Our Guide On How To Clean A Coffee Machine
Wondering how to clean a coffee machine can become such a task that we end up putting it off altogether. What we can’t see can’t hurt us, right? Well, whilst you’re merrily sipping from your first, third or seventh mug of the day at work, spare a thought for the neglected office coffee machine that could make you and your colleagues sick if not cleaned and maintained as it should be.
A well-maintained coffee machine is the key to great-tasting coffee and a longer-lasting appliance. Whether you’re using an automatic bean-to-cup machine, an espresso maker, a filter coffee machine or a capsule coffee system, regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and prevents health risks.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover how to clean a coffee machine, everything from water quality’s impact on your brew to the best cleaning methods for different machines.
- Why is cleaning your coffee machine so important?
- How water quality affects your coffee machine and brew taste
- The hidden health risks of an unclean coffee machine
- How to clean every type of coffee machine & daily maintenance checklist
- Cleaning & descaling with the right products
Why Is Cleaning Your Coffee Machine So Important?
Firstly, a dirty coffee machine will affect the taste and quality of your fresh brew, leaving you with a hankering to go down to your local coffee shop and spend money on something that tastes just as good (if not better) in your own office, for free.
Beyond the taste of the coffee, neglected coffee machines can actually store an impressive amount of mould, yeast and bacteria, in those dark, damp conditions that quickly fester if not regularly attended to.
When Should You Clean A Coffee Machine?
We’ll go into detail below about how thoroughly you should clean a coffee machine, and how often, but here are some situations to look out for that mean your coffee machine definitely needs a bit of TLC:
- Your drip tray or knock box contains mould.
- There’s a build-up of limescale around or inside the water tank container.
- Your machine does not produce clean hot water.
- Your milk wand or frother has white residue stuck to it.
- Your coffee tastes unusually bitter or strange.
Generally, once every few weeks, or once a month, should suffice for a deep clean. If your coffee started tasting bitter, or off, that could also be a warning sign that there is a build-up of yeast or dampness – before you’re able to see it.
Coffee grounds don’t take long to start accumulating bacteria, especially in hot and humid climates, so make sure you’re disposing of those regularly too.
How Water Quality Affects Your Coffee Machine & Brew Taste
Did you know that 98% of your coffee is water? The type of water you use in your coffee machine significantly impacts both the flavour of your coffee and the lifespan of your machine.
The Effects of Hard Water on Coffee Machines
If you’re using tap water, especially in areas with hard water, your coffee machine is at risk of:
- Limescale buildup – Minerals in the water create deposits that clog internal components.
- Inconsistent water temperature – Scale buildup affects heating elements, altering brew temperature.
- Shorter machine lifespan – Hard water increases maintenance needs and can cause breakdowns.
How Water Affects Coffee Taste
- Hard water = Bitter or chalky coffee
- Chlorinated water = Chemical aftertaste
- Filtered water = Balanced, clean flavor
The Hidden Health Risks of an Unclean Coffee Machine
Many people assume that because coffee machines use hot water, they remain clean and sanitary. However, a dirty coffee machine can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and yeast—posing serious health risks, especially in office environments where machines are used frequently throughout the day. Without regular maintenance, your beloved coffee maker could be serving more than just caffeine, it could also be delivering harmful contaminants with every cup.
What Happens if You Don’t Clean Your Coffee Machine?
Failing to clean your coffee machine properly can lead to several issues, both in terms of health and machine performance.
Bacteria & Mold Growth
The warm, damp environment inside a coffee machine is the perfect place for bacteria and mould to thrive. Over time, these contaminants can make their way into your coffee, potentially leading to digestive issues and other health concerns.
Rancid Coffee Oils
Coffee beans contain natural oils that accumulate in the machine’s internal components. If not cleaned regularly, these oils become rancid, leading to bitter, stale-tasting coffee and clogging important parts of the machine.
Mineral Buildup
Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, which gradually form limescale deposits inside your coffee machine. This buildup can affect heating elements, slow water flow, and eventually lead to machine failure if not addressed.
How Often Should You Clean Your Coffee Machine?
To maintain both the taste of your coffee and the longevity of your machine, follow this simple cleaning schedule:
- Daily – Rinse the brew basket and wipe down surfaces to remove leftover coffee grounds and residue.
- Weekly – Clean the drip tray, coffee grinds, and steam wand to prevent oil buildup and bacteria growth.
- Monthly – Perform a deep clean with a descaling solution to remove mineral buildup and ensure your machine functions efficiently.
Keeping your coffee machine clean doesn’t just improve the quality of your coffee, it also ensures you’re not unknowingly consuming bacteria or contaminants.
