Recently I had another live experience that prompted me to write this post. My dear mother and her super-automatic machine. When I was visiting and "pulled" a coffee, it only came out of one of the spouts. When asked when the machine was last cleaned, my mother shrugged and said something like, "The machine will let me know when it needs something."
The Neglect of Cleaning
With super-automatic machines, certain models may regularly prompt for cleaning. A portafilter, however, does not. What a shame, because this topic is so important and is treated so shabbily by so many, like cleaning windows.
The Effects of Contamination
We all want delicious coffee. We concern ourselves with the right bean selection, filter water to protect the machine, diligently work with timers and scales, practice latte art... and then no one cleans up afterwards. A dirty workstation is not nice and also brings unpleasant flavors. Coffee has oils that adhere to parts of the machine and are not at all delicious, but turn rancid. Coffee grounds particles also get lost in the smallest crevices and can become lodged. Cleaning is so easy and super fast and should become a routine.
The Right Cleaning Method
At the end of all our barista courses, cleaning the machine is always on the agenda. Together we go through all the steps. For this, we use our Clean Powder for coffee machines, which is very economical as you only need tiny amounts per cleaning. You can also use a cleaning brush.
- Unless otherwise recommended by the machine manufacturer, place 5g of the powder into the blind filter.
- Start the brewing process and let it run for approx. 10 seconds.
- Stop the brewing process.
- Repeat this process several times until the powder is completely dissolved.
- Then rinse thoroughly with plenty of water.
We recommend weekly cleaning of portafilter machines.
Cleaning the Shower Screen and Portafilter
Then remove the shower screen from the shower and clean it under warm water with a cloth or a soft brush. The sieve remover is suitable for removing the shower screen, or you can use a spoon like Michel in the video.
Additionally, remove the used sieve from the portafilter (please do not attempt with sharp objects such as knives -> risk of injury) but for example, also with the sieve remover. Now free the shower from coffee residues; feel free to use the brush to get into the recesses. Wipe/dry everything with a barista cloth.
Done.
