How to clean a bean-to-cup coffee machine

What needs cleaning and why

Daily cleaning

These jobs take a couple of minutes but prevent most problems. A full grounds bin is the most common reason a machine refuses to brew, and damp grounds left overnight grow mould quickly. Fresh water each day also tastes better than water that has sat warm in the tank. If your machine has a cup tray or cup warmer on top, wipe it too, as coffee splashes and dust collect there.

1. 1

   Empty the grounds bin and the drip tray, even if the warning has not appeared.

2. 2

   Rinse both in warm water and dry before refitting, to prevent mould.

3. 3

   Pour out yesterday's water and refill the tank with fresh cold water.

4. 4

   Run the milk rinse or clean function after every milk drink.

5. 5

   Wipe the spout and steam wand with a damp cloth.

Weekly: the brew unit

Many De'Longhi, Philips, Gaggia and Melitta machines have a removable brew unit behind a side door. Switch the machine off at the button, wait for it to finish its cycle, then unplug. Press the release buttons and pull the unit out. Rinse it under lukewarm running water without soap or detergent, which can wash away the lubricant. Let it air dry, then refit it until it clicks.

While the unit is out, brush away loose grounds from the chamber it sits in. Philips recommends lubricating its brew unit with its own food-safe grease at intervals stated in the manual. Jura and Siemens machines have fixed brew units that are cleaned by automatic programmes and tablets instead.

Note:Always switch off and unplug before opening the service door. Never put the brew unit in the dishwasher unless the manual says it is safe.

Milk system cleaning

Milk residue is the most common source of bad smells and blocked frothers. After each milk drink, run the automatic rinse. At the end of the day, take apart the carafe lid, tubes and frothing head and wash them in warm soapy water or the dishwasher if the manual allows. Make sure small parts are fully reassembled.

Many makers sell a milk system cleaner for a deeper weekly clean. Our milk frother not working guide covers blockages if froth gets weak.

Cleaning tablets and descaling

Cleaning tablets dissolve coffee oils in the brew path. Many machines with fixed brew units, and some with removable ones, have a cleaning programme that prompts you to drop a tablet into a chute. Use the brand's own tablets or ones specified as compatible, as the dose and chemistry are matched to the machine.

Descaling removes limescale from the boiler or thermoblock and pipes. In UK hard water areas, set the hardness correctly so prompts arrive at the right time, and use the maker's descaler. Our descaling explainer explains why vinegar is not recommended. If the machine misbehaves afterwards, see not working after descaling.

Brand notes

Whatever the brand, the manual lists exactly which parts are dishwasher safe and which cleaning products to use. Keep it somewhere handy, or download a copy from the maker's support site, because cleaning steps can differ even between models in the same range.

• De'Longhi: removable brew unit, rinse weekly; see our De'Longhi cleaning guide.
• Philips: removable brew unit, rinse weekly and grease as the manual specifies.
• Jura and Siemens: fixed brew unit, use cleaning tablets when prompted.
• Melitta: removable brew unit on most models, plus a cleaning programme.

See bean-to-cup machines that are easy to clean →

Frequently asked questions

Are self-cleaning bean-to-cup machines really self-cleaning? They rinse automatically and run guided cleaning programmes, but you still empty bins, wash milk parts and add tablets or descaler when asked.

Can I use washing up liquid on the brew unit? No. Most makers say lukewarm water only, as detergent strips lubrication and can leave a taste.

How often should I use cleaning tablets? Follow the machine's prompt. Without a prompt, about once a month suits most home use.

Do I need a water filter? It helps in hard water areas. See our hard water guide.