How To Clean Every Type Of Coffee Machine & Daily Maintenance Checklist
Keeping your coffee machine clean is essential for maintaining the best flavour, preventing machine damage, and ensuring hygiene. However, not all coffee machines are cleaned the same way, each type requires specific maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
Below, we break down the best cleaning methods for manual espresso machines, capsule coffee machines, and automatic bean-to-cup machines.
Cleaning Automatic Bean-to-Cup Machines
Automatic machines grind fresh coffee beans and brew espresso automatically, but they require regular maintenance to keep their internal components in top shape. These machines have more complex mechanisms, including grinders, milk frothers, and internal tubing, all of which need proper care.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
- Remove the brew unit and rinse under warm water – Coffee residue can clog the brew unit, so clean it weekly.
- Clean the milk frother and steam wand – Prevent milk buildup by flushing the frother with a cleaning solution.
- Use cleaning tablets to clean the internal pipes – Run a machine-cleaning cycle with manufacturer-approved tablets to remove internal residue.
Descale every 2 months – Mineral deposits can build up quickly in bean-to-cup machines, so regular descaling is essential.
Cleaning Manual Espresso Machines
Manual espresso machines give you complete control over the brewing process, but they also require frequent cleaning to maintain their performance. Coffee oils and fine coffee particles can clog internal components if not properly cleaned.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
- Remove and wash the portafilter and basket – Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove leftover coffee grounds and oils.
- Backflush the machine with cleaning powder – Use an espresso machine cleaner to flush out built-up coffee oils and residue.
- Wipe the steam wand and flush it with hot water – Milk residue can quickly clog the steam wand, so clean it after every use.
- Descale every 3 months – Limescale buildup from hard water can affect the boiler and water flow, so use a descaling solution regularly.
Cleaning Capsule Machines
Capsule machines are known for their convenience, but many people overlook cleaning these coffee makers. Regular maintenance prevents blockages, stale coffee flavours, and bacterial buildup.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
- Empty the capsule container and drip tray – Discard used capsules and rinse the drip tray to remove coffee residue.
- Run a cycle with clean water – Flush the system by running a water-only cycle to remove leftover coffee oils.
- Descale using a descaling solution – Prevent mineral buildup by running a descaling cycle every 1-2 months.
- Wipe down external parts – Coffee splashes and fingerprints can build up, so keep your machine clean by wiping it down regularly.
Cleaning & Descaling With The Right Products
For general coffee machine maintenance and how to clean a coffee machine, you’ll want to get hold of specialised descaling and cleaning products designed specifically, to keep yours functioning at its best with the longest lifespan possible.
Our cleaning guides provide detailed breakdowns of the protocol that should be followed for each specific make and model, from daily upkeep to weekly wipe-downs, to monthly deep cleans. Only remove the easily detachable components, and follow the instructions provided in accompanying pamphlets or on the coffee machine screen, to make sure you don’t accidentally tamper with the wiring.
Most of the time, you’ll be able to pop these detachable parts in warm water with the appropriate cleaning solutions – that we can provide you with on renting or purchasing our coffee machines – before thoroughly drying and clicking them back into place. But we’ll also provide free demonstrations if you want to see how easy it is to de- and reconstruct one of these machines for the sake of fresh, hygienic coffee-making practices.
Dealing With Larger Maintenance Tasks: Leave It To Us
Occasionally, even the best coffee machines require a bit of service. Like a car that is used, adored and taken for granted, your loyal, reliable coffee machine can also seemingly pack up overnight. Sometimes this is due to a cleaning mechanism not carried out properly, and the machine shutting itself off to prevent further damage.
In these cases, it’s not a good idea to take it apart and try your hand at fixing the issue yourself. That’s what Corporate Coffee Solutions is here for, with a team of highly-trained experts able to provide thorough inspections and coffee machine technical service, as well as share more knowledge on keeping your coffee machine happy and content in the long run.
The Coffee Machine Cleaning Experts Are Here To Help
Still wondering how to clean a coffee machine or simply keen to avoid getting it wrong, our team are passionate about providing excellent coffee customer service, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions, or arrange a consultation to look over your model. With offices strategically placed around key business hubs in South Africa, simply contact our team to see if we can schedule a complimentary visit, or request a callback to discuss your maintenance needs.
Want to know more about any of the different types of coffee machines we have on offer here at Corporate Coffee Solutions? Explore our full range of coffee machines available for rent or outright purchase today. If you have any questions about how to clean a coffee machine across our selection, simply contact our friendly team for more information or general support.
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