Descale
Remove Mineral Buildup
Backflush
Remove Coffee Oils
Shower Screen
Keep Water Flow Even
Regular Care
Support Better Performance
DESCALING
Why Descaling Matters for Espresso Machine Maintenance
Descaling removes mineral buildup from the internal components of an espresso machine. Over time, minerals from water can accumulate inside the machine and affect water flow, heat transfer and performance.
Mineral deposits can build up around areas such as the group head, hot-water path, steam system and pump. Regular descaling helps reduce this buildup and supports more consistent operation.
BrewRatio recommends descaling approximately every 4–6 months, with frequency adjusted according to usage and water conditions.
Mineral deposits can build up around areas such as the group head, hot-water path, steam system and pump. Regular descaling helps reduce this buildup and supports more consistent operation.
BrewRatio recommends descaling approximately every 4–6 months, with frequency adjusted according to usage and water conditions.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
How to Descale Your Espresso Machine
Before starting, use a descaling product that is suitable for espresso machines and follow the product and machine manufacturer’s instructions where they differ from this general guide.
Shop espresso machine descaler →
Shop espresso machine descaler →
- Turn off the espresso machine.
- Fill the water tank with 1 litre of water and add the recommended amount of espresso-machine descaler.
- Remove the portafilter and place a large container under the group head, steam wand and hot-water outlet, if fitted.
- Power on the machine.
- Once the machine reaches brewing temperature, run water through the group head without the portafilter attached.
- After roughly half the tank has passed through, stop the brew cycle and empty the container.
- Run the descaling solution through the steam wand for about 30 seconds, then stop and empty the container.
- Run the solution through the hot-water outlet for about 30 seconds, if applicable.
- For heavier mineral buildup, repeat the treatment if permitted by the descaler and machine manufacturer’s instructions.
- Remove and thoroughly rinse the water tank with clean water.
- Allow the descaling solution time to work through any remaining mineral buildup before the final rinse, following the descaler instructions.
- Refill the tank with fresh water and flush clean water through the group head, steam wand and hot-water outlet until the descaling solution has been fully rinsed away.
BACKFLUSHING
Why Backflushing Is Important
Espresso machines fitted with a 3-way solenoid valve can accumulate coffee oils and residue in the brew group and around the shower screen. Backflushing helps clean these areas and maintain a clearer water path.
One sign of a dirty or partially blocked shower screen can be uneven water flow, including small high-pressure streams from specific holes instead of a more even pattern.
One sign of a dirty or partially blocked shower screen can be uneven water flow, including small high-pressure streams from specific holes instead of a more even pattern.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
How to Backflush Your Espresso Machine
Backflushing is only suitable for machines designed to support it. Use a blind basket or the correct backflush disc for your machine.
Shop backflushing cleaning tablets →
Shop backflushing cleaning tablets →
- Insert a backflush disc or blind filter basket into the portafilter.
- Add a suitable backflushing cleaning tablet to the disc or blind basket.
- Turn on the machine and allow it to reach brewing temperature.
- Lock in the portafilter, run the brew cycle for 15 seconds, then stop for 15 seconds. Repeat this cycle 5 times.
- Remove the portafilter and rinse it with clean water from the group head.
- Reinsert the portafilter and repeat the 15-second on / 15-second off cycle 5 more times using clean water only.
- Finish by pulling and discarding one espresso shot to help clear any remaining cleaning residue.
DAILY CARE
Keep the Shower Screen Clean
Regular shower-screen cleaning is a simple part of espresso machine maintenance. After brewing, remove the portafilter promptly and run the brew cycle briefly to rinse the shower screen.
Wiping the shower screen with a damp cloth after use can also help prevent coffee grounds and oils from drying onto the surface.
Wiping the shower screen with a damp cloth after use can also help prevent coffee grounds and oils from drying onto the surface.
FAQ
Common Questions About Espresso Machine Maintenance
How often should I descale my espresso machine?
The original BrewRatio maintenance guide recommends descaling approximately every 4–6 months, with the interval adjusted for machine usage and local water conditions.
What is the difference between descaling and backflushing?
Descaling targets mineral buildup inside the machine’s water path, while backflushing targets coffee oils and residue around the brew group, 3-way solenoid system and shower screen. They address different kinds of buildup.
How do I know if my shower screen is clogged?
A partially clogged shower screen may show uneven water flow or small high-pressure streams from specific holes. Regular rinsing and wiping after brewing can help reduce buildup.
How do I backflush my espresso machine?
If your machine supports backflushing, use the correct blind basket or backflush disc with a suitable cleaning tablet, cycle the pump in short intervals, then repeat the process with clean water to rinse away cleaning residue.
