Clean a coffee machine, 8 easy steps to follow:
- Unplug the machine and let it cool down.
- Empty the water reservoir and carafe.
- Wipe down the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth.
- Clean the removable parts, such as the carafe, filter, and filter basket, with warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
- Run a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar through the machine to remove any build-up or stains. Run a couple of cycles of plain water to thoroughly flush and rinse the machine clean of cleaning product.
- Wipe down the interior of the machine with a damp, lint free sponge where access is available.
- Use the brushes to clean the steam pipe and remove any milk product that might be present in the steam wand. Use a clear glass to test that the steam wand is clear, clean, and functionally correctly.
- Reassemble the machine and plug it back in. Run several test cycles to ensure the water is clean and free of residual cleaning product or residue material.
Cleaning a coffee machine properly is essential for maintaining the quality of your coffee, and for prolonging the life of your coffee machine.
When you take a certified Barista Course with a Registered Training Organisation, as part of your course you will learn how to disassemble, clean and maintain your espresso machine to ensure public safety and extend the life of your appliance past the warranty period.
3 Reasons Why It Is Important To Clean A Coffee Machine
- Maintaining Quality Of The Coffee Machine
- Prolonging The Life Of The Coffee Machine
- Preventing Bacteria Growth
1. Maintaining Quality:
A dirty coffee machine can affect the taste and quality of your coffee products. Build-up of product and lime or calcium deposits can cause your coffee to cause a bad taste, producing coffee that customers refuse to drink or pay for. That can affect your bottom line as they will quickly take their business elsewhere and not return.
There are no shortages of cafes and coffee shops in Australia and more appear each week as people see the demand for coffee and want in on the action. With so many choices available, patrons won’t remain loyal to one coffee provider if they get a bad product. Most won’t even raise the issue with the manager alerting them to the fact there is something wrong with the product that needs to be fixed.
This is one reason why it is essential for the staff to test the machine and the product each morning, and when they add fresh beans to an empty hopper. Taking small random samples throughout the trading period to taste test is one way to ensure your product is perfect every time.
2. Prolonging The Life Of The Coffee Machine:
A dirty coffee machine can cause damage to the machine over time. Build-up and stains can clog the various parts of the machine and cause it to malfunction. Prolonging the life of a coffee machine requires regular maintenance and cleaning.
Here are a few tips to help prolong the life of your coffee machine:
- Use High-Quality Water: Using high-quality water can help prevent mineral build-up in the machine, which can cause damage over time.
- Clean The Machine Regularly: Cleaning the machine regularly, as outlined in the previous steps, can help prevent build-up and stains, which can cause damage to the machine.
- Use The Right Type Of Coffee: Using the right type of coffee can help prevent damage to the machine. Avoid using dark or oily roasts, which can clog the filters and cause build-up.
- Use Filters: Using filters can help prevent mineral build-up and stains in the machine.
- Descaling: Descaling the machine periodically, by running a mixture of water and descaler through the machine, can help remove mineral build-up and prolong the life of the machine.
- Keep The Machine In A Safe Place: Keep the machine in a safe place where it won’t be knocked over or exposed to extreme temperatures.
- Follow The Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance. By following these tips, you can help prolong the life of your coffee machine and ensure that it continues to produce high-quality coffee for many years to come.
3. Preventing Bacteria Growth:
A dirty coffee machine can also become a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. Regular cleaning will help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mould, which can make you and your family sick.
There are several types of bacteria that can grow in coffee machines including:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa: This is a type of bacteria that can cause infections in people with weakened immune systems.
- Staphylococcus aureus: This is a type of bacteria that can cause skin infections, food poisoning, and other illnesses.
- Listeria monocytogenes: This is a type of bacteria that can cause serious infections, particularly in pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
- Escherichia coli: This is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning and other illnesses.
- Salmonella: This is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning and other illnesses.
It is important to regularly clean and sanitise coffee machines to prevent the growth of these and other harmful bacteria and ensure the perfect cup of coffee.
Cleaning your coffee machine regularly is essential for maintaining the quality of your coffee, prolonging the life of your machine, and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and mould.
By following the steps outlined above, you can easily and effectively clean your coffee machine and extend its use life well past its warranty period.
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