How to clean a coffee machine

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How to descale a coffee machine

Before descaling or deep cleaning, always refer to the manufacturer's guide, as different models may have specific care instructions. The recommendation for descaling frequency is approximately every six months; however, it may be more frequent if you live in an area with hard water.

If your manufacturer recommends using their descaler, then follow the instructions that come with it. Generally, the descaling powder needs to be mixed with water or comes as a ready-made liquid, which is usually added to an empty water reservoir. The amount required varies from machine to machine, with some models even having a built-in descaling programme which may also remind you to do it.

If your machine is simpler, descaling can be just as easy by simply mixing equal parts of water with vinegar and running this through the machine. If your manufacturer advises against using vinegar (some do), then opt for lemon juice, which is much gentler.

Pour the mix into the reservoir, run a brew through without coffee, and pause the cycle halfway through. Leave the machine to stand for around 30 minutes, then recommence the brew. Once finished, rinse out the reservoir, fill it with fresh, cold water and run a couple of cycles to flush the machine of any limescale.

What we used:

Manufacturers' descaler
Cleaning tablet
Cleaning disc
Angled brush
Soft cloths
Eco-sponge
Vinegar (optional)
Antibacterial all-purpose spray

There are many ways to make coffee, from a simple stovetop espresso maker to a cafetiere, drip filter coffee, single-cup pod to fully integrated bean-to-cup machines with built-in grinders and steam wands. What they all have in common is that hot water (preferably around 90C) passes through ground coffee beans and is filtered to produce a cup of coffee. The fancier the machine, the more costly it is, and the more demanding its maintenance is to keep everything in top shape.

Disassembled Italian Coffee Maker — Getty

How to clean a Nespresso coffee machine

Nespresso machines are designed to clean themselves, but there are specific requirements for different models, so always refer to the guide that comes with your machine.

Step one: Remove any parts that can be hand-washed, such as the water tank, drip tray, and capsule tray. Wash and dry thoroughly.
Step two: If you have a steam wand, clean it with a wet dishcloth after each use to prevent dried milk from clogging the wand.
Step three: For models with a built-in milk tank, the tank and any components can be washed by hand or in the top tray of a dishwasher.
Step four: To descale, use only the Nespresso descaler. Never use vinegar or lemon juice, as this will invalidate any guarantee.
Step five: With so many different models, follow the instructions for your specific model in the instruction guide or online.

How to clean a Sage coffee machine

Sage offers an extensive range of bean-to-cup machines, including manual, semi-automated, and fully automated models. Built into most models is easy cleaning and descaling, although some may have specific features. Refer to the guide that comes with your machine for precise instructions.

Most, however, will follow these steps.

Step one: Descaling. Run the programme when prompted by the machine or when needed. Add one sachet of Sage descaler, mix it with one litre of water, and place it into the water tank. With the jug in position under the group head and an empty drip tray in place, run the descaler through into the jug and the drip tray using the prompt on the machine. When finished, fill the water tank with fresh cold water and run two brews through without any coffee to flush out any limescale.

Step two: To clean the group head, insert the cleaning disc into the portafilter, place a cleaning tablet on top, lock it into place, and run the clean mode specific to your machine to backflush out any coffee grounds, oil, and other debris.

Step three: To clean the grinder, unlock the hopper and tip any beans into a bowl. Using the angled cleaning brush, loosen any beans and grounds stuck in the burrs, then clean them out; the easiest way is to use a vacuum cleaner.
Step four: Remove all loose components, such as the drip tray, hopper cover, portafilter, etc., and wash them in hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Step five: Clean the steam wand using the wand tool and follow the instructions specific to your model.

Step six: Remove the water tank and water filter, then wash the tank in hot, soapy water. If there's excessive limescale, spray with a bit of vinegar, then wash and dry. Check the date on the water filter and replace it if needed. Put the filter into the tank and return the tank to the machine.
Step seven: Finally, using a multi-purpose antibacterial spray (we like Neat for its streak-free cleaning and zingy scents), spray onto a cloth or sponge and wipe all accessible surfaces clean. Then, finish by polishing with a soft cloth.

cleaning down how to clean coffee machine

Signs your coffee machine needs cleaning

Once you become familiar with your machine and how you like your coffee, you may start to notice changes in its flavour. The intrinsic oils in coffee build up inside the machine over time and need to be flushed out. If left, the oils go rancid, resulting in a bitter, metallic-tasting and muddy coffee. Another sign is the machine's operation doesn't feel quite right, such as the water not heating or flowing correctly, excessive brewing times or unusual noises. All of these are alerts that some TLC is urgently needed.

Top-rated coffee machines:

Espresso coffee machine

De'Longhi La Specialista Touch

Available from De'Longhi (£699.99)

This is a compact yet powerful machine that delivers rich espresso and silky milk, with intuitive touchscreen controls, quality accessories and recyclable packaging. Though the one-year warranty feels short, it’s a standout option at a more accessible price point.

Available from:

De'Longhi (£699.99)

Bean-to-cup coffee machine

Sage the Barista Touch Impress

Available from Harts of Stur (£1,198.95), Sage (£1,199.95)

Sage’s latest bean-to-cup machine expertly balances ease and control, with custom milk settings, guided touchscreen help and excellent espresso. It’s noisy and takes time to fine-tune, but once dialled in, the results are rich, hot and consistently impressive.

Available from:

Coffee pod machine

Nespresso Vertuo Pop coffee pod machine

This compact, stylish pod machine delivers rich espresso with thick crema. It's a little noisy and fiddly to set up, but once running, it's easy to use and great value for the quality of coffee it produces.

Available from: