DIY Backflush Cleaner

Backflushing removes built up coffee oils that affect the taste of your espresso.

Backflushing is a process that should be done once per week for any espresso machine with a three-valve system. Over time and through continuous use of your espresso machine, coffee oils can build up in the machine and cause a bitter or rancid taste that comes through in the espresso. If you do not wish to use a chemical cleaner to backflush your espresso machine, other household ingredients allow you to effectively remove the coffee oil build-up.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar

Instructions

1. Remove the espresso machine's filter basket and place a blind basket in its place. A blind basket is a filter basket with no holes and should have been included with the espresso machine.

2. Pour 1/2 tsp. white vinegar into the blind basket. Close the portafilter opening so you can hit the pump of the espresso machine.

3. Allow the pump to run for 20 seconds.

4. Wait while the water in the machine moves through the brew group and pushes the vinegar through the valve and into the dip tray.

5. Repeat the process, using 1/2 tsp. white vinegar each time, until the water that comes out of the valve and into the drip tray is clear. Depending on how much coffee oil has built up in the machine, it can take anywhere from two to five tries.

Tips & Warnings

• Backflush your espresso machine consistently once per week to ensure that the build-up never gets to the point where it will require several backflushes.

References

• Home Barista: Espresso Machine Cleaning
• Whole Latte Love: How to Backflush an Espresso Machine
• Beverage Factory: Cleaning Guide for Espresso and Coffee Makers