How to Clean Your Espresso Maker
Espresso machines need to be cleaned periodically to prolong the life of the appliance. Some espresso machines will inform you that they need to be cleaned with a light, but other machines only give you an indication when the espresso does not taste so fresh. Espresso machines work by forcing hot water through ground coffee. If you enjoy a cup of espresso often, then you will need to set aside a time every month to clean the machine. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Turn the espresso machine off. Unplug the machine before you begin to clean it.
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Read the manufacturer's instructions before you begin cleaning. Some espresso machines may have special cleaning instructions.
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3
Wipe down the exterior of the machine with a damp washcloth. Rinse the filter basket and steam nozzle under warm water every time you use the machine. Wash the parts with a liquid dishwashing soap.
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4
Combine 2 tsp. of citric acid with 1 qt. of cool water in a bowl.
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Place the solution into the reservoir and run the machine for 30 minutes. Empty the espresso tank and refill the machine with water. Flush the espresso maker with clean water two times to remove any residue and debris.
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Brew 1 cup of espresso and pour the espresso out. Now you can use the espresso machine again.
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Tips & Warnings
Clean the milk wand every time you make coffee. It needs to be cleaned with a damp cloth.
Machines with professional group heads need to be cleaned weekly with cleaning tablets. You will need to clean the machine by back flushing it with a blind filter.
Never submerge an espresso maker in water.
Do not take an espresso maker apart while it is still plugged in.
References
- Photo Credit Making cappuccino image by Nikolay Okhitin from Fotolia.com
