How to Clean Your Espresso Machine (Daily & Deep Clean)

A clean espresso machine means better-tasting coffee and a longer-lasting appliance. Whether you’ve just brought home your first espresso machine or you’ve had one for years, regular cleaning is essential to prevent bitter flavour, clogged parts, and unnecessary repairs.

You’ll find clear daily and deep-cleaning routines here for all machine types, including manual, automatic, and capsule systems. No jargon, no guesswork. Just simple steps you can follow at home.

Why Cleaning Your Espresso Machine Matters

It’s tempting to skip the cleanup—especially on a busy morning when all you want is your first cup. But espresso machines deal with more than just water. They’re exposed to coffee oils, fine grounds, milk, and minerals from your tap water. Over time, this residue builds up in places you can’t see. That buildup can affect the flavour of your coffee and cause your machine to slow down or clog.

Neglecting routine cleaning can lead to:

• Bitter, burnt-tasting coffee
• Slow brewing or low pressure
• Steam wands that clog or sputter
• Shortened machine lifespan
• Bacteria or mould buildup (especially in milk systems)

A few minutes of care goes a long way in keeping your machine running well and your coffee tasting the way it should—rich, smooth, and full of flavour.

Daily Espresso Machine Cleaning Routine

If you only do one thing for your espresso machine, make it this: clean it after each use. It doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here’s a simple daily routine that works for nearly every machine.

1. Remove coffee grounds and rinse the portafilter

After pulling a shot, knock out the used grounds right away. Letting them sit allows oils and moisture to build up, which leads to sour smells and stubborn residue. Rinse the portafilter under warm water and give it a quick wipe.

Tip: If you have a knock box, use it—it’s neater and faster than walking to the compost or garbage after every shot.

2. Flush the group head or brewing chamber

Run a short burst of hot water through the machine with no coffee inside. This clears out stray grounds and keeps the brewing path clean.

For Nespresso and other pod coffee machines: Run a water-only cycle to flush out leftover coffee oils from the spout. Don't forget to stock up on your favourite coffee capsules and beans.

3. Purge and wipe the steam wand

This is crucial if you steam milk. After each use, purge the wand by turning the steam on for 2–3 seconds. Then wipe it down with a damp cloth. Dried milk is not only unappetizing—it’s also a breeding ground for bacteria.

4. Empty and rinse the drip tray

Drip trays collect more than just water—coffee, milk, and steam residue build up quickly. Empty it daily and rinse with warm, soapy water to avoid mold and sour odours.

Weekly Espresso Machine Maintenance

Even if you’re good about daily cleaning, some buildup still happens. Set aside 10–15 minutes once a week for these deeper-clean steps.

1. Soak the portafilter and filter basket

Fill a bowl or sink with warm water and a drop of dish soap or espresso machine cleaner. Let the portafilter and filter basket soak for 15–30 minutes to loosen coffee oils, then scrub gently with a brush or sponge.

2. Backflush (For machines that support it)

Backflushing is a way to clean the internal valves of certain semi-automatic espresso machines (like Breville and De’Longhi). It keeps water flow even and espresso tasting consistent. You’ll need a blind filter and a cleaning tablet or powder.

To backflush:

• Insert the blind filter into the portafilter.
• Add a cleaning tablet.
• Run the cleaning cycle (or manual flush) following your machine’s instructions.
• Repeat with clean water to rinse.

3. Clean the group head, gasket & shower screen

Use a group head brush or an old toothbrush to clean around the gasket (the rubber ring where your portafilter locks in) and shower screen (where the water comes out). This removes fine coffee particles and prevents blockage.

4. Clean and rinse removable parts

Take out the water tank, drip tray, and any other removable parts. Wash with warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry before putting them back. Stagnant water breeds bacteria, so never leave tanks full for days.

Tip: Keep a pack of cleaning tablets and descaling solutions handy—they simplify both weekly and monthly care.

How to Deep Clean & Descale Your Espresso Machine

Even with daily care, minerals like calcium and magnesium (from hard water) build up inside the boiler and pipes. This is called limescale, and it’s the reason descaling is essential. If not removed, it can clog the heating element and other internal parts—leading to slower performance, bitter coffee, or even permanent damage.

When and how often to descale

Descaling schedules vary by brand and water quality—here’s how often to clean your espresso machine to prevent limescale and keep performance consistent.

