How to Clean a Breville Espresso Machine (The Right Way)

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Breville espresso machines are some of the most popular choices for home baristas, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re using the Barista Express, the Touch, or the compact Bambino, these machines are built to deliver café-quality espresso right from your kitchen. But here’s the deal: even the best espresso makers need a little love to keep performing like they should. And that starts with cleaning.

Why is cleaning your Breville espresso machine regularly essential, you wonder? Think about it: every time you pull a shot, oils from the coffee, tiny grounds, and minerals from your water sneak their way into the nooks and crannies of your machine. 

And if you’re not regularly cleaning, the buildup starts messing with the flavor of your coffee, lowers the pressure, and can even shorten the lifespan of your beloved brewer. 

The good news? Keeping your espresso maker in top shape isn’t rocket science. With a few simple tools and a consistent routine, you can keep every cup tasting just as good as your first. 

This guide will walk you through exactly how to do that. From daily wipe-downs to deep cleaning and descaling, we’ll cover what to clean, how often, and what to avoid. We’ll even point out one or two Breville espresso machine cleaning kits.  

Understanding Your Breville Espresso Machine

Before diving into how to clean a Breville espresso machine, it helps to understand its different parts and why each deserves attention. While models vary slightly, most share a common set of components that benefit from a bit of cleaning. 

• Portafilter: After every shot, coffee oils can stick around, and if they’re not cleaned out, they go rancid fast. Not exactly the flavor you’re after.
• Group head: It’s the part that you lock the portafilter into when brewing. It safely dispenses hot water through your grounds. But it’s also a magnet for buildup, especially oils and fine grounds that can cause clogs and off-flavors. It’s usually the main target during the Breville espresso machine clean cycle.
• Steam wand: If you froth milk, you’re using this daily. Left unchecked, milk residue can quickly build up, causing clogs, potential corrosion, and a drop in the quality of your brew.
• Drip Tray: This part of a Breville espresso maker catches all the overflow (think water, coffee, and maybe a few stray grounds). Skip cleaning it, and it becomes a prime spot for mold and bacteria.
• Water Tank:  This is where your brewing water comes from. If you’re using tap water, minerals slowly build up inside, eventually leading to scale deposits. Not to mention the risk of scale flakes breaking loose and clogging the narrow internal pathways, especially if you’ve waited too long between descaling cycles or used a gentle descaler after months of buildup.
• Grinder & Hopper:  The hopper holds your beans and feeds them into the grinder, and the grinder transforms them into espresso-ready grounds. These parts collect coffee dust and oil, which can affect the taste and even aesthetics.
  

Why your espresso maker gets dirty so fast

Espresso brewing is a high-pressure, high-temperature process, which means any leftover particles or residue are baked into the system, especially if not rinsed immediately. Add in steam for milk frothing, and you have the perfect storm for gunk buildup.

Understanding this helps you realize why each component needs its own cleaning method and frequency. Some parts are easy to rinse daily, while others require a monthly deep clean or backflush.

Items You’ll Need to Clean a Breville Espresso Maker

Hot water and paper towels? These are great for a quick wipe, but when it comes to deep cleaning a Breville machine, you’ll need a few proper tools. The good news is that most of these are inexpensive, easy to find, and totally worth it to keep your espresso tasting amazing.

• Breville espresso machine cleaning tablets: These little guys are formulated to break down coffee oils and residue in the group head and internal valves. A top pick is Urnex Carfiza Professional Espresso Cleaning Tablets; you get 100 tablets for around $15 on Amazon, a small investment for a big flavor difference. 
• Group head brush: This long-handled brush (usually with firm nylon bristles) is your go-to for scrubbing old grounds and grime around the group head and rubber gasket. Think of it as a toothbrush for your espresso machine.
• Descaling solution: Over time, minerals from your water build up inside your machine’s pipes and boiler. A good descaling solution will break all that down safely. You could descale your Breville coffee machine with vinegar in a pinch, but be cautious. 
• Breville espresso machine cleaning disk: This small rubber insert fits into your portafilter to create pressure for backflushing. Most Breville machines include one in the box, but if you need a replacement, the Roobi Espresso 2-Pack Cleaning Disc is a good option for $20. 
• Milk frother cleaner for Breville: If you regularly steam milk, this optional cleaner helps dissolve the milk residue that can clog up your steam wand. 
• Soft microfiber cloths: These are perfect for wiping down your espresso maker without scratching the surface. 
• Optional: 
  • Breville espresso machine cleaning kit that bundles the essentials 
  • Grinder cleaner to remove stale coffee residue and odors
  • Knock box to dispose of spent coffee grounds safely

Each item supports part of your Breville espresso machine cleaning instructions, from daily wipe-downs to deep cleanups. 

