How to clean the Sage Barista Express

How often to clean each part

This schedule reflects common guidance for the Barista Express. Use your manual's intervals where they differ.

Running the cleaning cycle

The clean me light comes on after a set number of shots. The cycle backflushes the group head with a cleaning tablet dissolved in hot water, which removes coffee oils from the shower screen and the valve behind it. You need the single wall single cup basket, the silicone cleaning disc supplied with the machine and a Sage cleaning tablet or an equivalent the manual allows.

1. 1

   Empty the drip tray and fill the water tank.

2. 2

   Put the cleaning disc in the single wall single basket, then place a cleaning tablet on top.

3. 3

   Lock the portafilter into the group head and put a container under it.

4. 4

   Start the cleaning cycle using the button combination in your manual. On many units this means pressing and holding the one cup and two cup buttons together.

5. 5

   Wait until the cycle finishes, about five minutes, then remove the portafilter.

6. 6

   Rinse the basket, disc and portafilter, and run a shot of plain water through the group.

Note:The cleaning cycle uses hot water under pressure. Do not unlock the portafilter during the cycle, and let parts cool before handling. Keep cleaning tablets away from children.

Steam wand and shower screen

Wipe the steam wand straight after each use with a damp cloth and purge for a second to clear milk from inside. If the tip is blocked, unplug and let it cool, unscrew the tip and clear the holes with the pin tool from the box. Soak the tip in warm water if milk has dried on.

The shower screen sits in the group head. Let the machine cool fully and unplug it, then remove the screen by undoing the central screw as the manual describes. Wash the screen and the plate behind it in warm water with a brush, then refit it. While it is out, check the rubber group gasket for cracks or hardness.

Cleaning the grinder

Oils from beans build up on the burrs and in the chute, which can slow grinding and stale the taste. Run the hopper empty, unplug the machine, remove the hopper and lift out the upper burr. Brush the burrs and chamber with a stiff dry brush; never use water on the burrs. Some owners also use grinder cleaning pellets, if the maker allows them for this grinder.

Clean the grinder more often if you use dark oily beans. Our guide on how to clean a coffee grinder has more detail.

Descaling and water filter

Cleaning removes coffee oils; descaling removes limescale. They are separate jobs. In hard water areas, descale regularly and change the water filter on time. Our guides to descaling the Barista Express and its water filter cover both. If the clean me light stays on after a cycle, or shots stay slow, see our problems guide. Thinking of a replacement machine with more automatic cleaning? See our Sage range guide.

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Frequently asked questions

What cleaning tablets does the Barista Express use? Sage sells its own espresso cleaning tablets. Use these or a product the manual allows for this machine.

How do I turn off the clean me light? It goes out after a full cleaning cycle. If it stays lit, run the cycle again and check the manual for your model.

Can I clean the Barista Express with vinegar? Sage recommends its own cleaning and descaling products. Vinegar can leave a taste and may affect seals.

What is in a Sage cleaning kit? Kits typically include cleaning tablets, descaler and water filters. Check part numbers match your machine before buying.