• Nespresso machines – every 3 months or after 300 capsules
• Breville & De’Longhi – every 2–3 months, or when the machine prompts
• Areas with hard water – monthly may be necessary

Step-by-step descaling guide

1. Prepare the descaling solution according to the instructions on the product.
2. Fill the water tank with the solution and run it through the brew head until the tank is about halfway empty.
3. Run some of the solution through the steam wand or milk frother to clear any buildup inside those circuits.
4. Pause the cycle and let the solution sit in the machine for 10–15 minutes. This gives it time to dissolve limescale inside the boiler and pipes.
5. Resume the cycle, running the rest of the solution through the machine.
6. Empty the tank, rinse, and then run two full tanks of fresh water through both the brew head and steam wand to flush out any remaining solution.

Vinegar vs. commercial descalers

While vinegar is a popular home cleaning hack, it’s not recommended here. It can damage internal seals, leave a strong odour, and isn’t as effective at breaking down limescale. Always choose a descaler designed for espresso machines.

Replace water filters (if applicable)

If your machine uses replaceable water filters, change them regularly. Swapping them every 2–3 months reduces scale and improves coffee flavour.

Cleaning by Machine Type

Here are simple reminders on how to clean your espresso machine based on the model you own. Each type—whether Breville, De’Longhi, Nespresso, SMEG, or Illy—has slightly different needs, so follow these daily, weekly, and occasional steps to keep your machine in top shape.

Shop your first or next espresso machine at Linen Chest. If you're still deciding which one is right for you, our guide can help you understand what's your coffee machine style. For perfect cappuccinos and lattes, consider pairing your machine with one of our high-quality milk frothers.

Breville espresso machines

• Daily – Rinse portafilter, flush group head, purge steam wand
• Weekly – Soak filter baskets, backflush with cleaning tablets
• Every 2–3 months – Descale with a Breville-approved solution

De’Longhi espresso machines

• Daily – Rinse brew group, empty drip tray, clean milk frother
• Weekly – Remove and rinse the brew group (for fully automatic models)
• When prompted – Run the built-in descaling program

Nespresso capsule machines

• Daily – Empty capsule bin, run a rinse cycle without a pod
• Weekly – Wipe drip tray and exterior, clean any attached frother
• Every 3 months – Descale with a Nespresso cleaning kit or capsules

SMEG & Illy machines

• Daily – Wipe exterior, rinse drip tray, purge steam wand if included
• Weekly – Rinse capsule bin or water tank, clean removable parts
• Every 2–3 months – Descale following the brand’s instructions

Quick Espresso Machine Cleaning Checklist

Espresso machine milk system care

Milk is the trickiest part of any espresso machine because residue spoils quickly. Without proper care, bacteria can multiply fast. Keep these tips in mind to keep things clean, safe, and working properly.

Do:

• Purge the steam wand immediately after every use
• Wipe the wand with a clean, damp cloth
• Rinse detachable frothers in warm water right away
• Use a milk system cleaner weekly for deep hygiene

Don’t:

• Leave milk sitting in a frother or jug overnight
• Skip wiping the steam wand—dried milk is difficult to remove
• Use harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that can damage parts
• Ignore sour smells—they’re a sign of bacteria buildup

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you clean your espresso machine?
Rinse daily, deep clean weekly, and descale every 2–3 months.

Can I use vinegar to descale?
No—vinegar damages parts. Always use a proper descaling solution.

What’s the difference between descaling and backflushing?
Descaling removes mineral buildup from water. Backflushing clears coffee oils from the group head.

Do capsule machines need cleaning?
Yes—Nespresso and similar machines require rinsing and descaling to avoid stale-tasting coffee.

What’s the best cleaning solution for espresso machines?
Use a commercial cleaner or descaling solution specifically made for espresso machines, ideally from the same brand as your machine. Avoid vinegar, as it can damage parts and leave unwanted flavours.

Can I put espresso machine parts in the dishwasher?
Check your manual. Most metal and removable plastic parts are fine, but portafilters and delicate parts should be hand-washed.

What happens if you don’t clean your espresso machine?
Expect bitter coffee, inconsistent brewing, and eventual breakdowns.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Espresso Tasting Its Best

A few minutes of daily care plus regular descaling ensures every espresso tastes café-quality. Beyond flavour, proper cleaning extends the life of your machine—whether it’s a Breville, De’Longhi, Nespresso, SMEG, or Illy.

Explore espresso machines, cleaning accessories, and coffee essentials at Linen Chest to keep your coffee ritual effortless.