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11. Cleaning Brewing Components
Cleaning the brew head on the lever-style machines is necessary for optimal taste and
brewing pleasure. There are three different processes that are done to accomplish this
task: backflush with water only, backflush with cleaner, and hand-cleaning the shower
screen. Under normal household conditions, we recommend that you backflush your
machine with water about ever 10 to 14 days and with cleaner about 6 times a year. It is
also recommended that you remove the shower screen, inspect and clean it, along with
the brew group behind the shower screen, as often as necessary.
To prepare for a backflush cycle, your machine must be up to brew temperature and
pressure.
Backflushing with WATER ONLY:
1. Install the single shot filter basket into the portafilter and place the rubber
backflush disc in the single shot filter basket with the nipple side facing up, or use
a stainless steel blind filter basket.
2. Raise the Control Lever for 5-10 seconds, or until the pressure builds up. Then
move the lever to the down position to release the pressure.
3. You will notice a pressurized stream of water released into the drip tray a moment
after you turn the lever to the “down” position. This is the backpressure release, or
the backflush. Check the water in the drip tray. Is it dirty? If so, repeat the process
until the released water is clean.
Backflush With Cleaner:
It is recommended that you backflush 6 times a year with a cleaner such as Urnex Cafiza
(a cleaner we recommend). Add 1 tablespoon of the espresso machine cleaner to the blind
filter basket/backflush disc and follow the procedure above. It may take 5 cycles or more
to completely clean the machine. Rinse the brew group thoroughly and backflush 4 times
without cleaner to make sure that there is no cleaner left.
