☕ A Barista’s Guide to Cleaning a Breville Espresso Machine from Your Kitchen
By another coffee enthusiast who has been there, done that, and cleaned the portafilter!
🌟 Why It’s Important to Clean Your Breville Machine
Nothing compares to the heady scent of freshly made espresso filling your kitchen in the morning. However, that cup of happiness hides a diligent machine that requires constant care.
Regardless of whether you possess a Touch, Oracle, Bambino Plus, or Breville Barista Express model, routine cleaning guarantees:
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Coffee that tastes better ☕
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A machine that lasts longer 🙠
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Fewer bothersome blockages and repair problems 🙄
Let’s get started!
🧼 What Is the Difference Between Cleaning and Descaling?
Particularly if you’re unfamiliar with espresso machines, it’s simple to mix up “cleaning” and “descaling.” However, they are not interchangeable, and you require both!
| Cleaning | Scaling down (Descaling) |
|---|---|
| Removes milk residue and coffee oils | Eliminates calcium and mineral accumulation |
| Focuses on the steam wand and portafilter | Focuses on the boiler and interior plumbing |
| Carried out more regularly (weekly) | Less frequently (every one to three months) |
| Uses water or cleaning pills | White vinegar or descaling solution are used |
TL;DR: Cleaning is equivalent to weekly or daily upkeep. Deeper, chemically clean results from descaling.
📆 A Brief Schedule for Breville Machine Cleaning
This is a quick guide to espresso machine maintenance:
| The Frequency of Tasks | Recommended Timing |
|---|---|
| Clean and cleanse the wand | Following each use |
| Clean the basket and portafilter | Every day |
| Backflush with a tablet | Every week |
| Descaler | Every three months |
| Weekly deep cleaning of the drip tray | Weekly |
| Rinse and empty the water tank | Every week |
🧽 Step-by-Step Instructions for Cleaning a Breville Espresso Machine
Let’s dissect the cleaning procedure.
✅ Cleaning Every Day (After Every Use)
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Make the steam wand clean:
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Wipe the wand with a moist towel as soon as the milk is steaming, then switch it on for one to two seconds to purge.
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Clean the basket and portafilter:
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Use hot water to rinse. To get rid of any obstinate grounds, use a little brush.
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Clean the body and drip tray:
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Shine and cleanliness are maintained with a short wipe.
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🧼 Weekly Cleaning Schedule
It’s time to give your machine more affection now.
🟤 1. If Your Model Permits, Backflushing with a Cleaning Tablet
You will require:
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Breville tablet for cleaning
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The machine comes with a rubber backflush disc
Actions to take:
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Put the cleaning pill in your portafilter after inserting it into the rubber disc.
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Securely fasten the portafilter.
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Run manually for 10 seconds, stop for 5 seconds, then repeat 5 times, or use the “Clean” cycle (on more recent models).
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Take off and give it a good rinsing.
Note: Backflushing is not supported by some entry-level models, such as the Bambino.
2. Thoroughly Clean the Steam Wand
To remove milk residue, use the pin tool, which is typically kept in the area near the water tank.
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Unscrew the wand’s tip
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In warm, soapy water, soak it
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To clear the holes, use the pin
3. Empty the Water Tank and Rinse It
Scale can still accumulate even with filtered water.
How Your Breville Espresso Machine Can Be Descaled
The unsung hero of machine lifetime is descaling. Over time, minerals from water accumulate—particularly if you live in a region with hard water.
📌 Don’t disregard the “Descale” light that your machine may flash!
🔧 Things You’ll Need:
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Descaling solution (safe brand, Breville brand, or any other)
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Water that has been freshly filtered
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A receptacle to collect water runoff
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About 20 to 30 minutes
🔄 Instructions for Descaling (Most Models)
1. Get the Solution Ready
Observe the directions on your descaling device. Typically, it’s:
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Combine one part water and one part descaler
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Fill the water tank with empty water
2. For the Majority of Breville Models, Enter Descale Mode
Although each model varies slightly, the general approach is as follows:
| Model | Method of Descale Entry |
|---|---|
| Barista Express | Switch off, then press “1 CUP” and “Power” |
| Bambino Plus | Press “1 CUP” and “Steam” |
| Oracle | Menu > Descale > Follow the instructions on the screen |
3. Execute the Descale Cycle
Hot water will be pumped through the steam wand and brew head of the machine. You might have to turn the steam knob by hand.
4. Wash Completely
To remove residue, refill with fresh water and repeat the cycle without a descaler.
🧪 Which Is Better, Vinegar or Descaling Solution?
The answer to one of the most often asked questions isn’t always clear-cut.
| Solution | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Vinegar | Affordable and easily available | Could harm seals or leave an odor |
| Descaling Solution | Made especially for espresso machines | Slightly more expensive |
| More effective at breaking down calcium | ||
| Safer for internal parts |
✅ Conclusion: Try to use a descaling method. Although Breville does not advise it, vinegar is a last choice for consumers on a tight budget.
❓ Without a Commercial Descaler, How Can I Descale?
Imagine being in a hurry and without having a descaling liquid or Breville tablet on hand. Here’s an alternate:
🍋 Make Your Own Citric Acid Solution
Components:
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One tablespoon of citric acid
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One liter of warm water
Actions to take:
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Stir until dissolved
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Fill the water tank
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Repeat the previous descale cycle
Although less harsh than vinegar, citric acid is nonetheless safe and effective for the majority of equipment.
🔁 How to Operate a Breville Machine’s “Clean Cycle”
You must perform a certain cycle if your machine has a “CLEAN ME” light or button.
Here’s How:
Example: Barista Express
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Place the cleaning disc made of rubber inside the portafilter
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Put a cleaning tablet in there
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Secure the portafilter
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Hold down “Power” + “1 CUP” + “2 CUP” at the same time till it starts
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Give it five minutes to run
Other Models: For further instructions, consult your user manual or the Breville website. A similar multi-button hold sequence will be used by most.
🧼 Best Advice for Maintaining the Best Possible Breville
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When the red “Empty Me!” tab appears, always empty the drip tray
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To reduce the accumulation of minerals, use filtered water
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Put a reminder on your phone or mark your descaling day on a calendar
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Every week, clean the coffee grinds out of the grinder chute
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Bacteria = steam wand milk accumulation. Don’t leave it alone!
🙋♀️ Coffee-Lover to Coffee-Lover FAQ Time
Can I use vinegar in my Breville coffee maker?
Yes, technically, although Breville does not advise it. Vinegar can destroy warranties and corrode metal components. If necessary, dilute it 1:1 with water and rinse thoroughly.
How frequently should I descale and clean?
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Clean: Weekly (deep), daily (light)
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Descale: Every one to three months, depending on the hardness of the water
What distinguishes a descale cycle from a clean cycle?
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Clean cycle: Uses a tablet to remove coffee oils from the brew head
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Descale cycle: Clears the interior waterways of mineral scale
🛒 The Greatest Items for Breville Upkeep
This is a short shopping list of necessities, the majority of which are reasonably priced:
| Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Tablets for Breville Cleaning | For clean cycles and backflushing |
| Descaling Solution | Eliminates mineral accumulation |
| Powdered Citric Acid | Option for a do-it-yourself descaler |
| Cleaning Brush for the Group Head | Enters difficult-to-reach places |
| Microfiber Cloth | Stain-free shine |