What fuels a business? Is it the hard work everybody puts in, the teamwork, the comradery? Sure, these aspects certainly help. But do you know what truly fuels a business and keeps it running day to day?
The coffee machine.
Whether big or small, black or chrome, classic or with all the bells and whistles, the coffee that comes from these machines keeps us going. The humble coffee machine is a well-loved fixture in just about every office, helping everybody to put their energy in to get the best work out. As it’s such an important feature in your workspace, it only makes sense to make sure it’s cleaned properly and regularly to keep the beans and top-notch work flowing.
This article explains the importance of cleaning your office coffee machine and explains step-by-step how to do so. For personalised advice, contact our team at Cleantastic today.
Why You Need To Clean Your Coffee Machine
Every appliance needs a cleaning once in a while, and the office coffee machine is no exception. This is especially true if it’s used often, which it likely is! Over time, coffee oils can build up in the carafe, basket, and other areas of the machine, leading to bitter-tasting coffee. Also, if you leave it for too long between cleanings you run the risk of yeast and mould hiding out in the reservoir— and nobody wants those ingredients in their coffee.
Lastly, a coffee machine that is as clean on the outside as it is on the inside simply looks good, which reflects well on your office to employees and visitors.
How To Clean A Coffee Machine
Daily:
- Empty the portafilter (the part that holds the coffee grounds while it brews) and hold it under the group head (the metal, permanent attachment that brings water out of the machine).
- Run the pump to rinse off the grounds (you won’t need to do this if you have a pod-style coffee machine) and wipe out the filter basket (the metallic, basket-shaped filter that holds the coffee grounds) with a clean cloth.
- Wipe down and purge the milk frothing wand straight away after every time you use it.
- Wipe any exposed surfaces with a clean, soft, damp cloth.
- Wipe down the bench and any surrounding areas to clean up any water and coffee grounds.
- Empty the drop tray and reattach it.
Weekly:
- Refill the water tank (you may need to do this more frequently depending on its size and how often the coffee machine is used).
- If yours is a pod-style coffee machine, empty the used pod receptacle.
- Empty the knock box.
Monthly:
- Run a cleaning cycle or back-flush, depending on the type and model of coffee machine you have, using a commercial coffee machine cleaner. You may need to do this more often if your machine is used frequently— a good rule of thumb is to run a cleaning cycle or back-flush once per four kilograms of coffee put through the machine.
- Remove the filter basket from the portafilter. Soak both in cleaning solution for five to 10 minutes.
- Use a toothbrush to clean coffee grounds from the shower screen (the section of the machine that disperses water from the group head).
Yearly:
- Descale the machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Take apart the group head and soak it, the shower screen, and other removable parts in cleaning solution.
- Dry and re-attach the removable parts.
- If your coffee machine is made from stainless steel, polish it with metal polish according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- If your machine has an onboard hopper (the tub on top of the grinder), clean it with hot soapy water and a soft cloth. Brush any coffee grounds from around the burrs in the onboard grinder.
There you have it! Your coffee machine is good as new and ready to extract the perfect brew.
Get Clean With Cleantastic
Coffee oils and residues are harder to remove if they’re left to dry and harden, so cleaning your coffee machine regularly is essential. If yours— or any other area of your office— could use a spruce up, we have a team near you to lend a hand, from Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide and all across Australia. To keep your coffee flowing freely, book a quote with us today.
