How to Clean an Espresso Machine Safely

The daily close-down

1. Follow the manual’s shutdown and rinse sequence.
2. Remove spent coffee and rinse removable brew parts the manual identifies.
3. Purge and wipe a steam wand immediately after milk use, or clean the automatic milk system as directed.
4. Empty the drip tray and grounds container before they overflow.
5. Refill or leave components open to dry only where the manual permits.

Periodic cleaning is model-specific

• Backflush only machines and baskets designed for it.
• Use the manufacturer-approved detergent and dose.
• Remove and clean a brew group only when the manual calls it user-removable.
• Clean grinder burrs without introducing water unless the grinder instructions explicitly allow it.
• Replace water filters on the documented schedule.

Stop and seek service when

Unplug the machine for smoke, burning odor, shock risk, a damaged cord, water inside electrical areas, or abnormal heat. Do not open pressurized boilers, bypass interlocks, or perform live-electrical repairs.