A good cup of coffee starts long before the water hits the beans. One of the most overlooked but essential parts of making great coffee is looking after the machine that brews it. Whether you’ve got a high-end espresso setup or a simple filter machine, keeping it clean is not just about hygiene — it’s about flavour, consistency and the life of your equipment.
The Hidden Culprit Behind Bitter Coffee Is Often a Dirty Machine
If your coffee has started tasting off lately, even though you’re using the same beans and method, the machine might be to blame. Over time, old coffee oils, fine grounds and residue build up inside the machine. This build-up can go stale and affect the flavour and smell of each brew, often leaving it tasting bitter or dull.
You might notice a few signs that your machine needs a cleaning: a slower drip or flow rate, weaker taste than usual, or odd noises when brewing. Sometimes it’s more subtle, like your coffee lacking its usual punch or having a faintly sour aftertaste. Either way, it’s worth taking notice.
How Often Should You Clean Your Coffee Machine
The best approach is to build a simple cleaning routine based on how often you use your machine and what type it is.
- Daily Tasks: Rinse and wipe down all removable parts, especially milk frothers, drip trays, and water tanks. This stops bacteria from building up and prevents dried milk or coffee residues.
- Weekly Jobs: Clean the removable parts more thoroughly using warm, soapy water, and give the exterior a proper wipe. If your machine has a grinder, this is a good time to give it a brush out.
- Monthly Care: Descale the machine, especially if you live in a hard water area. Deep-clean any stubborn parts and check for signs of residue or build-up around group heads or filters.
Machines vary, so check the manual if you’re unsure, but these basics apply to most espresso, pod, filter and bean-to-cup models.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Coffee Machine
- Take Apart What You Can: Remove drip trays, portafilters, water tanks and any milk attachments. Wash these with warm, soapy water and let them dry completely before putting them back.
- Descale the Machine: Use a branded descaler or natural options like a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water, or citric acid in warm water. Run the solution through the machine, then rinse thoroughly by running clean water through it at least twice.
- Wipe Down Milk Frothers and Water Tanks: Milk residues are a hotspot for bacteria. Wipe frothers after every use and clean inside the water tank weekly to avoid build-up.
- Clean Grinders and Hoppers: Coffee dust can clog grinders, and stale oils will affect the flavour. Use a small brush to clean burrs and hoppers. For deeper cleaning, some brands offer grinder cleaning tablets, but always follow the manufacturer’s advice.
The Importance of Descaling in Hard Water Areas
In parts of the UK where hard water is common — including places like London, Birmingham and much of the South East — limescale is a big concern. It doesn’t just affect your kettle; it coats the internal parts of your coffee machine, reducing heat efficiency and damaging pumps over time.
If you’re in a hard water area, you should aim to descale your machine every one to three months. Some machines even have an alert for this, but it’s best to stay ahead of it.
Best Cleaning Products for Coffee Machines in the UK
There are some great UK-friendly options to help keep your machine in top shape:
- Ecozone Coffee Machine Descaler – eco-friendly and easy to use
- Caffenu Cleaning Capsules – perfect for pod machines like Nespresso
- Urnex Cleaning Tablets or Powders – trusted brand used by baristas
- Microfibre Cloths and Small Cleaning Brushes – perfect for wiping surfaces and getting into small crevices
Stick with products designed for coffee machines to avoid damaging sensitive parts.
Don’t Forget the Grinder When It Comes to Freshness
Grinders are often neglected, but they’re just as important. Old grounds, oils and dust can all build up inside, affecting the taste and how well the machine works. Unplug the grinder, empty it out, and brush away any leftover bits. If yours has removable burrs, take them out and give them a proper clean. Never use water unless the manual specifically says it’s safe.
Final Tip to Keep Your Coffee Tasting Great Every Time
Looking after your machine should be part of the same routine as picking your beans and setting the right grind size. It doesn’t have to take long, but a little regular care goes a long way. If you take pride in your coffee, give your machine the attention it deserves, and it’ll reward you with better brews and a longer lifespan.
Once you get into the habit, cleaning your coffee machine becomes as natural as filling the kettle. And your taste buds will thank you for it.