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Maintenance8 min read

How to Clean Your Coffee Equipment: Complete Guide

Proper maintenance is the secret to consistently great coffee. Learn how to clean and care for your coffee equipment to ensure optimal performance and extend its lifespan.

2025-08-17

Quick Reference Cleaning Schedule

Daily

  • Rinse all brewing equipment
  • Wipe down surfaces
  • Empty drip trays

Weekly

  • Deep clean brewing equipment
  • Clean grinder burrs
  • Backflush espresso machine

Monthly

  • Descale espresso machine
  • Deep clean grinder
  • Replace water filters

Coffee Grinder Cleaning

Daily Maintenance

  1. 1Empty the bean hopper and grounds chamber
  2. 2Wipe down exterior with damp cloth
  3. 3Brush out any visible grounds from burr chamber

Deep Cleaning (Weekly)

  1. 1Remove upper burr (follow manufacturer instructions)
  2. 2Clean burrs with brush and warm soapy water
  3. 3Thoroughly dry all components before reassembly

Important Notes

  • • Never submerge electric components in water
  • • Use grinder cleaning tablets monthly for oil removal
  • • Mark burr alignment before disassembly

Espresso Machine Cleaning

Daily Cleaning Routine

Water System

  • • Flush group head with water
  • • Empty and refill water reservoir
  • • Run blank shots to clear lines

Steam System

  • • Purge steam wand after each use
  • • Wipe steam wand with damp cloth
  • • Soak steam wand tip in water

Backflushing (Weekly)

  1. 1Insert blind basket (no holes) into portafilter
  2. 2Add 1/4 tsp espresso machine cleaner to basket
  3. 3Run cleaning cycle (5 sec on, 5 sec off, repeat 5 times)
  4. 4Remove cleaner and repeat with water only

Descaling (Monthly)

Descaling removes mineral buildup that affects taste and machine performance. Follow your machine's specific descaling instructions, but here's the general process:

  1. 1. Mix descaling solution according to manufacturer's ratio
  2. 2. Fill water reservoir with descaling solution
  3. 3. Run descaling cycle (usually multiple brew/pause cycles)
  4. 4. Thoroughly rinse system with fresh water (multiple cycles)
  5. 5. Test final rinse water to ensure no cleaner taste remains

Pour Over & Drip Equipment

V60, Chemex, Pour Over

  1. 1Rinse immediately after use with hot water
  2. 2For weekly deep clean, use mild dish soap
  3. 3Remove coffee oils with baking soda paste monthly

French Press & AeroPress

  1. 1Disassemble completely after each use
  2. 2Wash all parts with warm soapy water
  3. 3Pay special attention to filter screens and seals

Essential Cleaning Supplies

Basic Cleaning Kit

  • • Microfiber cloths
  • • Soft-bristled brushes
  • • Mild dish soap
  • • White vinegar
  • • Baking soda

Specialized Cleaners

  • • Espresso machine cleaner
  • • Descaling solution
  • • Grinder cleaning tablets
  • • Coffee oil remover

Tools & Accessories

  • • Blind basket (for backflushing)
  • • Group head brush
  • • Steam wand brush
  • • Water test strips

Common Cleaning Issues

Problem: Coffee tastes bitter/sour

Likely cause: Coffee oil buildup

Solution: Deep clean with specialized coffee cleaner or baking soda paste

Problem: Slow water flow

Likely cause: Mineral buildup

Solution: Descale equipment immediately and increase frequency

Problem: Grinder producing uneven grounds

Likely cause: Dull or misaligned burrs

Solution: Clean thoroughly, check alignment, consider burr replacement

Problem: Strange taste/smell

Likely cause: Soap residue or old water

Solution: Rinse thoroughly, use only water for final rinse, replace water daily