ARTPRESSO DESiGN

Master the Art of Espresso Machine care Effortlessly Today

Cleaning Your Espresso Machine

Spring is here, and chances are, your espresso machine is due for a cleaning. While establishing a cleaning regimen may sound like a chore, it’s a vital part of espresso machine care, ensuring reliability and extending it’s lifespan. Not to mention, a dirty machine can lead to foul flavors that even the best beans cannot mask.

Without understanding why it’s necessary, it’s easy to put off cleaning. So here’s why incorporating cleaning tools into your daily routine shouldn’t be overlooked.

Cleaning The Espresso Machine Steam Wand

Steam wands need to be wiped off after every use, if not, the milk residue will burn and create an unsanitary build up. When you’re pulling hundreds of shots a day, constantly wiping the wand down with a wet towel can cause chapped hands. Artpresso Design’s Steam Wand Cleaning Tool offers baristas a drier option. A flexible heat resistant exterior protects the hands while a reusable microfiber pad cleans the wand. The combination of milk and moisture in a regular hand towel creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Microfiber can trap over ninety-nine percent of bacteria at the microscopic level and, unlike cotton, it dries fast. Artpresso Design’s Steam Wand Cleaning Tool comes with three interchangeable pads that are designed for frequent use and are hand and machine washable.

Steam wands also need to be purged after use in order to avoid clogs. If a wand isn’t purged, steam pressure is reduced and a rancid residue will effect the taste of your drinks. During a purge, the cleaning tool’s heat resistant exterior can be used to control the steam.

From time to time, it’s important to unscrew the tip of your wand and clean it’s interior to avoid limescale build up. If you’re diligent with your daily care, this process will be easier and you won’t run into the larger machine issues that occur with poor maintenance. The steam wand makes it easier for espresso machine care.

4 ways to clean an Espresso Machine 58mm group head

Mirror for before and after cleaning inspection

Over time, residue from coffee oils, grounds, and water minerals can accumulate in the group head affecting both flavor and consistency of your espresso. If you notice your espresso tasting bitter, sour, or just off, it’s likely that your group head needs to be cleaned. A build up of residue can also cause blockages, corrosion, and excess wear on the machine’s internal parts. A well-maintained group head prevents costly repairs and guarantees a smooth flow of water, allowing for optimal extraction.

Group head cleaning tool with bristles to clean group head and microfiber pad to clean screen

It’s recommended to clean your group head daily, and Artpresso’s 58mm Group Head cleaning tool can make the process effortless. Your group head needs to be purged at least once a day to remove any built-up coffee grounds or oils from the shower screen. Back flushing with a blind basket or a portafilter is also crucial. This forces water through the group head’s valves and screens and cleans out any accumulated gunk. It’s also recommended to clean the shower screen, gasket, and the area around it daily. These areas can harbor a lot of grounds and oils.

Artpresso’s 58mm Group Head Cleaning Tool has a microfiber center and nylon brush that cleans the shower screen and gasket simultaneously. It’s simple yet innovative design will allow you to deep-clean your machine, ensuring it’s longevity and the quality of your espresso. The tool even has an inspection mirror so you can easily check for leftover residue.

espresso machine group head Sidewall brush that fist tightly into grove

For a deeper clean, you’ll want to remove the shower screen. Artpresso’s tool includes a hidden screw that’ll line up perfectly to remove your shower screen. The screw bit can be changed depending on the machine’s needs. Please note that this product doesn’t fit Sage/Breville Dual Boiler espresso machines, and is designed to fit a standard 58mm group head. Also, if your shower screen screw is stuck, do not use this tool to undo it. After you’ve removed your shower screen, soak the parts overnight in hot water mixed with a small amount of coffee machine detergent. Rinse thoroughly before reattaching, and be sure to purge before use to ensure there’s no left over detergent.

The Artpresso Design Group Head cleaning tool has a built in screw driver that easily removes the screen for optimal cleaning

The protafilter cleaning tool

Cleaning The portafilter

The essential oils in your coffee beans create the rich crema that pours through your portafilter, but they also leave behind a stubborn film. Over time, this film will plug the filter basket and create deposits in the portafilter’s spout that will dramatically change your espresso’s taste. This is easily avoidable, as long as you clean your portafilter daily.

After knocking out the puck, it’s important to clean out the remaining grounds in a portafilter. Artpresso’s Portafilter Pro Cleaning Tool features a microfiber cloth with a soft rubber core that’ll conform to the shape of a 58mm basket, providing a thorough clean. When done, clear off the removed grounds by rubbing the cleaning tool on it’s groves pattern base. The tool comes with three reusable microfiber covers. Be sure to reattach your portafilter to the grouped to maintain cleanliness between shots.

At the end of the day, remove the portafilter and soak it in hot water with a little bit of machine detergent for at least ten minutes or overnight for a more thorough clean. Then, rinse, reattach, and flush the portafilter before use.

Cleaning the espresso machine drain tray

Drain tray Cleaning Tool With Removable pads

While the cleanliness of your drain tray might not effect the taste of your espresso, it certainly can effect your customer’s experience. Drain trays collect milk and coffee, creating a messy work station that’ll dirty the cups you place there. It’s critical that you not only empty, but rinse out and wipe down your drain trays. The interior and exterior of drain trays will grow mold if not attended to. Similar to the wand cleaning tool, Artpresso Design’s Drain Tray Cleaning Tool is a more hygienic replacement for dish tags. The tool’s thick, absorbent microfiber pad easily wipes up spills, and it’s ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable grip and a dry clean up.

Water Absorbent stone

Artpresso’s water-absorbent stone draws moisture from the pad, making it quicker and easier to dry—so the pad is ready to absorb and clean the tray again after each shot.

In conclusion, the pursuit of the ideal espresso shot demands not only skill and precision in technique but also a commitment to maintaining the integrity of your espresso machine. By dedicating a small portion of your time to regular cleaning and care, you can eliminate stubborn residues that may compromise the quality of your brew. Remember, a well-maintained machine is essential for achieving that perfect cup of espresso you strive for. Invest in your equipment’s upkeep, and it will undoubtedly reward you with exceptional flavor and consistency in every shot.

Our favorite brand of cleaning solutions to use to help with espresso machine care is Urnex. Please visit to see the options available.