to a schedule, you can avoid major breakdowns that might result in the closure of your cafe during repairs.
To prevent such situations, make sure to establish a proper cleaning and maintenance routine. Let's explore some practical maintenance tips from Vinbarista!
Daily Espresso Machine Maintenance Habits
Developing good habits as an operator or barista is crucial: you should clean as you work. Some small daily maintenance tips include:
- Always wipe down the steam wand after use. Purge the wand before and after each use to prevent blockages from dried milk and bacterial buildup.
- Flush the group head before each espresso round to prevent coffee oils and old grounds from affecting the taste of your shots.
- Regularly replace the cleaning towel. Change them two to three times a day, and make sure to wash them at high temperatures with detergent.
Always wipe down the steam wand after use. Photo: Victoria Arduino
You can incorporate the habit of thoroughly cleaning your espresso machine at the end of each day using the following process:
- Perform a full backflush: Scrub the group heads with a machine brush to dislodge and remove coffee grounds. Then use espresso machine detergent and a blind filter. Repeat this process until the water runs clear. Afterward, pull several espresso shots to eliminate any residual detergent taste from future shots.
- Clean the steam wand: Remove the wand tip and soak it in a warm water and detergent solution for at least 20 minutes, or ideally, overnight.
- Clean the draining hose.
- Ensure the portafilters, filter baskets, and drip tray are clean.
Espresso Machine Maintenance Every Few Months
Every one to two months, baristas should consider replacing shower screens and filter baskets to prevent leaks between the portafilter and the group head.
You should also pay attention to your water quality. If you have heavily mineralized water, you might encounter calcification in the steam tank. To avoid this, schedule regular descaling sessions for your machine with a distributor or manufacturer. For instance, draining the steam tank of your machine every six months can help maintain its performance.
Annual Maintenance Tasks
On an annual basis, consider replacing these small parts before they become significant issues:
- Steam and hot water valves or seals
- Shoulder bolt shims
- Expansion valve (prevents leaks and heat loss in the tank)
- Anti-suction valve
- Brew actuator bearing
- Waste pipe
- Filter baskets (optional but advisable to check annually)
Replacing these components might seem costly, but it's a more affordable option compared to temporarily closing your coffee shop for repairs.
Which Cleaning Products Should You Use?
Refer to your espresso machine manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning products. Using the wrong cleaning products can damage your machine or cause unwanted buildup. Additionally, consider whether you truly need all the cleaning products available. For instance, if your water isn't hard, you might not require descaling products.
Some environmentally conscious individuals use vinegar and water for cleaning. However, if you choose this method, ensure thorough rinsing to avoid any vinegar notes affecting your espresso's flavor. In fact, regardless of the cleaning product used, rinsing well is crucial to prevent serving spoiled drinks to your customers. When creating staff schedules, allocate time for maintenance and daily cleaning tasks. Keep track of your monthly and annual checks in your calendar to avoid missing them.
Espresso machine maintenance might not be the glamorous part of the coffee business, but it's an essential aspect you can't overlook. If you aim to serve delicious espressos that keep customers coming back, taking care of your machine is a must.
VINBARISTA - ALL YOUR COFFEE NEEDS
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