How to Clean an Espresso Machine

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Want to learn how to clean an espresso machine? Follow the steps below.

Steps

Clean the Exterior

Use a good cleaner like Fantastic or the like - note though that Fantastic might actually remove some of the stamped on text and logos if they are painted on. Be sure not to get any in the machine itself.

Clean the Interior

Use a commercial espresso machine cleaner or use vinegar and water to decalcify the inside.

To decalcify using vinegar add 3 oz. of vinegar to 20 oz. of water, and let it run through the machine. Then run about 3-4 times the amount of fresh water.

If you can disassemble the frothing wand, do so - and get the wand clean. If little rubber gaskets pop out, DONT LOSE THEM and remember what order they go back on.
Clean the brewhead as you did above. The brewhead is where the water comes out, most pump machines have a brewhead that can be removed with a single screw - tilt your machine on its side (make sure theres no water in it) and disassemble that part. Use toothbrushes, use a clean j-cloth, whatever it takes to get all the nooks and crannies.
Once the machine is cleaned inside and out, run one more full batch of water through it, making sure you stop the pump just before all the water drains out.

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