Tips

If you want your espresso machine to keep delivering great coffee, whether at home or in your café, regular maintenance is essential. While professional servicing is always recommended annually, there’s plenty you can do yourself to keep your machine running smoothly between visits.

Here are our Top 5 DIY espresso machine maintenance tips to help protect your investment and keep every shot tasting its best.

1. Backflush Your Espresso Machine Regularly

Backflushing helps keep your group heads clean and free from coffee oil build-up. Using a blind filter basket and specialist espresso machine cleaning powder:

Run a cleaning cycle daily if you’re in a busy café.

For home users, once a week is usually enough.

Regular backflushing helps maintain consistent espresso flavour and protects your machine’s solenoids and valves.

2. Clean Your Steam Wand After Every Use

Milk residue hardens quickly and can lead to blocked steam wands, poor steam performance, and even bad odours.

Purge your steam wand immediately after every use.

Wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

Use a specialist milk cleaner weekly to prevent internal build-up.

Clean steam wands ensure your machine delivers perfectly textured milk every time.

3. Descale Your Espresso Machine (Where Applicable)

Limescale is the silent killer of espresso machines. If you’re not using a professional water filtration system, regular descaling will prevent costly internal damage.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on descaling.

Descaling frequency depends on water hardness, but typically every 3-6 months for home users.

For commercial machines with filtration, professional descaling is usually done during annual servicing.

4. Clean Your Grinder and Hopper

Old coffee oils and stale grounds impact flavour and clog up your grinder’s burrs.

Empty and brush out the hopper and burrs regularly.

Use grinder cleaning pellets monthly to remove deep set oils.

A clean grinder helps ensure fresh, consistent coffee every time.

5. Keep Your Machine’s Exterior Clean and Dry

Wipe down your machine daily to prevent grime and water damage. Pay attention to:

Group head surrounds

Control panels

Drip trays

Cup warming trays

Keeping your machine clean not only protects it but also presents a professional image to customers.
Why Regular Maintenance Matters

Neglecting small maintenance tasks leads to bigger, more expensive problems down the line. Following these simple DIY steps will:

Prolong the life of your espresso machine

Improve the taste and consistency of your coffee

Prevent unnecessary breakdowns

Save you money on repairs

For full servicing, boiler inspections, and professional support, Steam & Grind covers South Wales, Bristol, Bath, and the West.

Need Professional Help?

Even with regular care, your espresso machine needs a professional service to stay at its best.
Get in touch to book your service or boiler inspection and keep your coffee flowing perfectly.