Espresso Machine Maintenance Schedule

A simple checklist of what to clean, when. Following this routine will keep your machine running well for years and your coffee tasting like it should.

Espresso machines aren't fussy if you maintain them on a schedule. Skip the routine and small problems compound — scale builds, gaskets dry out or crack, oils go rancid in the group. Here's a maintenance checklist organized by frequency, applicable to most home and some prosumer espresso machines. 

Important: This guide covers general best practices, but your user manual is always the authoritative source for your specific machine. Recommended cleaning products, intervals, and procedures vary significantly between manufacturers — when in doubt, check the manual first.

Daily (every use)

Wipe the steam wand immediately after every use, while it's still hot. Then purge a short burst of steam to clear any milk from inside the tip.

Empty the knock box and dump the drip tray as needed. Standing water in the drip tray gets stagnant fast.

Rinse the portafilter and basket after each session. Don't leave spent grounds sitting in the basket between uses.

Brush the group head area with a group head brush to clear any stray grounds from around the gasket and shower screen.

Weekly

Backflushing (if your machine supports it): Only machines with a 3-way solenoid valve — also called a brew pressure release valve — should be backflushed. Many machines, including some Breville, DeLonghi, and entry-level semi-automatics, do not have this valve and should not be backflushed. Check your user manual to confirm whether your machine requires it. If it does, a water-only backflush every few days to a week is beneficial; a detergent backflush every one to three weeks is appropriate for home use. See our backflushing guide for the step-by-step process.

Remove and clean the drip tray and any grates. Wash with warm soapy water. Dry thoroughly.

Wipe down the machine exterior, including under the portafilter and around the group head area.

Empty, rinse, and refill the water reservoir. Don't leave standing water for extended periods.

Monthly

Detergent backflush (if your machine has a 3-way solenoid valve): Backflush with Cafiza powder or Cafiza tablets. Follow with a thorough water-only rinse cycle to ensure no detergent remains in the group. Always confirm your machine supports backflushing before using detergent — your manual will tell you. If it doesn't, and your machine did not come with a backflushing disc or basket, one without any holes in it, backflushing is not possible and it not advisable. 

If possible, remove the shower screen and soak in a Cafiza solution (6g per 32oz of hot water) for 15 to 20 minutes. Scrub with a brush, rinse thoroughly, and reinstall.

Soak the portafilter and baskets in Cafiza solution for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly before using again.

Deep-clean the steam wand tip. Most steam wand tips unscrew for removal. Soak in Urnex Rinza — a milk system cleaner formulated specifically to break down milk proteins and fats. Note: Cafiza is designed for coffee residue, not milk residue. For anything that has had milk contact, Rinza is the correct product. Check your manual for the recommended steam wand cleaning method, as this varies by machine.

Every 3 to 6 Months

Descaling — check your manual first: Always consult your user manual before descaling. The recommended descaling interval, method, and approved products vary widely. Some manufacturers specify their own descaler and will void the warranty if a different product is used. Prosumer machines — particularly those with a heat exchanger or dual boiler system — often have complex internal water circuits where descaling solution can become trapped, potentially causing damage or contaminating future brews. If you own a machine in this category, we'd strongly recommend consulting your manual and, when in doubt, having a qualified technician handle descaling. For machines where the manual approves straightforward home descaling, Urnex Dezcal is a reliable, widely compatible option. Descale more frequently if you have hard water or notice slower flow rates and longer brew times.

Inspect the group head gasket. Look for cracks, flattening, or hardening. Replace if it shows any of these signs — don't wait for the annual replacement if the gasket is clearly worn. Browse group gaskets by machine brand.

Inspect the steam wand and hot water tap for mineral buildup or slow leaks.

Annually

Replace the group head gasket. Even if it still appears to be working, replacing it annually keeps your seal tight and your shots consistent. Browse group gaskets for your machine.

Replace the shower screen. Replace it annually alongside the gasket, or sooner if it shows pitting, discoloration that won't clean off, or visible warping. Browse shower screens for your machine.

Consider a professional service if you've been using the machine daily for a year or more. A technician can inspect seals, clean internal components, and catch wear that's hard to spot from the outside.

If You're Behind

Don't try to make up for months of skipped maintenance in one day. Backflush this week (if your machine supports it), descale next week if supported, replace the gaskets the week after. A staged catch-up is easier on the machine (and you!) than a deep-clean marathon — and gives you a chance to spot any issues that surface after each step before moving on to the next.