Stop Ruining Your Espresso! Here’s How to Clean Your Breville Machine the Right Way

A clean Breville espresso machine makes better coffee and lasts much longer. Regular cleaning removes coffee oils, milk residue, and mineral deposits that can affect flavor and machine performance.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you clean and maintain your Breville espresso machine like a pro.

1. Rinse the Portafilter After Every Use

After brewing, remove the portafilter and discard the used coffee puck. Rinse the portafilter under warm running water to remove oils and grounds. Avoid using soap because it can leave a bitter taste in your next espresso shot. Let the portafilter dry before using it again.

2. Clean the Group Head

Allow hot water to flow through the group head briefly to clear any remaining coffee residues. Use a small cleaning brush to scrub around the gasket and the metal shower screen. Keeping the group head clean ensures even water flow during extraction and prevents blockages.

3. Backflush the Machine Weekly

If your Breville model supports backflushing (such as the Barista Express or Barista Pro), this step is essential. Place a rubber cleaning disc inside the portafilter and add a small amount of espresso cleaning powder.

Lock the portafilter into the group head and start a brew cycle for 10 seconds, then stop it. Repeat this five times, letting the pressure release each time. Finally, rinse thoroughly by running a few clean water cycles.

4. Clean and Purge the Steam Wand

Immediately after using, clean the steam wand by wiping it with a moist cloth. Then, purge it by opening the steam valve for a few seconds to clear any milk residue. For a deeper clean, soak the steam wand in a mix of warm water and milk cleaner or vinegar for about 10 minutes. Wipe it again to remove buildup and restore proper steam flow.

5. Empty and Wash the Drip Tray and Water Tank

Slide out the drip tray and water tank regularly. Wash both with warm soapy water, then rinse and dry them completely. This prevents mold, bacteria, and mineral buildup inside your espresso machine.

6. Descale the Breville Espresso Machine

Descaling removes mineral deposits caused by hard water. Breville recommends descaling every 2–3 months, depending on your water quality and usage.

To descale:

1. Mix Breville’s descaling solution (or equal parts vinegar and water).
2. Fill the water tank and run a brew cycle without coffee.
3. Repeat until the tank is empty.
4. Rinse the system by running several cycles with clean water.

Regular descaling keeps the internal system clean, prevents clogs, and ensures consistent pressure for brewing espresso.

7. Wipe Down the Exterior

Utilize a gentle, moist cloth to wipe down the machine’s outer surface, controls, and buttons. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges that could scratch the finish. Keeping the exterior clean not only looks better but also protects the surface over time.

8. Set a Regular Cleaning Schedule

To maintain the best performance, follow this cleaning routine:

1. Daily: Rinse the portafilter, wipe and purge the steam wand, and empty the drip tray.
2. Weekly: Backflush and clean the group head.
3. Monthly: Descale the machine and deep-clean removable parts.

Consistency is key to keeping your espresso shots flavorful and your Breville machine in top shape.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your Breville espresso machine doesn’t take long, but it makes a significant difference. Regular maintenance prevents bitter-tasting coffee, extends the machine’s lifespan, and keeps your espresso rich and aromatic.

With a simple daily routine and occasional deep cleaning, your Breville will deliver perfect espresso every time.