Daily Cleaning Checklist

Daily cleaning might sound like overkill, but trust me, it’s five minutes well spent to prevent clogs, keep your coffee tasting great, and protect your machine in the long run. And honestly, doesn’t a clean Breville espresso maker look better? Yes, something you are proud to brew with.

Here’s what you should be doing every day:

1. Purge and wipe the steam wand. Right after you steam milk, run the wand for 2–3 seconds to clear out any residue, then wipe it down with a damp cloth. 

2. Rinse the portafilter and basket. Knock out the puck, then rinse the portafilter and filter basket with hot water. A quick wipe follows next.

4. Empty the drip tray and knock box at the end of the day. Drip trays collect stale water and old coffee, both of which smell horrible if left too long. Knock boxes, meanwhile, can attract mold if not emptied regularly. Rinse both out and let them air dry.

5. Wipe down the exterior. Use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe away splashes, milk spots, and imprints from the machine’s exterior. It only takes a moment and keeps your setup looking pro.

Weekly Breville Espresso Maker Cleaning Checklist

Weekly cleanings go a bit deeper, targeting the parts that see a lot of action but don’t need daily attention. Set aside 15–20 minutes, and your Breville espresso machine will stay in top shape.

• Portafilter: Take it out and use a small wire brush to scrub inside the spouts. Use Breville’s cleaning tool (or a pin) to poke through any blockages in the filter basket mesh. Then wash everything with warm, soapy water and rinse well.
• Steam wand: Soak the steam wand and tip in a milk cleaner solution to dissolve any built-up residue. If the tip is removable, take it off and gently clear the holes using a needle or cleaning poker.
• Group head: Buckflush it weekly using a manufacturer-approved cleaning solution in a blind basket. Every couple of weeks (or monthly), remove the group shower screen using an Allen wrench or screwdriver, wash off coffee stains, and wipe inside the group head with a damp cloth or paper towel.
• Grinder: Unlock the hopper to access the grinder, then brush off any leftover coffee grounds from the grinder wheel. Use a small vacuum (or a dry cloth) to remove loose bits. For grounds stuck to the burr, a stiff-bristled brush works great to loosen and clean them out.
• Drip tray: When the “Empty Me” indicator pops up on your drip tray, it’s your machine’s not-so-subtle way of demanding a cleanup. Slide the tray out, dump the built-up water and espresso residue, and give it a good wash with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Finish with a quick wipe-down using a paper towel.

How to Deep Clean a Breville Espresso Machine 

Even if you’re on top of daily cleaning, grime will likely sneak deeper into your brewer. Enter the Breville espresso machine clean cycle, an in-built maintenance procedure that uses a cleaning tablet to flush out coffee oils and residue from the group head and internal parts.

Once you see the Breville espresso machine’s clean light blinking, you know it’s time for a deeper refresh, and here’s how to do it. 

1. Assemble your cleaning setup:  Grab your portafilter and pop the one-cup filter basket inside. Then, place the silicone cleaning disc on top of the basket. Drop one cleaning tablet right in the center of the disc.
2. Lock it in: Attach the portafilter to the group head like you would when making a shot.
3. Empty the drip tray: Seriously, don’t skip this. During the clean cycle, water doesn’t come out of the spout. It backflushes through the system and dumps into the drip tray. If it’s already full… well, let’s say it’s a mess you don’t want.
4. Fill the water tank: Ensure it’s topped off and properly seated.
5. Enter cleaning mode: Turn off your machine completely. Then press and hold the 1 CUP, 2 CUP, and POWER buttons simultaneously for 5 to 10 seconds. The clean cycle will begin.
6. Let it run: The machine will take about 5–10 minutes to do its thing. You’ll know it’s working when the Clean/ Descale light is continuously flashing. Once the cycle is done, you’ll hear two beeps.
7. Check the cleaning disc: Remove the portafilter and check if the tablet has fully dissolved. If there are bits of it left (totally normal), repeat the cycle. It may take two, sometimes even three runs, depending on how long it’s been since the last clean.
8. Rinse it out. After running the last cycle on your Breville espresso machine, run a couple of empty shots (without coffee) to flush out any leftover cleaning solution. Just hit the 1 CUP button with an empty portafilter.

