How To Clean a Breville Espresso Machine

Has the “Clean/Descale” light started to flash and you're wondering how to clean a Breville espresso machine? Well, we can help!

Much like knowing how to clean a coffee maker with vinegar, once you know the cleaning process you'll find cleaning your espresso machine simple.

These tips and tricks will help you keep your Breville coffee machine running in tip top shape so you can make your favorite mocha latte recipe with ease.

Why Clean a Breville Espresso Machine

Regular maintenance of your Breville coffee maker serves many purposes including improving the taste of your coffee.

Cleaning your machine on a regular basis is a good idea and will help remove coffee residue, coffee oils and reduce build up from hard water.

Keeping a clean Breville espresso machine is the best way will to ensure top performance while helping to extend the machine's longevity.

The good news is that doing so is super simple and will result in a machine that is ready for daily use and produces the best coffee.

How To Clean a Breville Espresso Machine

Breville espresso machines features a cleaning cycle that is both effective and convenient. You will want to perform this function regularly.

If your machine is in need of cleaning, you will notice a flashing light indicating that it is time to go through this process.

Here’s a step-by-step cleaning guide on running the cleaning cycle on your machine:

1. Insert the one cup filter basket included with your espresso machine, followed by the gray silicone cleaning disc, into the portafilter. Now place a Breville cleaning tablet into the center of the disc.
2. Insert and lock the portafilter into place. Ensure that the water tank is filled with cold water to the max line, that the dip tray is completely empty, and that the machine is turned off.
3. Press the “1-cup” and “2-cup” button simultaneously with the “Power” button and hold for ten seconds. The cleaning cycle should begin automatically and last for approximately five minutes.
4. Wait for the machine to beep twice. This means that the clean cycle is completed. Remove the portafilter and ensure that the tablet has completely dissolved. If the tablet has not dissolved, repeat the above steps until it is gone.
5. Finally, use a clean cloth with a simple vinegar solution and give the exterior of the machine a quick wipe down, removing any old coffee grounds and leaving you with a clean machine.

How to Descale a Breville Espresso Machine Fast

Descaling your machine will ensure all parts remain clean and is an essential part of the process to keep your investment in good working order.

Descaling is different from cleaning as it removes mineral buildup and is effectively more a deep cleaning process.

The integrated descaling programming in your machine makes it super easy to descale a Breville espresso machine without any hassle:

1. Empty the drip tray and water tank, then remove water filter.
2. Dissolve one packet of the commercial descaling solution with one liter of warm water and pour the solution into the water reservoir. Re-insert the tank into the machine.
3. Press and hold the “Power” and “2-cup” buttons simultaneously to activate descale mode. The machine will begin heating up automatically, and the power button will flash continuously.
4. When the machine is ready to descale, the Power and 1-cup buttons will light up, along with the Clean/Descale and Hot water/Steam indicators. Press the 1-cup button to start descaling the coffee component. This process takes around 25 seconds and you will notice the 1-cup button flashing continuously. To stop the descaling process within 25 seconds, you can press the 1-cup button again.
5. To descale the steam and hot water components, you will need to follow another set of directions. Steam will take around 13 seconds, and hot water 8. You can terminate this process prematurely by turning the “Steam dial” to “Standby.” To descale the steam component, turn “Steam dial” left toward the steam icon.
6. Descale the hot water component by turning “Steam dial” to the right toward the “Water” icon.
7. You will have approximately half of the descaling solution in the water tank at this point. You can repeat the previous steps to completely empty the cleaning solution in the tank.
8. After descaling, remove the water tank and rinse thoroughly. Refill with fresh, cold water to the max line and insert into the machine. Repeat the steps again to further cleanse and rinse the machine of any residue left behind from the solution.
9. When done, press the Power button to quit the Descale mode. All LED lights should turn off at this time.

How to Clear Water Backflush a Breville Espresso Machine

Another crucial maintenance solution for Breville espresso machines is the clear water backflush.

A clear water backflush after each coffee making session will remove residual oils from the machine ensuring efficient functioning as well as flavorful coffee.

Directions for performing a clear water backflush:

1. Empty drip tray and place gray silicone cleaning disc supplied with the machine into the filter basket.
2. Insert the portafilter into the group head and press the “1-cup” button. Allow pressure to build for 20 seconds, then stop the shot.
3. Water will run into the drip tray.
4. Repeat the above steps 3-4 times for optimal results.

Should You Run Vinegar Through Breville Espresso Machines?

You can easily clean your Breville espresso machine with vinegar. This is an effective way to keep your product clean and in good working order.

To decalcify and clean your machine using vinegar, follow these simple steps:

1. Pour equal amounts water and white vinegar into the tank until it reaches the MAX line.
2. Remove the filter and place a large jug under the group head and steam wand.
3. Turn the machine on. When it reaches brewing temperature, do a manual pour.
4. Once half the tank has flowed out, set to hot water and allow the solution to flow for around 30 seconds, then empty the jug.
5. Turn to steam and allow the solution to run through for a couple of minutes.
6. Turn to standby in between each step and after the steaming is done.
7. Remove the tank and rinse thoroughly.
8. Fill with cold water and repeat manual pour, turning on the “Hot Water” and “Steam” to flush the cleaning solution through.

Cleaning the Remaining Parts of Your Espresso Machine

You can wash many parts of your Breville in a sink with hot, clear water - do not use a dishwasher. Make sure your machine is unplugged for your safety.

• Filter baskets and portafilter - Rinse under hot water and use the pin end of your cleaning tool to unblock the filters. If still clogged, soak in hot water for approximately 20 minutes, then rinse and dry.
• Steam wand - Wipe the exterior to remove residue. Point the tip to the drip tray and turn the dial to steam for 10 seconds. If steam doesn’t come out, use the pin end of the cleaning tool to unblock and repeat the previous step. Soak in hot water if still blocked.
• Grinder - Remove coffee beans and run the grinder to clear out all grounds. Remove and use a soft bristle brush to clear any residue in the area where the grinder sits, including all crevices. Scrub out the chute. When clean, reconnect all parts.

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