How to clean your coffee machine like a professional

When you ask yourself how to clean your coffee machine, you’re actually protecting both the sensory quality and the technical reliability of the equipment. Residues of oxidized oils, limescale, and biofilm alter the water flow, lower the effective extraction temperature, and taint the aroma with bitter and metallic notes. In fact, when hard water is used frequently, limescale forms, while the vegetable oils from coffee oxidize upon contact with air, creating an unpleasant rancid smell. A consistent coffee machine maintenance protocol keeps the water flow stable, preserves the integrity of the seals, and delivers sweeter, smoother, and cleaner-tasting cups. That’s why knowing step by step how to clean your coffee machine isn’t a domestic detail, but a true act of a coffee professional. On CaffèLab you can find the best coffee machines—from professional models to home-use options like our brand’s moka pot.

How to clean an espresso coffee machine (boiler or thermoblock)

Descaling is the first pillar. Use citric acid or a specific descaling agent dissolved in warm water, following the manufacturer’s recommended doses.

• Run the solution through in pulses, with short pauses to allow the chemical action to work, then rinse with at least two full tanks of clean water.
• Avoid vinegar, it leaves persistent odors and can stress metal parts.
• To remove coffee oils, perform a backflush with a blind filter and alkaline detergent when indicated by the manufacturer, alternating short cleaning cycles and long rinses until foam and odors disappear.
• Periodically disassemble the shower screen, gasket, and portafilter to wash and degrease them with dedicated products, drying carefully to prevent oxidation.
• Purge the steam wand before and after each use, clean it with a damp cloth, and once a week, soak it in a milk-cleaning solution to dissolve proteins and fats that affect microfoam quality.

How to clean a capsule or pod coffee machine

To clean a capsule or pod coffee machine, the principle is the same, focus on the capsule housing or pod holder.

• Descale the hydraulic circuit with a dedicated product or citric acid solution,
• let the liquid run through, and rinse thoroughly.
• Clean and dry the capsule or pod insertion area to prevent mold or unpleasant odors, then periodically run a blank shot to rinse the brewing chamber.
• After each maintenance cycle, brew one test coffee and discard it to remove any detergent residue.

On our website, you will find everything from the best automatic coffee machines to the finest coffee blends, so you can enjoy the pleasure of coffee with the most exquisite aroma in your own home.

Cleaning the moka pot: how to clean a stovetop coffee maker

When it comes to cleaning the moka pot, there are a few essential steps. To clean the coffee maker properly, disassemble each component—boiler, funnel, gasket, filter plate, and lid—and wash them with hot water and a soft sponge, avoiding scented detergents that leave aromatic residues and especially abrasive pads that scratch aluminum. To remove limescale, perform a deep clean using a 1–2% citric acid solution and rinse thoroughly. To eliminate rancid odors, use PulyGrind Hopper detergent. Baking soda isn’t ideal because it leaves an alkaline film that affects the next extraction. Check that the safety valve is clear and replace the gasket when it becomes hard or flattened, an imperfect seal causes over-extraction and bitter flavor. Dry all parts completely before reassembling to prevent oxidation and stale odors.

How often to clean the coffee machine

Establishing how to clean your coffee machine also means defining the right cleaning frequency. Hard water should never be used for coffee because, beyond its unbalanced mineral content, it contains chlorine. With filtered or softened water, you can extend cleaning intervals—but never skip the post-treatment rinse. Remember: limescale buildup means irregular temperature and reduced flow, leading to slower extraction and a flat taste. If you use resin filters in the water tank, replace them on schedule, a saturated filter no longer protects and may release unwanted compounds. Daily care, emptying and refilling the tank, drying trays and grids, purging the steam wand, is the foundation for more thorough maintenance.

Signs that indicate the need for maintenance

Unusual pump noises, uneven water flow, pale crema, and a weak aroma are clues of a dirty or scaled circuit. If after maintenance you notice greater sweetness, fuller body, and a clean aftertaste, you’re measuring the success of the procedure. Combine this routine with choosing water that has the correct mineral profile, and you’ll find that learning how to clean your coffee machine becomes a virtuous habit—fewer breakdowns, more consistent cups, and an aromatic performance that speaks the language of perfectly made coffee, whether you use a home espresso machine, a capsule system, or your beloved moka pot.