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How To Clean Your Coffee Machine
There's nothing quite like the perfect cup of coffee - but keeping your coffee machine in top shape can be tricky. How often should you clean it? When is it time to descale? And what's the best way to do it properly? At Harris Scarfe, we know a clean coffee machine is the secret to enjoying great-tasting coffee every time. In this blog, we'll guide you through step-by-step cleaning and descaling tips, share signs your machine needs attention and explain why regular maintenance is essential for performance and longevity. Let's brew better coffee together, starting with a spotless coffee machine!
Quick Links
- Why Should You Clean Your Coffee Machine
- Signs It's Time To Clean Your Coffee Machine
- How To Clean Your Coffee Machine
- How To Descale Your Coffee Machine
Why Should You Clean Your Coffee Machine
Keeping your coffee machine clean is essential for both taste and performance. Over time, coffee residues and oils build up, leading to bitter-tasting brews, while limescale can clog your steam wand and affect its functionality. Neglecting regular cleaning can cause your machine to break down or become less efficient, leaving you with a disappointing morning cuppa. Worse still, moisture and leftover grinds create a breeding ground for mould and bacteria, posing health risks. By cleaning your coffee machine regularly (ideally once a month if you use it every morning), you'll not only extend its lifespan but also ensure every sip is safe, delicious and just how you like it. A little maintenance goes a long way in brewing perfection!
Signs It's Time To Clean Your Coffee Machine
Is your coffee not tasting quite right? It might be time to clean your machine!
- One tell-tale sign is a slimy build-up in the drip tray. This 'coffee slime' is actually a mix of essential oils that is released by coffee beans, which can turn rancid over time.
- Another sign is that if your steam wand loses pressure or struggles to froth milk - limescale buildup could be the culprit.
- A sudden bitter taste in your morning brew is another red flag, caused by old coffee residues tainting fresh grounds.
- Other signs include unusual noises, slower brewing times or visible mould around seals and water tanks.
If you notice any of these signs, don't wait! Regularly cleaning your coffee machine will ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently, so your coffee tastes its best every time!
How To Clean Your Coffee Machine
When it comes to cleaning your coffee machine, there are certain parts that need more regular attention than others. In this section, we'll break down those parts based on how often they need to be cleaned. For more information, check out our Coffee Machine Guide.
Monthly
- Water Tank: To clean your coffee machine's water reservoir (also called the water reservoir), remove it and wash with warm, soapy water. This prevents bacteria growth and maintains water purity, ensuring your coffee tastes fresh. Rinse it thoroughly a few times to remove soap residue, then dry and reattach. A clean water tank means better-tasting coffee and a healthier coffee machine.
Weekly
- Steam Wand: To deep clean your steam wand, soak the tip in warm, soapy water to loosen milk residue. Then, run the steam briefly to push out any hardened milk inside. This keeps your steam wand functioning smoothly and ensures perfectly frothed milk every time!
- Drip Tray: Clean your coffee machine's drip tray by scrubbing it with warm, soapy water. Rinse it thoroughly to remove all residue, ensuring no build-up is left behind. A clean tray keeps your machine fresh and functional!
Daily
- Exterior: Once you have finished making a cup of coffee, grab a damp cloth and give the exterior of your coffee machine a good wipe down all over, including the drip tray and the steam wand.
How To Descale Your Coffee Machine
Descaling is important because it's the only way to clean and prevent the build up of limescale in your coffee machine. Unlike cleaning your coffee machine, descaling focuses on removing the calcium carbonate buildup. Here's a quick breakdown of how to do it:
- Begin by filling up the water tank with the descaling solution that came with your coffee machine. If you don't have any, fill up the water tank with a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar (but make sure your coffee machine's manual says it allows vinegar first).
- Check your manual to see how to enter 'descale mode', which is usually done by holding the '2 cups' button with the power button. The coffee machine will then turn on and instantly begin descaling. You can either place a container to catch the water or let it run into the drip tray and then clean it out once finished.
- Once the descaling mode is finished, which usually takes about 20 minutes, fill up the water tank with fresh water and run the machine a few times to fully flush out any solution residue that might be left behind.
Upgrade Your Coffee Machine At Harris Scarfe Today!
If you think it's time to upgrade your coffee machine or you're tired of making instant coffee with the kettle every morning, explore our entire range of coffee machines, including automatic machines, manual machines, capsule machines, drip coffee machines and more!
Visit us online or in-store and head over to the Hub for more coffee tips and inspiration. Some great articles you'll love include:
