Coffee Machine Maintenance Complete Guide 2026

After Each Shot

• • Purge group head for 2-3 seconds to clear water
• • Remove portafilter and tap out used grounds
• • Wipe group head gasket with damp cloth
• • Rinse portafilter and basket under water
• • Purge steam wand immediately after steaming milk
• • Wipe steam wand with damp cloth while warm

End of Day Routine

• • Run water through group head for 10 seconds
• • Soak portafilter and baskets in hot water
• • Clean steam wand thoroughly with pipe cleaner
• • Empty drip tray and rinse
• • Wipe exterior surfaces
• • Allow machine to cool naturally

Backflushing (if applicable)

Backflushing forces water backward through the group head to remove coffee oils and residue. Only perform on machines with 3-way solenoid valves.

• • Insert blind basket (no holes) into portafilter
• • Lock into group head
• • Activate brew button for 1 second, release
• • Repeat 5-10 times until water runs clear
• • Insert regular basket and purge

Deep Cleaning

• • Soak portafilter, baskets, and shower screen in espresso machine cleaner solution
• • Brush components with soft brush to remove residue
• • Rinse thoroughly under running water
• • Soak group head gasket and replace if worn
• • Clean shower screen with small brush

Monthly Tasks

• • Deep clean entire group head assembly
• • Replace group head gasket if showing wear
• • Clean water filter if applicable
• • Inspect all seals for deterioration
• • Test water temperature stability

Descaling (Every 3-6 Months)

Descaling removes mineral buildup from internal components. Frequency depends on water hardness and usage.

• • Use commercial espresso machine descaler
• • Follow manufacturer's instructions carefully
• • Run descaling solution through group head and steam wand
• • Allow solution to sit in boiler as directed
• • Flush thoroughly with fresh water afterward
• • Run 2-3 shots through group head to clear

Weak Shots or Poor Extraction

Usually caused by coffee oil buildup in group head. Solution: Perform backflushing and deep cleaning of group head components.

Inconsistent Temperature

Often indicates mineral scale in boiler or heating element. Solution: Descale machine using appropriate descaling solution.

Slow Water Flow

May indicate clogged shower screen or group head. Solution: Remove and soak shower screen in cleaner, then brush gently.

Leaking Group Head

Usually caused by worn gasket or seal. Solution: Replace group head gasket with OEM replacement part.