How to Clean an Espresso Machine: Daily, Weekly and Monthly Routine

This guide is based on manufacturer instructions, published information and buyer feedback. We do not claim hands-on testing. Always follow the manual that comes with your own machine.

Coffee oils and old grounds turn rancid and make espresso taste harsh. A short, regular routine keeps your machine tasting clean and helps it last. The details differ between brands, so use this as a guide and check your manual.

After every use

• Knock out the puck and rinse the portafilter and basket.
• Run a little water through the group head to flush stray grounds.
• Wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth straight after steaming, then purge it briefly so milk does not dry inside the tip.
• Empty and rinse the drip tray if it is full.

Every week

• Soak the portafilter, baskets and steam tip in hot water with a cleaner made for espresso equipment, then rinse well.
• Wash the drip tray and grate with warm soapy water.
• Empty and rinse the water tank, and refill with fresh water.
• Wipe the group head gasket area and shower screen with a brush.

Backflushing and cleaning tablets

Some machines have a three-way valve and can be backflushed with a blind basket and a cleaning powder or tablet. Others use a cleaning disc and a built-in cleaning cycle. Not every machine should be backflushed, so check the manual before you try it.

Monthly or as needed

• Run the machine cleaning cycle if it has one.
• Check the shower screen and gasket for wear.
• Descale if the machine tells you to or if flow has slowed. See how to descale an espresso machine.

Super-automatic machines

Bean-to-cup machines usually need the brew unit rinsed regularly, the milk system cleaned after use and the drip tray and grounds container emptied. Many also run an automatic rinse. Follow the maker\’s schedule closely, because milk residue is the most common cause of smell and clogs.

Grinder upkeep

Brush out grounds from the chute and hopper, and clean the burrs on the schedule in the grinder manual. Avoid water inside the grinder unless the manual says it is safe.

A simple cleaning schedule

When	What to do
After every session	Rinse the portafilter, flush the group head, wipe and purge the steam wand, empty the drip tray if full
Weekly	Soak baskets and the portafilter, wash the drip tray, empty and refill the water tank, brush the shower screen
Monthly	Run any built-in cleaning cycle, check gaskets and screens, clean the grinder chute and hopper
When prompted or every few months	Descale with the maker\’s recommended descaler

Why milk residue matters

Milk leaves proteins and fats inside the steam wand and, on automatic machines, inside tubes. If they dry, they harden, restrict flow and can cause a sour smell. Wiping and purging straight after steaming takes a few seconds and prevents most problems.

Tools that help

• A small brush for the group head and shower screen
• A cleaning cloth kept just for the steam wand
• A cleaner made for espresso equipment, used as the label directs
• A blind basket, if your machine can be backflushed

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean my espresso machine?

Wipe the wand and rinse the portafilter after every session, do a deeper clean weekly, and descale on the schedule in your manual or when your water is hard.

Is cleaning the same as descaling?

No. Cleaning removes coffee oils and residue. Descaling removes mineral buildup from the water path.

Can I use vinegar?

Some manufacturers advise against vinegar because of its smell and effect on seals. Check your manual and use the descaler it recommends. See our descaler guide.

About the author