How to properly clean a portafilter machine – guide & tips

If you want to enjoy your portafilter machine for a long time, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential. Only a clean machine guarantees the best coffee flavor, extends its lifespan, and prevents costly repairs. In this article, we show you step by step how to clean your machine properly – from the brew group to the steam wand.

Why is cleaning so important?

With each preparation, coffee fats, oils, and limescale build up in the machine.

• These residues can affect the taste.

• Deposits in the brew group lead to poor extraction.

• Limescale in the boiler or heat exchanger can damage heating elements.

👉 Regular cleaning = better espresso + longer durability.

Daily cleaning – done in 5 minutes

1. Rinse the brew group: Run water through after each use.

2. Clean steam wand: wipe immediately after frothing milk with a damp cloth and briefly steam off.

3. Clean portafilter & filters: knock out coffee grounds and rinse under hot water.

4. Empty drip tray: this prevents bacteria and mold.

5. Wipe exterior surfaces: polish stainless steel with a microfiber cloth.

Weekly cleaning – backflushing & deeper care

For a more thorough cleaning, we recommend backflushing with a blind filter:

• Insert blind filter into the portafilter

• Add cleaning powder

• Start/stop brew group multiple times → foam cleans valves and shower screen

• Then rinse with clear water

Tip: The cleaning brush is also an ideal helper.

Monthly cleaning – don’t forget descaling

Depending on water hardness, the machine should be descaled regularly:

• Prevent with BWT water filter

• Descale boiler and pipes if necessary. Best with a descaler recommended by us: Lujo Clean

• Caution: Some machines (e.g. dual boilers with PID) should only be descaled by professionals

👉 Best to contact us – we will advise you on which solution fits your machine.

Conclusion – Clean machine, perfect espresso

A clean portafilter machine is the foundation for espresso like from Italy. With just a few minutes of care a day and regular backflushing, you ensure that your machine works reliably for years.

👉 Discover our accessories for cleaning: