How to Clean Your Automatic Coffee Machine

One of the most common questions we get asked from coffee lovers looking for a new automatic coffee machine, is how extensive is the upkeep and cleaning of the machine going to be? And are the automatic machines self-cleaning?

Understanding the level of importance that this is to time-poor coffee lovers, we're going to run through not only how easy it is to clean and maintain your automatic machine, but also, the best cleaning products for your automatic coffee machine and just how vital it is the longevity of your machine and most importantly the quality of your end result which is an awesome tasting coffee.  

   

 


Coffee Machine Water Filter 

Coffee is 98% water, so using high-quality water is essential. Jura CLARIS water filters work with the intelligent water system to purify water and reduce hardness, creating perfect coffee for home. Depending on your make and model of the machine will depict the filter you need to use. 

Our range of Jura automatic machines use the CLARIS Smart Filter, however, you may have an earlier model automatic coffee machine that may have pre-dated the introduction of these filters and therefore your machine would most likely use the CLARIS Blue or maybe even the CLARIS White. The Smart filters use RFID (Radio-frequency Identification) technology, allowing the coffee machine to continually monitor the filter. The machine will recognize when the filter has been inserted, activate automatically, and will prompt you when it needs to be replaced. 

Replacing your automatic coffee machine water filter consistently and correctly will ensure maximum machine protection against limescale build-up, prolonging the need to descale your machine.

Check out this article for a full rundown on the benefits of using filtered water in your coffee machine.

 

Automatic Cleaning Cycle

Jura makes cleaning in their automatic coffee machines super easy, with most of their machines equipped with a zero-maintenance self-cleaning brewing unit. Starting the cleaning process is as simple as pressing a button. The Jura 2-Phase cleaning tablets are specifically designed for the maintenance of your Jura coffee machine and maintain the highest standards in hygiene. 

- Phase I, cleaning:
The special formula effectively loosens the coffee fat and particles in the brewing unit and sieve. Water heated to 80 °C thoroughly rinses these components on the inside and outside.

- Phase II, protection:
Special active ingredients seal the surfaces of the corresponding components and protect them from coffee residue and fat in the long term.

- The result:
A hygienically clean automatic coffee machine fully ready for perfect coffee quality. The machine will prompt you when a cleaning cycle is detected as being needed. 


Milk Line Cleaning

Jura's Milk Line Cleaner is designed to gently break down and remove milk fat and residues from places such as the milk spout. The milk line must be cleaned regularly to ensure the highest levels of hygiene and to ensure the production of high-quality milk. All the Jura machines provide very clear and easy to follow step by step instructions. 

Some of the Jura’s automatic coffee machines even have the ‘Set & Forget’ function. This means you only need to set up your container with your Jura milk line cleaner solution and begin the milk line cleaning process and it will take care of the rest. 


Descaling

Jura highly recommends the use of filters in their coffee machines, especially for high use professional machines. However, if you choose to not use filters in your machine, the Jura Descaling Tablets are phosphate-free and were specially developed by Jura to remove scale and extend the service life of your automatic coffee machine. 

These simple to use tablets will remove scale and prevent the build-up of limescale deposits, which can eventually slow down the healing process, forcing the machine to use more energy or even break down. It also creates an unpleasant taste in the water and can affect the quality of the coffee your machine produces.


General Coffee Machine Maintenance

It is important to empty out and clean the grounds container and drip tray when prompted or regularly, to avoid any moisture build-up which can result in mold inside your machine. The machine will also benefit from cleaning out behind the drip tray and wiping over the sensors. These sensors register when the drip tray and grounds container are present and the machine will cease to work if they are not in place. Using a dry cloth or brush is perfect for cleaning out any ground coffee that may be loose behind the trays. 

At Crema recommend you think of your coffee machine like you would your car. An annual service is recommended to ensure everything is in order but it is the regular TLC that it receives from you that ensures your machine will be making beautiful cups of coffee for many years to come.

For more information on cleaning and maintenance, or to book your coffee machine in for a service, check out the coffee machine service section of our website.