Expert-Approved Ways to Clean a Coffee Maker

There is nothing like a fresh cup of coffee at home. The time spent sipping a fresh brew is a time to center yourself before the day begins. But, surely we’ve all taken a sip of the coveted drink and noticed a taste that was…funky. The truth is, all coffee makers, espresso and drip, fall victim to some serious build-up, and they need to be cleaned to ensure your coffee actually tastes good. 

“Coffee beans naturally contain oils within their cellular structure and these oils are released during the roasting process. But those oils stick around — and build up,” says Michelle Kawahara, Lavazza’s West Coast regional coffee trainer with over a decade of experience. Unfortunately, many of us improperly clean our machines. Kawahara says you should absolutely avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia because they’re too harsh and impact the taste of your coffee. Kawahara also recommends avoiding abrasive sponges and brushes and recommends being judicious with running toward the dishwasher for quick cleaning, as it can damage delicate parts. The other takeaway? You should really be doing essential cleaning daily, with more deep cleans on a monthly basis. Below are Kawahara’s recommendations for all machines. If you own any kind of coffee maker, you’re going to want to add these to your cart ASAP. 

Expert-Approved Coffee and Espresso Machine Cleaning Solutions 

Pallo Espresso Machine Brush

“There are many components to an espresso machine, so it will need a little extra love. At the end of the day, you will need to brush and backflush your machine,” Kawahara says. The first step to cleaning your machine? Using a brush to loosen coffee grounds. “I like using my Pallo Espresso Cleaning Brush,” Kawahara says. “This brush is designed to keep hot water off your hands and help you scrub the group head. Bonus: it’s got a vent pin for unclogging steam wand tips and a built-in detergent spoon!”

Urnex Biocaf Coffee Machine Cleaning Powder

This powder is an essential part of the espresso machine cleaning process, and the machine should be descaled anywhere between monthly or quarterly, depending on use. But how do you use the powder? “Add a small amount of powder into the blind basket, insert the portafilter into the group head, and manually start your machine. You’ll notice that nothing will be coming out of the group head because this blind basket allows you to clean any coffee oils and residue from the internal components of the machine. Count for 10 seconds and stop the flow of water,” Kawahara notes. She says you should not disconnect the portafilter from the group head at this point. Instead, wait 10 seconds, then repeat that particular process again five times. Then, repeat the process without the powder to remove any solution. “Last but not least, after each use, don’t forget the steam wand. Purge and wipe it down, and consider using a milk frother cleaner to remove milk residue.” 

Urnex Biocaf Espresso Machine Milk Cleaning Liquid

Kawahara also loves this cleaning liquid for her espresso machines. “Made from biodegradable, phosphate-free ingredients, these are gentle on your machine but tough on coffee grime,” she notes. It helps break down the proteins and residue from the milk that gets stuck in the machine over time and can also work with plant-based milk. You’ll use it like Kawahara recommends above. The brand also recommends using it on auto-frothers, steam wands, and frothing pitchers. It comes with a dosing cap to easily determine the amount needed. 

Urnex Dezcal Coffee and Espresso Machine Descaler

“Coffee makers are warm, damp little havens. Leave old grounds in there, and you’re asking for mold and bacteria to make themselves at home. Clean it up, and your coffee stays fresh and hygienic,” Kawahara says. “Dezcal keeps buildup at bay and your machine happy,” she says, recommending it for both standard and single-serve coffee makers. “It’s important to rinse out that carafe and filter basket every day. Monthly – go for the big clean: use a descaling solution. This solution helps flush out mineral buildup, which is especially handy in hard-water spots like California. Fill your machine’s reservoir with a descaling solution and water. Then run several brew cycles until it’s empty, followed by two to three brew cycles of clean water to remove any leftover taste.”