If you run a café, restaurant, or any hospitality business, you already know that your coffee machine is one of your most valuable assets. A reliable coffee machine for commercial use not only delivers high-quality coffee but also helps keep your operations running smoothly. However, even the best machine needs regular cleaning and maintenance to perform at its best.
Here’s a practical guide on how to clean and maintain your commercial coffee machine, helping to extend its lifespan, improve coffee quality, and reduce costly breakdowns.
Daily Cleaning: Keep It Fresh
For any coffee machine for commercial use, daily cleaning is non-negotiable. Start by backflushing the group heads with water to remove leftover coffee grounds and oils. Use a blind filter and a recommended espresso machine cleaning powder or tablet. Run the cleaning cycle as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Don’t forget the steam wands—purge them after every use and wipe with a damp cloth. At the end of the day, soak them in warm water with a food-safe detergent. Regular cleaning of the portafilters and baskets is also essential, as build-up can affect the taste and consistency of your espresso.
Weekly Deep Cleaning: A More Thorough Approach
Once a week, take time to deep clean your machine. This involves removing and soaking components like shower screens, dispersion plates, and portafilters in cleaning solution. A weekly descaling routine is also essential if your machine doesn’t have an automatic descaling feature, especially in areas with hard water.
Also, clean the drip tray, grinder hopper, and any external surfaces. Not only does this maintain hygiene standards, but it also helps your machine look professional and well-kept—important for customer-facing businesses.
Water Quality and Filter Maintenance
Water quality plays a massive role in the performance of any coffee machine for commercial use. Hard water can lead to limescale build-up, reducing efficiency and potentially causing damage. Install a high-quality water filter and change it as recommended by the supplier—usually every 3–6 months.
Using filtered water not only protects your machine but also improves the flavor of your coffee, which can keep customers coming back for more.
Scheduled Servicing
Even with diligent daily and weekly cleaning, commercial coffee machines benefit from professional servicing. Schedule a full maintenance check every 6–12 months, depending on usage. A certified technician will inspect internal components, check for wear and tear, and make necessary adjustments to keep your machine in top condition.
Signing Off
A well-maintained coffee machine for commercial use is more than just a tool—it’s the heart of your coffee service. Consistent cleaning, quality water, and routine servicing will not only improve the quality of your coffee but also save you money in the long run by preventing breakdowns and extending the life of your machine.
Invest the time now, and your machine will reward you with reliability and great-tasting coffee every day.