The Barista Express features an inbuilt cleaning cycle that should be carried out periodically. The clean/descale light will automatically flash to indicate when a cleaning cycle is required.
What's the difference between Breville Cleaning Cycle vs Descaling?
Although it is easy to confuse an espresso Cleaning Cycle with Descaling, the cleaning cycle is specifically designed to clean the main coffee machine group head (where the main coffee water comes out of) by removing coffee oils for better tasting coffee.
Descaling is the process of cleaning out mineral deposits (scale) that builds up within the coffee machine, to ensure the efficiency and longevity of your espresso machine, ensuring that it brews coffee effectively and consistently.
If you need to descale your machine, check out our 'How to Descale Your Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine' article where we will guide you through step by step, on descaling your Breville Coffee Machine.
Steps to Start the Cleaning Cycle
1. Prepare the Portafilter:
- Insert the one-cup filter basket into the portafilter.
- Follow this by placing the silicon cleaning disk into the portafilter.
- Place one cleaning tablet into the center of the cleaning disk.
- Insert and lock the portafilter into the group head.
Breville Portafilter with cleaning tablet
2. Prepare the Machine:
- Ensure the water tank is filled to the max line with cold water.
- Make sure the drip tray is empty.
- Turn off the machine.
Breville water tank
3. Initiate the Cleaning Cycle:
- Press the one-cup and two-cup buttons simultaneously.
- Then, press the power button and hold all three buttons for 10 seconds.
- The cleaning cycle will commence and last for approximately 5 minutes.
Breville Clean Cycle 3 Buttons
4. Complete the Cycle:
- The machine will beep twice once completed.
- Remove the portafilter and ensure the cleaning tablet has completely dissolved.
- If the tablet has not fully dissolved, repeat the steps until it has.
Breville Barista Express Coffee Machine
Looking for a new Breville Coffee Machine?
If this guide has ignited a desire to explore further—why not take a peek at our full range of Breville coffee machines? Whether you're content with your current model or feeling inspired to upgrade, there's no harm in looking - see what's new. From entry-level gems to top-tier espresso labs, each machine offers a unique coffee adventure.