How to run a cleaning cycle on a Sage or Breville home espresso machine
Keep your home espresso machine in top shape
One of your most important tasks as a home barista is to take care of the cleaning and maintenance meant to keep your home espresso machine in top shape. And, one of the ways in which you can do so is by making sure you run a cleaning cycle (also called a “backflush”) on a regular basis.
Why should you clean your home espresso machine?
Cleaning your home espresso machine on a regular basis ensures that you reduce waste. Not only that your coffee will taste as intended (no unwanted residues lingering onto the equipment and getting transferred into your cup during the espresso extraction or milk steaming), but also your espresso machine will last for longer.
This is how to run a cleaning cycle on a Sage or Breville home espresso machine
Thankfully, you don’t need to make a note or set a reminder, because the machine will prompt you once it’s time to do it!
When the “Clean/Descale” light starts to flash, it’s time to prepare the cleaning tablets and run the cleaning cycle. Here are the steps:
Step 1 – Insert the 1-CUP filter basket followed by the gray silicone cleaning disk (it’s supplied with your machine) into the portafilter
Step 2 – Place a cleaning tablet in the center of the disc
Step 3 – Insert and lock the portafilter in place. Make sure the water is topped up and the drip tray is empty.
Step 4 – Turn Off the machine
Step 5 – Press the 1-CUP and 2-CUP buttons simultaneously with the power button for 10 seconds. The cleaning cycle will begin and take approximately 5 minutes.
Step 6 – Once the cleaning cycle has finalized, remove the portafilter and ensure the cleaning tablet has completely dissolved. If the tablet is partially undissolved, repeat Step 5 of the cleaning cycle until the tablet is completely dissolved.
I hope you find these tips helpful and, if you’d like to dive deeper, you may consider our espresso and latte art home barista workshops. Happy brewing!
