Regular cleaning of the internal circuits of the bean-to-cup coffee machine is essential to keep it running smoothly. A clean machine also makes better-tasting coffee.
Build up
The internal parts of the bean-to-cup machines that come into contact with the coffee build up a layer of coffee oils. These oils and tiny particles of coffee can gum up the machine’s workings, making seals inside less effective, so there are leaks within the machine. The build-up can also block up the very fine filter and make your coffee taste off.
Gradual
This build-up of coffee-derived coating on the internal working is very gradual. Each coffee-making cycle adds just a little more to the layers. At a point, the gradual build-up will be enough to affect the machine’s working. You may get a slower pour of the coffee from the machine, and the coffee may taste off. With such a gradual decline in the coffee taste, detecting the decline may not be possible.
Warning
The automatic bean-to-cup coffee machines can manage the build-up within the machine by showing a warning on the screen. This warning will indicate the machine is either in imminent need of cleaning or due for cleaning soon.
If you don’t heed the warning, the controller may stop the coffee-making process until the cleaning mode has been completed. This protects the machine from becoming so gummed up that it can’t even run its self-cleaning routine.
Cleaning Mode
The automatic cleaning mode is designed to clean the internal workings of the wet coffee part of the machine. The bean-to-cup coffee machines have different specific cleaning instructions and follow a similar process.
- You may need to remove a water filter if one is fitted to the supply tank.
- Add the correct cleaning solution, tablet or powder to the machine with the correct measure of fresh water to the supply tank.
- Place a suitable empty container under the coffee output pipes.
- Invoke the cleaning routine. This may be on the screen, and select ‘OK’ or ‘Clean’. You may need to navigate the menu to find the cleaning option to force a clean early (for better-tasting coffee).
- When prompted, you should empty or refill the water supply tank.
- Wait for the final prompt to indicate the cleaning has been completed.
- Empty the container of brown water and refill the supply tank.
- Your machine should now be ready to make more coffee.
Refer to the instruction manual to see the automatic cleaning program. The instructions will advise which cleaning product is best suited to your machine.
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