7 Easy Steps on How to Clean Breville Espresso Machine Efficiently

Have you been struggling with how to clean Breville espresso machine? Regular maintenance of your Breville espresso machine is essential to ensure its longevity and performance. Not sure how to clean your Breville espresso machine, or maybe you’re wondering how to clean it without tablets? This guide is here to help.

We will walk you through how to clean your Breville espresso machine efficiently and effectively, with or without cleaning tablets. Whether it’s your first time cleaning your machine or you’re just looking for some tips to make the process easier, this guide will provide you with the information you need. Let’s dive into the easy steps to ensure your espresso machine operates at its best for years to come.

How to Clean Breville Espresso Machine Quick Guide

Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your Breville Espresso Machine. For more details continue below.

1. Clean the group head
2. Clean the filter
3. Replace the water filter
4. Clean the grinder (if there is one)
5. Use the cleaning disk & tablets
6. Run a cleaning cycle
7. Run a brew cycle with water only

How to Clean Breville Espresso Machine: Steps

Remember, learning how to clean Breville espresso machine regularly will help extend its life and keep your coffee tasting great! Now it’s time to get into each step in detail.

Step 1: Clean the group head

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To begin the process of how to clean Breville espresso machine and ensure optimal performance, it is important to clean the group head. Start by running a brewing cycle with the portafilter attached, using only water. As the water exits the machine, observe its clarity. Clearwater is preferred, as coffee-colored water indicates the presence of residual coffee in the group head. Taking these steps will help maintain the quality of your brew.

Step 2: Clean the filter

Once you’ve completed a water brew cycle, it’s recommended to utilize the pin tool provided with your machine to meticulously clean the filter holes. Although this process may require some time, exercising patience is key. By diligently purging the filter holes and eliminating any remnants of previous coffee, you’ll notice a remarkable enhancement in the flavor profile of your espresso.

Step 3: Replace the water filter

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Replace the water filter in your Breville espresso machine regularly, just like you would with the water filter in your refrigerator. It’s recommended to change it every 1.5-2 months to ensure optimal performance.

Neglecting to replace the filter can lead to reduced effectiveness, potential growth of mold and bacteria, and an undesirable taste in your espresso. In extreme cases, it could even pose a safety risk. Stay on top of filter replacements to enjoy a consistently great-tasting and safe espresso experience.

Step 4: Clean the grinder (if there is one)

During your deep cleaning sessions, it’s important to also clean the attached grinder if your machine has one. While grinders are usually low-maintenance, it’s recommended to brush off the burrs and remove any coffee dust and old grounds as much as possible. Avoid using soap or water to clean the burrs, as it can lead to rusting and render them ineffective.

Step 5: Use the cleaning disk & tablets

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To ensure optimal performance, utilize the cleaning disk and tablets. The last step involves running your machine’s built-in cleaning cycle, employing the provided cleaning disk and tablets. This straightforward process takes just a few minutes.

Step 6: Run a cleaning cycle

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Insert the cleaning disk into the one-cup filter and position a cleaning tablet at the center of the disk. Attach the portafilter to the machine as if you were preparing to make a shot of espresso. Press and hold the power button, one-cup button, and two-cup buttons simultaneously until the cleaning light starts flashing, indicating that the cleaning cycle has been initiated.

Step 7: Run a brew cycle with water only

Once the cleaning cycle is complete, run another brew cycle using only water to ensure all remaining cleaning solution is thoroughly removed from the machine. Neglecting this step may result in an unpleasant taste in your subsequent shots.

Common Questions About How to Clean Breville Espresso Machine

How to clean Breville espresso machine without tablets?

1. Emptying the drip tray: This is an important task to ensure the optimal functioning of your Breville coffee machine. Over time, the tray fills up with water, which not only risks overflow but also invites the growth of bacteria. To avoid this, simply remove the tray and empty it at the sink. Giving it a thorough rinse, perhaps with a dash of dishwashing liquid, will help maintain cleanliness. Afterward, allow the drip tray to completely dry before placing it back in position. By doing so, you prevent any possibility of the machine misinterpreting dampness as a full water tray.
2. Wipe the machine’s exterior: Cleaning the exterior of your espresso maker is crucial to maintaining its hygiene. Dust and dirt tend to accumulate from regular use, and you may unknowingly transfer germs onto the machine. Fortunately, this is easily preventable.
3. Clean the steam wand: To maintain cleanliness and prevent the growth of bacteria, it is crucial to clean the steam wand immediately after steaming milk. Milk can spoil rapidly when left at room temperature, and any residual milk inside the steam wand can lead to spoilage if not cleaned promptly. To ensure hygiene and functionality, it is recommended to purge the wand by running it on steam settings until no more liquid is observed. Once done, allow the wand to cool before wiping it with a damp cloth. If you notice a decrease in pressure from the steam wand, it may indicate a blockage in the tip.
4. Cleaning the portafilter and basket: This is an essential step after brewing coffee. To start, dispose of the used grounds by tapping the portafilter over a trash can. This ensures that any remaining grounds are properly discarded. Next, clean the portafilter and filter basket using warm water and soap. It’s important to avoid using a dishwasher as this may cause damage to the parts. By following these steps, you can maintain the longevity and performance of your equipment.

What are the best practices for daily maintenance of your Breville Espresso machine?

• After each use, check the drip tray and empty it into the garbage. This simple step only takes a few seconds but prevents the accumulation of residue over time.
• The steam wand is often a troublesome area on espresso machines, but it doesn’t have to be. Every time you use the steam wand, ensure that you purge any leftover milk by running it on the steam setting until no more liquid comes out. Once the wand has cooled down, thoroughly wipe the exterior with a soft cloth to remove any splatters. Additionally, utilize the steam wand cleaning tool included with your machine to clean the tip and ensure unobstructed flow.
• The final task in your everyday maintenance routine is clearing the filter basket. Gently tap the basket over your garbage can to dislodge any remaining coffee grounds, then wash it with soap and water for a thorough clean.

Why and how should you descale your Breville Espresso machine?

Water contains various minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which can accumulate inside your espresso machine, particularly when using hard water. This accumulation is commonly known as limescale. Although a water filter is typically utilized to address this issue, in certain regions, tap water has a significant mineral content, allowing some minerals to pass through despite the filter.

Fortunately, the process is simple and will only require a few minutes of your time. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Insert the cleaning disk into a 1-cup holder.
2. Next, place the cleaning tablet inside.
3. Position the portafilter as if you were brewing coffee.
4. Simultaneously press and hold the power, 1-Cup, and 2-Cup buttons. Release the buttons when you see the cleaning light flashing. This will initiate the cleaning cycle.

After the descaling process is complete, run a couple of brewing cycles without using coffee.

Video How To Clean And Descale The Breville Barista Express | Espresso Machine Full Maintenance Guide

For those who enjoy the visuals of a video, check out the following tutorial for a detailed demonstration on how to descale, as well as how to clean your Breville espresso machine, like the pros.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining the cleanliness of your Breville espresso machine is not just about aesthetics—it’s crucial for the quality of your brew and the longevity of your machine. Regular cleaning, including the use of cleaning tablets, proper care of the water filter, and mindful handling of the steam wand, will ensure that your machine remains in optimal shape for years to come. Remember, a clean machine is the starting point of a perfect espresso. Happy brewing!