If your coffee machine could talk, it would probably say one thing: “Please give me a break.” That daily grind (pun intended) adds up. And while you’re enjoying the coffee, your machine’s quietly collecting oils, residue and scale that can mess with the flavour of your brew.
Giving your coffee machine a day off — and a solid clean — could be the best thing you do for your beans.
What happens when you don’t clean it
Even if your machine still “works,” it doesn’t mean it’s working well. Coffee leaves behind oils and fine particles that build up inside your machine. Over time, this gunk can:
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Change the taste of your coffee
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Cause uneven extraction
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Create bitter or sour notes
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Clog filters and pipes
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Shorten the life of your machine
In short: your coffee suffers, and so does your gear.
The signs it needs a clean
If your machine is…
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Slower to brew than usual
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Making louder or stranger noises
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Producing weak or bitter coffee
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Dripping or leaking
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Giving off a stale smell
…it’s overdue for a clean.
How often should you clean it?
Quick wipe-downs should happen daily. A more thorough clean should happen at least once a week for manual machines, or after every 20–30 uses for automatic ones. Descaling? Every 1–3 months, depending on how hard your water is.
How to clean it properly
Here’s a basic cleaning breakdown for most home machines:
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Empty and rinse the drip tray, portafilter, and water tank
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Backflush (if your machine allows it) using a blank filter and cleaning powder
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Descale with a descaling solution or vinegar mix
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Wipe down the steam wand, buttons and housing
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Run water through without coffee to clear any residue
Always follow the instructions for your specific machine — not all machines are built the same.
Let it rest
Cleaning takes a bit of time, which makes it perfect for your machine’s “day off.” While it’s drying and resetting, treat yourself to a French press, pour-over, or even a sachet of West Coast Cocoa hot chocolate. Your machine gets a breather, and you still get your fix.
Your beans will thank you
There’s no point in buying good beans if your machine can’t do them justice. A clean machine delivers better flavour, better crema, and better consistency. You’ll notice the difference in the first sip.
So once a month (or more often), take 30 minutes, show your machine some love, and bring your brew back to life.