A clean coffee machine is the key to a long service life, delicious coffee, and an appealing appearance. In this article, we'll talk about the arsenal of various "gadgets" and chemical agents used to achieve these goals.
I Tools
Brushes
When using a coffee machine, brushes can be used in two different areas, depending on the cleaning location: for the coffee group or the steam wand. The first brush is designed for cleaning the coffee group, including the portafilter, dispersion screen, and sealing ring, to remove coffee oils and residues. It has stiff bristles. The second brush helps to clean the steam wand from milk residues and buildup. It has soft bristles. However, in most cases, there is no need to use the second brush because it is sufficient to always "purge" the steam wand after use and wipe it.
When using a coffee machine, brushes can be used in two different areas, depending on the cleaning location: for the coffee group or the steam wand. The first brush is designed for cleaning the coffee group, including the portafilter, dispersion screen, and sealing ring, to remove coffee oils and residues. It has stiff bristles. The second brush helps to clean the steam wand from milk residues and buildup. It has soft bristles. However, in most cases, there is no need to use the second brush because it is sufficient to always "purge" the steam wand after use and wipe it.
Espazzola
This innovative device is designed for convenient and effective cleaning of the coffee group. It consists of a plastic base with flexible silicone ribs that allow easy access inside the coffee group to remove deposits and coffee residues. Three advantages of the "espazzola" can be highlighted: 1) deep cleaning (thanks to the flexible ribs); 2) ease of use (thanks to its ergonomic shape and simplicity); 3) safety (thanks to the use of safe materials).
This innovative device is designed for convenient and effective cleaning of the coffee group. It consists of a plastic base with flexible silicone ribs that allow easy access inside the coffee group to remove deposits and coffee residues. Three advantages of the "espazzola" can be highlighted: 1) deep cleaning (thanks to the flexible ribs); 2) ease of use (thanks to its ergonomic shape and simplicity); 3) safety (thanks to the use of safe materials).
Cloths and rags
They are essential tools for removing moisture, coffee residues, and overall cleaning of the external surfaces of the coffee machine. Among the wide variety available, two types can be distinguished: microfiber and cotton cloths. Microfiber cloths are an ideal choice for cleaning a coffee machine due to their numerous advantages: 1) they absorb moisture well and collect dust; 2) they do not leave streaks or micro-damage on surfaces; 3) they are easy to clean; 4) they have high air permeability; 5) they are hypoallergenic; 6) they are durable. Cotton cloths are a versatile tool for cleaning and polishing the external surfaces of espresso machines. They are soft and do not cause damage, while having good absorbency. They are excellent for removing dust, discoloration, and adding shine to metal surfaces.
They are essential tools for removing moisture, coffee residues, and overall cleaning of the external surfaces of the coffee machine. Among the wide variety available, two types can be distinguished: microfiber and cotton cloths. Microfiber cloths are an ideal choice for cleaning a coffee machine due to their numerous advantages: 1) they absorb moisture well and collect dust; 2) they do not leave streaks or micro-damage on surfaces; 3) they are easy to clean; 4) they have high air permeability; 5) they are hypoallergenic; 6) they are durable. Cotton cloths are a versatile tool for cleaning and polishing the external surfaces of espresso machines. They are soft and do not cause damage, while having good absorbency. They are excellent for removing dust, discoloration, and adding shine to metal surfaces.
