1. Regular Cleaning of the Group Head
The group head is where the water flows through the coffee grounds to extract the espresso, and it can accumulate coffee oils, grounds, and residue over time. It’s crucial to clean it regularly to prevent blockages and ensure the best-tasting coffee.
How to clean the group head:
Use a group head brush to scrub the area around the group head. Gently scrub to remove any leftover coffee grounds or oils that have built up.
Perform a backflush by placing a blind filter (or backflush disc) in the portafilter, adding a small amount of espresso machine cleaner, and running the machine without any coffee. This process cleans the internal parts of the group head.
After backflushing, run clean water through the machine to flush out any cleaning solution.
Regularly cleaning the group head helps maintain the quality of the espresso shot and prevents any unwanted bitterness or rancid flavors caused by stale coffee oils.
2. Grinder Cleaning
Since the GGM-18 Espresso Machine comes with an integrated grinder, cleaning it is vital for maintaining fresh coffee grounds and ensuring the grinder continues to perform efficiently.
How to clean the grinder:
Empty the Hopper: Before cleaning the grinder, make sure to empty the hopper of any remaining beans.
Brush and Wipe: Use a small brush (often included with the machine) to clean out any coffee grounds from the grinder burrs. Be gentle to avoid damaging the burrs.
Grinder Cleaning Tablets: Occasionally, you can use grinder cleaning tablets to remove oils and residue built up on the grinder burrs. These are designed to absorb oils and clean the grinder thoroughly without affecting the flavor of the coffee.
Deep Cleaning: If you notice that the grinder is clogging or the consistency of the grind has changed, disassemble the burrs (following the machine’s manual) to perform a deep clean, removing all coffee grounds and oils.
Regular cleaning of the grinder ensures that the coffee grounds remain fresh, the grind size is consistent, and the machine operates smoothly without any clogging.
3. Descaling the Espresso Machine
Scale buildup is a common issue for espresso machines, especially in areas with hard water. Over time, minerals like calcium can accumulate inside the boiler and other components, reducing the efficiency of the machine and affecting the taste of the coffee.
How to descale the GGM-18:
Use a Descaling Solution: There are many descaling solutions available that are safe for espresso machines. Follow the instructions on the solution, usually mixing it with water in the machine’s water tank.
Run the Descaling Solution: Turn the machine on and run the descaling solution through the system, just as you would make coffee. This helps dissolve the scale buildup inside the machine.
Flush the Machine: After running the descaling solution, run several cycles of clean water through the machine to ensure that all the solution is flushed out.
Descaling should be done every 1-3 months depending on your water hardness and usage. It helps preserve the machine’s longevity and ensures that the water used to brew your espresso remains pure.
4. Cleaning the Water Tank and Filter
The water tank and water filter (if your machine uses one) need to be cleaned regularly to prevent mineral deposits and bacteria growth, which could affect the taste of your coffee and the performance of your machine.
How to clean the water tank:
Rinse Regularly: Empty the water tank daily and rinse it with warm water to prevent buildup of minerals, mold, or bacteria.
Deep Clean: Periodically (about once a week), clean the water tank with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals that could leave a residue or affect the water quality.
Replace Water Filters: If your GGM-18 uses a water filter, it’s essential to replace it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically every 2-3 months, depending on usage.
Regular cleaning of the water tank ensures that only clean, fresh water is used to brew your coffee, enhancing the overall taste and preventing any contamination that might affect the quality of your espresso.
5. Maintaining the Steam Wand
The steam wand is used to froth milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and other espresso-based drinks. It can quickly become clogged with milk residue if not cleaned properly after each use. A clogged steam wand can result in poor milk frothing and even milk burns if not addressed promptly.
How to clean the steam wand:
Purge After Every Use: After frothing milk, always purge the steam wand by briefly turning it on to expel any remaining milk. This prevents milk from drying inside the wand and causing blockages.
Wipe the Wand: Immediately after purging, wipe the steam wand with a clean damp cloth to remove any milk residue from the wand’s exterior.
Deep Clean: Once a week, detach the steam wand (if possible) and soak it in warm water to loosen any milk buildup. Use a small brush to clean the tip and ensure no milk remains inside the wand.
Regular cleaning of the steam wand is essential for ensuring the best frothing performance and preventing the growth of bacteria in milk residue.
6. Exterior Cleaning
While the internal parts of the GGM-18 are important, the exterior cleaning of the machine is also essential for maintaining its appearance and hygiene.
How to clean the exterior:
Wipe the Surfaces: Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the machine. Be sure to clean the drip tray, portafilter handle, and surrounding areas where coffee splashes may accumulate.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Use only mild soap or non-abrasive cleaners to avoid scratching or damaging the surface of the machine.
Dry the Machine: After cleaning, wipe down all parts of the machine with a dry cloth to prevent water spots or streaks, especially if you have hard water.
Keeping the exterior clean not only maintains the machine’s appearance but also ensures that there’s no buildup of coffee oils or residue on the surface that could affect your next brew.
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