26
27
10.4. Backflushing
This is the process of forcing some special cleaner back though the
Grouphead
. This will remove any
stray coffee left in the places that normal, day-to-day cleaning cannot reach. How often this should be
done depends on how much use the machine gets, the coffee you use, as well as the amount of coffee
you use for each pull. If you are making one or two beverages a day, then once every one or two weeks
is probably sufficient. If you are making around four to six doubles a day, then once per week is probably
a good idea. If the machine is being used all day (such as in an office or small restaurant) then backflush
every day.
Your Vibiemme Domobar was supplied with a blind filter to be used to backflush. This is the basket with
no holes in it. To use it, follow these simple instructions:
WARNING: The cleaning agent is quite strong. Follow all safety recommendations on the cleaner’s
packaging. Only use chemicals designated for back flushing. Other cleaners can cause problems
or even damage to your machine.
1
- Insert the
Blind Filter Basket
into one of the
Portafilters
.
2
- Place a small amount of espresso machine cleaner into the basket (see manufacturer’s instructions
for specific amounts to be used).
3
- Lock the
Portafilter
into place just like you would to make espresso.
4
- Manually engage the brew function
5
- Watch the
Brew pressure gauge
and when pressure builds to about 9 BAR, turn the brew function off.
6
- Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you see the suds of the cleaning agent appear in the
Drip Tray
(removing
the drip tray cover during this process can help you see what is going on). Wait about two or three
minutes, then repeat steps 4 and 5 once again.
7
- After two or three cycles like this, loosen but do not remove the
Portafilter
and turn on the brew
switch again. Wiggle the handle and allow the cleaner to be flushed up into the
Grouphead
. The cleaner
will overflow the
Portafilter
and clean the area up inside the grouphead of coffee.
WARNING: Hot water and cleaning agent will spill out. Use caution to avoid burns or exposure to
the cleaner. Wear eye protection to prevent injury.
8
- When the suds coming through the 3-way valve appear to be clean and free from coffee residue, empty
and clean the drip tray and the
Portafilter
. Replace the
Drip tray
and run a bit more water through the
Grouphead
so it is free from cleaner. Replace the portafilter and repeat steps 3 through 5 until the water
runs clean into the drip tray. Repeat step 7 to rinse any remaining cleaner from the grouphead.
9
- Remove the
Blind filter basket
, rinse the
Portafilter
assembly, and you are done. It is suggested
that the first pull after backflushing be discarded just in case a bit of cleaner is left that could taint the
coffee.
CAUTION:
The cleaning products meant for backflushing must
NEVER
be used in the water reservoir.
Using this cleaning agent in any way other than described here can damage your machine and void your
warranty.
10.5. Cleaning the Portafilter and Filter Basket
Pop the filter basket out of the portafilter body. Using a fingernail is not recommended as these commercial
Portafilters
have a very stiff retaining spring inside. Using the back edge of an old butter knife as a lever
between the portafilter body and basket edge works quite well.
Dissolve a bit of espresso machine cleaner in hot water in a glass container. The solution can also be
used to clean the portafilter body as well as the portafilter baskets and any other similar parts soiled with
coffee. These parts can be disassembled and soaked overnight if necessary to remove stubborn stains,
but soaking them for five to ten minutes is usually more than sufficient for properly maintained parts.
10.6. Exterior Cleaning
NEVER
use any abrasive cleaners or cleaning pads on your Vibiemme Domobar as they will scratch the
surface. A quality glass cleaner sprayed on a rag will usually do a good job of cleaning the outer surfaces,
but do not spray these in the area of the
Grouphead
, and always wait for the machine to cool before
cleaning the exterior. If your machine has painted panels take care to use products that are compatible
with powder coating. No solvents should ever be used as these may permanently damage the powder
coating’s sheen.