How to Descale a Breville Espresso Machine

Water quality has a big say in when to descale your Breville espresso machine. If you’re using hard tap water, scale builds up fast, and your machine starts acting up. Descaling is your defense; it keeps everything, including your brew, flowing smoothly.

Signs it’s time to descale your espresso maker

• Water flow is slower than usual
• Strange noises during brewing
• Shots start tasting bitter or sour
• You notice chalky residue in the tank or group head
  

What you’ll need:

• A descaler like the Urnex Dezcal Descaling Powder Solution (Alternatively, use white vinegar)  
• Clean water
• Empty container to catch the descaling rinse
• Soft cloth
• A new water filter, if needed
  

Descaling procedure:

1. Turn off your Breville espresso maker, remove the drip tray, empty the water tank, and take out the water filter if one is installed
2. Mix your descaling solution. If you’re using a commercial product, follow the instructions on the package. To descale a Breville espresso machine with vinegar, mix equal parts water and white vinegar (a 1:1 ratio) directly in the tank.
3. Reinsert the tank and enter descale mode. For most Breville models, press and hold the Power and 2-Cup buttons together for 10 seconds until the machine enters descale mode.
4. Place a large container under the group head and press the 1-Cup button to run the descaler through the system
5. Move the container under the hot water outlet and turn the dial clockwise to the water drop icon. This will run the solution through the hot water line.
6. Switch the dial counterclockwise to the steam icon and let the steam wand flush the descaler into the drip tray.
7. Repeat the previous three steps until the solution has fully emptied from the tank.
8. Rinse the tank thoroughly, refill it with clean water, and repeat the sequence to flush out any remaining descaler.
9. Reinsert the water filter (or replace it if it’s been two months). A pack of 12 Possiasive Charcola Water Filters, for instance, will set you back $15.99 on Amazon.
10. Press the power button to exit descale mode and wipe down the exterior with a soft cloth
11. If unsure about any step above, check out the cleaning instructions for your Breville espresso maker.

How often should you descale?

How often you need to descale your Breville espresso machine depends largely on two things: how hard your water is and how frequently you use the machine. 

Generally, descaling every 2 to 3 months is a good habit. If you’re using hard tap water or pulling multiple shots daily, you may need to do it more often.

Also, watch out for signs of scaling, like reduced water flow, odd brewing sounds, or chalky residue in the tank. If you notice any of these, don’t wait.

Clean Espresso Machine = Better Brew

At the end of the day, taking a little time to clean a Breville espresso machine is not only about maintenance but also about making sure every shot tastes amazing. A bit of daily love, the occasional backflushing with a cleaning tablet, and descaling every few months go a long way for smoother operation, better-tasting coffee, and years of reliable use.

Also,  a clean Breville espresso maker looks better on your counter and makes you feel like a pro brewer. 

So, make maintenance part of your routine (whether after your morning coffee or during one of your study breaks), and you’ll never sip a sour, burnt-tasting shot again. Your machine (and your taste buds) will thank you every morning.

Ezekiel Maina

Ezekiel Maina is the brains behind ContentGenics, where he pairs creativity and strategy for B2B and B2C content. He has written for brands like House Digest, iFoundries, and BeamJobs, covering topics like home improvement, real estate, freelancing, digital marketing, and career development. By day, he’s crafting content or catching up with clients from his home office, lost in a good book, or occasionally chasing adventure outside. By late evening, he’s typically deep in a documentary rabbit hole on Netflix or YouTube.