From cloths to cleaning tablets: how to make your coffee machine last longer

If you want your coffee machine and grinder to perform their best, morning, noon and (very ill-advisedly) night, you need to give them the care they deserve. Get into a routine of basic cleaning and low-cost maintenance, and they will run better and last longer, meaning fewer emails to the manufacturer’s help desk or trips to a repair cafe – or worse, buying a new machine altogether.

 

I’ve consulted two experts: Radu Bria at espressorepairshop.co.uk, a man who’s repaired more coffee machines than I’ve had flat whites. And Ben Young, a manager at Craft House Coffee.

Here are their hard-earned tips, tricks and general advice for keeping your brewing equipment in tip-top condition so it lasts for years to come.

Before we get into the nitty gritty, though, there are some general rules of thumb.

Always read the manual
There are a huge number of coffee machines and makers out there, and what works for one won’t necessarily work for another. Before you start scrubbing, soaking or descaling any of your equipment, check the manufacturer’s recommendations – and warnings – first.

Unplug your machine
If you’re embarking on deep cleaning, then always remove that plug. Water and electricity do not make a pleasant brew.

Use dedicated cleaning supplies
Never, ever use your usual cleaning kitchen cloths and brushes. You don’t want to contaminate your coffee with harmful or abrasive cleaning products.