The Breville Barista Touch is a high-quality espresso machine that allows you to enjoy cafe-style coffee right in the comfort of your own home. Like any other coffee machine, it is essential to keep the Barista Touch clean to ensure optimal performance and the best-tasting coffee. Regular cleaning not only helps to remove any build-up of coffee oils, mineral deposits, and milk residue, but it also helps prolong the lifespan of your machine.
Cleaning the Breville Barista Touch may seem like a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and approach, it can be a simple and straightforward process. This article will guide you through the step-by-step process of cleaning and maintaining your Barista Touch machine to ensure it continues to deliver delicious coffee for years to come.
In Short: How To Clean Breville Barista Touch
To summarize, here are the key steps involved in cleaning the Breville Barista Touch:
- Prepare and gather the necessary cleaning supplies.
- Clean the exterior of the machine.
- Clean the milk frother and steam wand.
- Descale the machine.
- Clean the bean hopper and grinder.
- Perform regular maintenance and care for the machine.
Now, let’s delve into each step in more detail.
Key Takeaways
- Regular cleaning of the Barista Touch is essential for optimal performance and prolonging its lifespan.
- Cleaning supplies such as a microfiber cloth, mild detergent, descaling solution, and cleaning brushes are needed.
- The exterior of the machine should be wiped clean after each use.
- The milk frother and steam wand should be cleaned after every use to prevent milk residue build-up.
- Descaling the machine is necessary every 2-3 months to remove mineral deposits.
- The bean hopper and grinder should be cleaned regularly to prevent coffee oils from affecting flavor.
- Regular maintenance involves replacing the water filter, backflushing, and lubricating the group head.
Preparation And Gather Cleaning Supplies
Before you start cleaning the Breville Barista Touch, it is important to gather the necessary cleaning supplies. Here’s a list of items you will need:
- Microfiber cloth or soft cloth
- Mild dish detergent
- Cleaning brush
- Descaling solution (specifically designed for espresso machines)
- Empty container or cup for collecting water and cleaning solutions
- Water filter replacement (if applicable)
- Group head cleaning tablet (optional)
- Lubricant for the group head (recommended)
Once you have gathered all the necessary cleaning supplies, you are ready to begin the cleaning process.
Cleaning The Exterior Of The Breville Barista Touch
- Unplug the machine and make sure it has cooled down before cleaning the exterior.
- Dampen a microfiber cloth with water and gently wipe the exterior surfaces of the machine. This will help remove any coffee or milk spills.
- If there are any stubborn stains or dried-on residues, you can use a mild dish detergent diluted with water. Apply the soapy solution to the cloth and gently scrub the affected areas.
- Rinse the cloth with clean water and wipe away any soapy residue.
- Dry the exterior surfaces with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
Cleaning the exterior of the Breville Barista Touch is important not only for aesthetic reasons but also to prevent any dirt or grime from affecting the internal components of the machine.
Cleaning The Milk Frother And Steam Wand
The milk frother and steam wand of the Breville Barista Touch require regular cleaning to prevent milk residue build-up, which can affect the quality of your frothed milk. Here’s how you can clean them:
- After each use, remove the milk jug from the frother and wipe away any excess milk using a damp cloth.
- Fill a container or cup with warm water and a small amount of dish detergent. Remove the steam wand tip and submerge it in the soapy water.
- Let the steam wand soak for a few minutes to loosen any milk residue.
- Meanwhile, dip a cleaning brush in the soapy water and gently scrub the exterior of the steam wand and frother.
- After soaking, rinse the steam wand tip and frother under running water to remove the soapy residue.
- Use the cleaning brush to remove any stubborn milk residue from the steam wand.
- Wipe the steam wand and frother dry using a microfiber cloth.
Regular and thorough cleaning of the milk frother and steam wand is crucial for ensuring optimal milk frothing performance and preventing any blockages or clogs.
Descaling The Machine
Over time, mineral deposits can accumulate in the internal components of your Barista Touch machine. Descaling is the process of removing these deposits and is recommended every 2-3 months. Here’s how you can descale the machine:
- Turn off the machine and allow it to cool down.
- Remove the water tank and empty any remaining water.
- Fill the water tank with a descaling solution mixed with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The concentration of the descaling solution may vary, so it is important to follow the guidelines provided.
- Place an empty container or cup under the group head to catch the descaling solution.
- Turn on the machine and allow it to warm up until the "Hot Water" light is illuminated.
- Engage the group head by turning the selector control to "Hot Water" and allow the descaling solution to flow through the group head for about 10 seconds.
- Turn off the selector control and let the descaling solution sit in the machine for approximately 15 minutes to dissolve the mineral deposits.
