Dee Wajid | January 24, 2025

The espresso machine is the heart of every café and the gateway to a perfectly brewed cup of joy. But when it comes to keeping these hardworking machines in top condition, even the most experienced coffee makers can fall into a few common pitfalls.

1. Skipping the Daily Cleaning Routine

One of the biggest mistakes baristas make is thinking that a quick rinse is enough to keep an espresso machine clean. The truth is, coffee oils, residue, and milk can build up quickly and wreak havoc on your machine.

What to do instead: Make daily cleaning a non-negotiable habit. At the end of each day, flush the group heads, soak the portafilters in hot water with detergent, and wipe down the steam wand. This simple routine can significantly extend the life of your machine.

2. Neglecting the Steam Wand

Milk residue hardens quickly and can clog up your wand, not to mention create a breeding ground for bacteria.

What to do instead: After every use, purge the steam wand with steam and wipe it down with a damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, soak the wand in a milk cleaning solution weekly or more often if you’re running a busy café.

3. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

Believe it or not, not all cleaning products are espresso machine-friendly. Household cleaners can damage delicate components, while skipping proper descaling solutions can leave mineral deposits lurking inside.

What to do instead: Stick to manufacturer-recommended cleaning products. Descaling solutions like Pazazz, group head cleaners, and milk system detergents are specifically designed to clean your machine without causing damage.

4. Forgetting to Backflush

Many baristas overlook the importance of backflushing, or they simply don’t do it often enough. Without regular backflushing, coffee oils and residues can build up in the group head, affecting the taste of your espresso.

What to do instead: Backflush daily with water and use a cleaning detergent at least once a week (or more, depending on your usage). This ensures your group head stays clean and your coffee tastes as fresh as it should.

5. Not Emptying the Drip Tray and Waste Drawer

It’s easy to forget about the drip tray and waste drawer, especially when you’re in the middle of a busy shift. But letting these fill up can lead to unpleasant odours and a less hygienic workspace.

What to do instead: Empty and rinse the drip tray and waste drawer at the end of every day. For added freshness, give them a wipe-down with soapy water.

6. Ignoring the Water Filter

Your water filter is your first line of defence against limescale buildup. Ignoring it can lead to serious maintenance issues and impact the quality of your espresso.

What to do instead: Replace your water filter as recommended by the manufacturer—typically every three to six months. If you’re in a hard water area, you may need to replace it more frequently.

7. Overlooking the Grinder

While technically not part of your espresso machine, a dirty grinder can compromise your coffee quality just as much as a dirty group head. Old grounds and oils can go rancid, affecting the taste of every cup.

What to do instead: Clean your grinder weekly by removing old grounds and brushing out the burrs. Many grinders also allow for deeper cleaning with specialised tools.

8. Rushing Through Descaling

Descaling is an essential part of maintaining your machine, but rushing through it or skipping it altogether can leave mineral deposits to clog up your machine over time.

What to do instead: Descale your machine every three months (or more often if you’re in a hard water area). Take your time to ensure the solution runs through the entire system and thoroughly rinse afterward.

9. Not Paying Attention to the Gaskets and Seals

Gaskets and seals are small but mighty components that ensure your espresso machine functions properly. Ignoring them can lead to leaks and loss of pressure.

What to do instead: Inspect the gaskets and seals regularly and replace them as needed. If you notice cracking or wear, it’s time to swap them out.

10. Assuming It’s "Clean Enough"

Perhaps the most common mistake of all is simply assuming your machine is clean enough. Even if it looks spotless on the outside, hidden residue can impact performance and flavour.

What to do instead: Be thorough! A little extra effort goes a long way in ensuring your machine operates at peak performance. Follow a cleaning schedule and don’t cut corners—you’ll thank yourself later. 

A Clean Machine = Better Coffee

Cleaning your espresso machine keeps it looking shiny and new and preserving the quality of every cup you serve. By avoiding these common mistakes and sticking to a regular cleaning routine, you can ensure your machine stays in tip-top shape—and your coffee tastes consistently amazing.

With Pazazz, maintaining your machine has never been easier or more effective. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!