How to Clean Breville Espresso Machine: Simple Steps

How to Clean Your Breville Espresso Machine: Step by Step

​Get Cleaning Supplies

• A damp cloth or paper towel
• A cleaning brush or pin
• A cleaning disc and tablets (included with your machine)
• White vinegar or a descaling solution
• Clean fresh water

Breville Machine Cleaning Process

1. ​Unplug it. Before starting any cleaning procedure, always make sure the machine is turned off, unplugged, and cooled down to avoid any potential hazards.
2. Clean the exterior of your machine. Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe down the surface of your machine, including the drip tray, water tank, portafilter, group head, steam wand, and grinder. Remove any coffee grounds or stains that may have accumulated on your machine.
3. Clean the filter basket and portafilter. Remove the filter basket from the portafilter and rinse them both under running water. Use a cleaning brush or pin to remove any coffee residue from the holes of the filter basket and the spouts of the portafilter. Dry them with a cloth or paper towel.
4. Clean the group head. The group head is where the hot water comes out of your machine to brew your coffee. It can get clogged with coffee oils and grounds over time, affecting the water flow and pressure.
   • To clean it, you need to use the cleaning disc and tablets that came with your machine. Insert one tablet into the center of the cleaning disc and place it inside the portafilter.
   • Lock the portafilter into the group head and press the power button to turn on your machine. Press the one-cup button and hold it until it flashes three times. Release the button and wait for 15 seconds.
   • Repeat this process until the water tank is empty or until no more water comes out of the group head.
   • Remove the portafilter and rinse it under running water. Discard the tablet and disc.
5. Clean the steam wand. The steam wand is used to froth milk for cappuccinos, lattes, and other drinks. It can get dirty with milk residue and bacteria over time, affecting the quality and hygiene of your milk foam.
   • To clean it, you need to purge it before and after each use by turning on the steam function for a few seconds to release any trapped milk inside. Then, wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use to remove any milk stains on the surface.
   • To deep clean it once a week, you need to soak it in a solution of white vinegar and water (one part vinegar to four parts water) for 20 minutes.
   • Then rinse it under running water and purge it again.
6. Descale your machine. Descaling is the process of removing mineral buildup from your machine’s internal parts, such as the boiler, pipes, valves, and pump.
   • To descale, you need to use white vinegar or a store-bought descaling solution that is compatible with your machine model (check your manual for recommendations).
   • Fill the water tank with one part vinegar or descaling solution to four parts water (or follow the instructions on the package). Turn on your machine and run a few cycles without coffee until the water tank is empty or until no more solution comes out of the group head or steam wand.
   • Refill the water tank with fresh water and run a few more cycles until no more vinegar or descaling solution remains in your machine. Your machine is now descaled and ready to use.

Tips and Tricks for Cleaning Your Breville Espresso Machine

• Using filtered water can extend the life of the machine and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
• Avoid using distilled water, as it can damage your machine’s components or affect the taste of your coffee.
• Some Breville espresso machines come with a water filter in the reservoir. If yours does, it’s good practice to replace it regularly, especially if using tap water. This can help reduce the frequency of descaling.
• Always empty and rinse the drip tray and water tank after each use. This will prevent mold, bacteria, and odors from developing in your machine.
• Always store your portafilter and filter basket in a dry place. This will prevent rust, corrosion, and mold from forming on them.
• Always purge your steam wand before and after each use. This will prevent milk from clogging or spoiling inside the wand.
• Always wipe down your machine and its parts with a damp cloth or paper towel after each use. This will prevent stains, dirt, and grime from accumulating on your machine.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and descaling your machine. Different models, like Breville Barista Express or the Pro, may have different cleaning cycles, buttons, or indicators. Check your manual for specific details. 
• Always use the cleaning disc and tablets that came with your machine or that are recommended by the manufacturer. Do not use any other cleaning products, as they may damage your machine or affect the taste of your coffee.
• If the machine comes with a built-in grinder, there are grinder cleaning tablets available on the market. These tablets can be run through the grinder to help remove coffee oil buildup. 
• If the machine is not going to be used for an extended period, it’s a good idea to empty the water reservoir and leave it unplugged.

Why You Should Clean Your Breville Espresso Machine Regularly

• Importance of Regular Maintenance:
  • Maintains good hygiene.
  • Enhances the flavor and aroma of coffee.

• Effects of Neglect:
  • Buildup of coffee residue, oils, and minerals inside the machine over time.
  • Affected water flow, temperature, and pressure.
  • Resulting coffee can be bitter, sour, or weak.
  • Doesn’t reflect the true potential of coffee beans.
• Damages from Deposits:
  • Can damage the machine’s components.
  • Potential issues include leaks, malfunctions, or reduced efficiency.
• Recommendation:
  • Clean the Breville espresso machine at least once a week.
  • Increase the frequency if:
    • The machine is used often.
    • The area has hard water.

FAQs: Cleaning Your Breville Espresso Machine

How often should I clean my Breville espresso machine?

You should clean your Breville espresso machine at least once a week, or more often if you use it frequently or have hard water in your area. You should also descale your machine every two to three months, or more often if you notice signs of mineral buildup, such as reduced water flow, lower temperature, or sour taste.

How do I know when to descale my Breville espresso machine?

Some Breville espresso machines have a descale indicator that will light up when it is time to descale your machine. You can also check your manual for the recommended descaling frequency for your model. Alternatively, you can monitor the performance and taste of your machine and descale it when you notice any signs of mineral buildup.

What are the signs of mineral buildup in my Breville espresso machine?

Some signs of mineral buildup in your Breville espresso machine are:

• Reduced water flow or pressure
• Lower water temperature
• Sour or metallic taste of your coffee
• White flakes or deposits in your coffee or water
• Leaks or noises from your machine

Can I use vinegar to descale my Breville espresso machine?

Yes, you can use white vinegar to descale your Breville espresso machine. However, vinegar may leave a strong odor or taste in your machine, so you need to rinse it thoroughly with fresh water after descaling. You can also use a descaling solution that is compatible with your machine model (check your manual for recommendations).

How do I clean the grinder of my Breville espresso machine?

To clean the grinder of your Breville espresso machine, you need to remove any coffee beans from the hopper and run a few empty cycles to clear out any remaining grounds. Then, you need to use a cleaning brush or pin to remove any coffee residue from the burrs and chute. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to suck out any loose ground from the grinder. Do not use any water or cleaning products to clean the grinder, as they may damage it or affect the taste of your coffee. There are grinder-cleaning tablets available on the market. These tablets can be run through the grinder to help remove coffee oil buildup. 

Conclusion

Cleaning your Breville espresso machine is not hard, but it is necessary for the quality and longevity of your machine and coffee. By following the steps and tips in this guide, you can keep your machine clean and well-maintained on a regular basis. You can also avoid common problems such as mineral buildup, bacteria growth, leaks, malfunctions, or poor-tasting coffee. By taking good care of your Breville espresso machine, you can enjoy delicious coffee every time.