Keeping your Breville espresso machine clean is essential for delicious coffee and a long-lasting machine. Whether you have the Barista Express, Barista Pro, or Barista Touch, regular cleaning ensures your espresso tastes fresh and your machine works smoothly. Here’s an easy, friendly guide to help you clean your Breville espresso machine like a pro.
Why Cleaning Your Breville Espresso Machine Matters
Cleaning your espresso machine is not just about hygiene – it preserves the flavor of your coffee and extends the life of your machine. Coffee oils and residues build up over time, which can clog parts and affect taste. Plus, regular cleaning prevents mineral buildup that can damage your machine internally.
Breville machines even have a “Clean/Descale” light to remind you when it’s time to clean, making maintenance easier than ever.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
– Cleaning tablets (usually supplied with your machine or available online)
– Silicone cleaning disc (comes with your machine)
– One-cup filter basket
– Clean water (cold, fresh)
– A container to catch water during cleaning
– A brush for scrubbing the group head (optional but recommended)
How to Perform a Cleaning Cycle on Your Breville Espresso Machine
Breville machines have an integrated cleaning cycle that flushes out coffee oils and residues from the group head and internal parts. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
- Prepare the Portafilter
Insert the one-cup filter basket into the portafilter. Then place the grey silicone cleaning disc on top. Put one cleaning tablet in the center of the disc.
- Lock the Portafilter in Place
Attach and lock the portafilter into the group head of the machine.
- Prepare the Machine
Make sure the water tank is filled to the max line with cold water and the drip tray is empty. Turn the machine off.
- Start the Cleaning Cycle
Press and hold the 1-cup and 2-cup buttons simultaneously, then press and hold the power button for about 3 to 10 seconds until the cleaning light starts flashing and the cycle begins.
- Let the Cycle Run
The cleaning cycle takes about 5 minutes. Water will flow through the portafilter, dissolving the cleaning tablet and flushing the system.
- Finish Up
When the machine beeps (usually twice or three times), the cycle is complete. Remove the portafilter and check if the tablet has fully dissolved. If not, repeat the cleaning cycle until it does.
- Rinse the Machine
After cleaning, flush the machine with fresh water. Run water through the group head, steam wand, and hot water dispenser to remove any leftover cleaning solution.
Daily and Routine Cleaning Tips
Besides the cleaning cycle, keep your machine in top shape with these easy habits:
– Dispose of Used Coffee Pucks immediately after brewing to avoid buildup.
– Rinse the Portafilter and Basket after each use.
– Wipe and Purge the Steam Wand after steaming milk to prevent milk residue buildup. Soak the wand in hot water and clean with a cloth or mild detergent if needed.
– Clean the Group Head regularly with a brush to remove coffee grounds stuck around the shower screen.
– Empty and Clean the Drip Tray daily.
Descaling Your Breville Espresso Machine
Descaling removes mineral deposits from water, which can clog your machine and affect performance. Your Breville will signal when it’s time to descale with a solid “Descale” light.
To descale:
– Use a descaling solution recommended by Breville.
– Follow the machine’s instructions, which usually involve running the descaling solution through the machine and then flushing with fresh water.
Descale every 2-3 months depending on your water hardness and usage.
Extra Tips for a Sparkling Machine
– Replace your water filter every two months to reduce mineral buildup and keep water clean.
– Use filtered or bottled water if your tap water is very hard.
– Clean removable parts like the drip tray, water tank, and portafilter with warm soapy water regularly.
– Avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that can damage your machine.
Your Breville espresso machine is designed to make your coffee routine easy and enjoyable. With these simple cleaning steps, you’ll keep your machine running smoothly and your espresso tasting amazing every time.
Enjoy your perfect cup!
Clean your Breville espresso machine regularly to ensure the best coffee flavor and extend its life. A few minutes of maintenance goes a long way!