By paying attention to the most vulnerable areas of your coffee machine you needn’t fear the negative effects associated with poor hygiene.

Regular maintenance will extend the life of your appliance by removing potential blockages, limescale and other substances that may degrade the workings.

Getting started

One of the simplest and most effective ways to clean a coffee machine is to use distilled white vinegar. Unlike bleach or other chemicals, this product is non-harmful to both people and the environment. It’s also much cheaper but equally as effective.

If using a drip style coffee machine, a solution of one part vinegar to four parts water can be passed through the system. However, make sure you flush pure water through the system twice before using again.

Anyone using a pod or sachet coffee machine should rinse the collection tray in hot water every day. The corners of these trays are the most likely areas to harbour bacteria so it is advisable to work a little vinegar or lemon juice into them for a spotless finish.

Routine tasks

Different coffee machines have different features but where present, the following components should be cleaned on a daily basis (depending on usage):

  • Drip tray ~ This should be removed and thoroughly cleaned inside and out with particular attention to the underside of the grate and any grooves or crevices. A light antibacterial agent can usually be used on the surrounding area to keep germs at bay.
  • Mixing bowl ~ This should also be removed and cleaned/soaked, particularly in high usage environments. Doing this will prevent blockages which can cause a lot of mess and disruption!
  • Coffee brewer ~ As the “engine” of every bean-to-cup coffee machine, this part undergoes very high pressure with every coffee that is dispensed. Flushing it daily will ensure that the seals last longer and your drink quality is maintained.
  • Waste containers ~ Whether gathering old grounds, pods or sachets, make sure that any waste collection areas are emptied daily and cleaned, together with the void in which the waste collection is sited.
  • Steam spout ~ If present, the milk frothing steam spout should be wiped after every use and have a blast of steam for 10-20 seconds at regular intervals to prevent blockages.

We hope you find these tips helpful. If you’re ever in any doubt about how to care for your coffee machine, it’s best to refer to the instruction manual or contact the manufacturer for further guidance