II Chemical agents for cleaning a coffee machine
Coffee oil removers
During the coffee brewing process, coffee oils will inevitably settle in the areas where coffee comes into contact with the machine parts. These oils can negatively impact the taste of the beverage if not removed. We divide all cleaning agents based on their physical form:
There are also different types of active ingredients: a) Alkaline cleaners (Urnex Cafiza and Puly Caff Cleaning Powder) b) Disinfecting cleaners (Urnex Cafiza and JoeGlo Espresso Machine Cleaner) c) Natural or biodegradable cleaners (Full Circle Espresso Machine Cleaning Powder and Cleancaf Coffee Machine Cleaner)
During the coffee brewing process, coffee oils will inevitably settle in the areas where coffee comes into contact with the machine parts. These oils can negatively impact the taste of the beverage if not removed. We divide all cleaning agents based on their physical form:
- Cleaning powders (Urnex Cafiza, Puly Caff Cleaning Powder, and JoeGlo Espresso Machine Cleaner)
- Liquid cleaners (Urnex Dezcal Activated Scale Remover, Puly Caff Liquid Cleaner, and Cafetto Evo Espresso Machine Cleaner)
- Cleaning tablets (Urnex Cafiza Cleaning Tablets, Jura Cleaning Tablets, and EVO Cleaning Tablets)
There are also different types of active ingredients: a) Alkaline cleaners (Urnex Cafiza and Puly Caff Cleaning Powder) b) Disinfecting cleaners (Urnex Cafiza and JoeGlo Espresso Machine Cleaner) c) Natural or biodegradable cleaners (Full Circle Espresso Machine Cleaning Powder and Cleancaf Coffee Machine Cleaner)
Cleaning agents for milk systems
These types of cleaners help remove milk residues, bacteria, and unpleasant odors. They provide deep cleaning of milk tubes and frothing attachments, maintaining hygiene and froth quality. They are categorized similarly to the cleaning agents mentioned above:
They can also be classified based on the type of active ingredient: a) Acidic cleaners (Urnex Rinza Milk Frother Cleaner and Puly Milk Frother Cleaner) b) Alkaline cleaners (Cafetto MFC Blue Milk Frother Cleaner and Jura Milk System Cleaner) c) Natural or biodegradable cleaners (Full Circle Milk Cleaning Solution and Cleancaf Milk System Cleaner)
Descaling agents
Descaling is the process of removing limescale and mineral deposits from the internal components of a coffee machine. It is an essential part of maintenance, and the frequency of descaling depends on the water hardness and machine usage conditions. There are different types of descaling agents available: a) Acidic descalers (Dezcal Descaler and Urnex Dezcal) b) Non-acidic descalers (Urnex Cafiza Espresso Machine Cleaner and Cleancaf Descaler) c) Combined descalers (Durgol Swiss Espresso and Urnex Full Circle Espresso Machine Descaling Liquid)
Using a variety of cleaning agents and tools will help you maintain your coffee machine in excellent condition. Remember that regular cleaning is a key factor in achieving impeccable taste and optimal performance from your espresso machine. Always follow the recommendations provided by equipment and cleaning product manufacturers.
These types of cleaners help remove milk residues, bacteria, and unpleasant odors. They provide deep cleaning of milk tubes and frothing attachments, maintaining hygiene and froth quality. They are categorized similarly to the cleaning agents mentioned above:
- Liquid cleaners (Urnex Rinza Milk Frother Cleaner, Puly Milk Frother Cleaner, and Jura Milk System Cleaner)
- Powdered cleaners (Urnex Rinza Milk Frother Cleaning Powder and Cafetto MFC Blue Milk Frother Cleaner)
- Tablet cleaners (Urnex Rinza Milk Frother Cleaning Tablets and Jura Milk System Cleaning Tablets)
They can also be classified based on the type of active ingredient: a) Acidic cleaners (Urnex Rinza Milk Frother Cleaner and Puly Milk Frother Cleaner) b) Alkaline cleaners (Cafetto MFC Blue Milk Frother Cleaner and Jura Milk System Cleaner) c) Natural or biodegradable cleaners (Full Circle Milk Cleaning Solution and Cleancaf Milk System Cleaner)
Descaling agents
Descaling is the process of removing limescale and mineral deposits from the internal components of a coffee machine. It is an essential part of maintenance, and the frequency of descaling depends on the water hardness and machine usage conditions. There are different types of descaling agents available: a) Acidic descalers (Dezcal Descaler and Urnex Dezcal) b) Non-acidic descalers (Urnex Cafiza Espresso Machine Cleaner and Cleancaf Descaler) c) Combined descalers (Durgol Swiss Espresso and Urnex Full Circle Espresso Machine Descaling Liquid)
Using a variety of cleaning agents and tools will help you maintain your coffee machine in excellent condition. Remember that regular cleaning is a key factor in achieving impeccable taste and optimal performance from your espresso machine. Always follow the recommendations provided by equipment and cleaning product manufacturers.