- After 15 minutes, turn the selector control back to "Hot Water" and allow the rest of the descaling solution to flow through the group head.
- Rinse the water tank thoroughly and fill it with clean water.
- Repeat steps 5-8 with clean water to flush out any remaining descaling solution.
- Once the water tank is empty, fill it again with clean water and repeat steps 5-8 to ensure all traces of the descaling solution are removed.
- Once the descaling process is complete, clean the group head with a cleaning brush to remove any residue.
- Reinstall the water tank and perform a couple of dummy shots to flush out any remaining water or residue.
Descaling is a crucial step in maintaining your Barista Touch machine’s performance, as it helps to remove mineral deposits that can affect taste and functionality.
Cleaning The Bean Hopper And Grinder
The bean hopper and grinder of the Breville Barista Touch also require regular cleaning to prevent the build-up of coffee oils, which can affect the taste of your coffee. Here’s how you can clean them:
- Remove the bean hopper from the machine by twisting it counterclockwise.
- Empty any remaining beans from the hopper into a container.
- Wipe the inside of the bean hopper with a dry cloth to remove any loose coffee grounds.
- If necessary, use a mild detergent diluted with water to clean the bean hopper. Rinse it thoroughly and dry it completely before reattaching it to the machine.
- Remove the upper burr assembly by turning the adjustment collar counterclockwise.
- Use a cleaning brush to remove any coffee residue from the burrs and the grinder chamber. Be thorough but gentle to avoid damaging the burrs.
- Once the burrs are clean, reassemble the upper burr assembly and secure it by turning the adjustment collar clockwise.
- Replace the bean hopper and fill it with fresh coffee beans.
Regular cleaning of the bean hopper and grinder not only ensures a more consistent flavor profile but also helps to prevent any blockages or malfunctions that may occur due to coffee oils.
Regular Maintenance And Care Tips For The Breville Barista Touch
In addition to regular cleaning, there are a few maintenance and care tips that can help keep your Breville Barista Touch in top shape:
- Replace the water filter regularly: If your Barista Touch is equipped with a water filter, make sure to replace it as recommended by the manufacturer. A clean water filter helps to prevent mineral build-up and improves the taste of your coffee.
- Backflush the machine: Backflushing involves using a blind filter and a cleaning tablet (specifically designed for espresso machines) to remove any coffee residue from the group head. Consult the user manual for specific instructions on how to backflush your Barista Touch.
- Lubricate the group head: Apply a small amount of food-grade lubricant to the group head’s moving parts to ensure smooth operation and prevent any potential leaks.
- Clean the drip tray: Remove the drip tray and empty any liquid. Clean it with a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly.
- Keep the machine covered: When not in use, cover the Barista Touch with a dust cover to protect it from environmental elements.
By following these regular maintenance and care tips, you can help prolong the lifespan of your Barista Touch machine and ensure consistent performance.
Conclusion
Cleaning the Breville Barista Touch is an important part of owning and maintaining this high-quality espresso machine. By following the step-by-step cleaning process outlined in this article, you can ensure that your Barista Touch delivers the best-tasting coffee and continues to perform optimally for years to come. Remember, regular cleaning and maintenance are key to getting the most out of your Barista Touch and enjoying the perfect cup of coffee every time.
FAQS
What Are The Steps To Clean The Breville Barista Touch?
Turn off the machine and unplug it. Remove the water tank and drip tray, and wash them with warm soapy water. Clean the portafilter, filter basket, and frothing wand with a cleaning solution. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the machine. Reassemble the components and wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth.
How Frequently Should I Clean My Breville Barista Touch?
It is recommended to clean your machine after every use. This will prevent any buildup of coffee grounds or milk residue, which can affect the machine’s performance. It is also recommended to perform a more thorough cleaning every 2-3 months.
Can I Clean The Breville Barista Touch With Vinegar?
While many people recommend cleaning coffee machines with vinegar, it is not recommended for the Breville Barista Touch. The machine has a built-in water filter that is designed to remove impurities, and vinegar can damage it. Instead, use a designated cleaning solution for espresso machines.
How Do I Descale My Breville Barista Touch?
Fill the water tank with a descaling solution and water mixture according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Turn on the machine and run the solution through the machine, following the specific instructions for your machine’s descaling function. Rinse the machine thoroughly with water.
Can I Put The Breville Barista Touch In The Dishwasher?
No, do not put any of the components of the Breville Barista Touch in the dishwasher. They should be washed by hand with warm soapy water. The only exception is the water tank, which can be washed on the top rack of the dishwasher.
