Regular maintenance of your coffee machine is not just a whim, but a necessary condition for the long service life of the device and the preparation of a delicious drink. Over time, coffee oils, limescale and ground bean residue accumulate in the system, which can lead to breakdowns or deterioration in the quality of the espresso. Many equipment owners Saeco experience that the machine begins to make strange sounds or the coffee becomes less aromatic.
In this guide, we will go through in detail all the stages of caring for the device, from daily washing to deep decalcification. You'll learn what tools you'll need, how to properly remove the brewing unit, and why ignoring the warning lights can lead to costly repairs. The right approach to maintenance ensures that your device will delight you with a hot drink for many years.
It is worth noting that modern models such as Saeco Xelsis or Philips-Saeco Incanto, are equipped with smart reminder systems, but basic mechanical cleaning actions fall on the user's shoulders. Coffee machine hygiene directly affects health, since bacteria and mold, which are invisible to the eye but noticeable in the taste, quickly multiply in a wet coffee environment.
Preparation for the cleaning procedure and necessary supplies
Before you begin any active actions, you need to prepare your workplace and consumables. You will need access to a sink with running water, a soft sponge, a clean towel and special products. The use of aggressive household chemicals, such as dishwashing detergent or vinegar, is strictly prohibited, as they can damage the plastic and rubber elements of the internal system.
For high-quality decalcification, it is best to use the original scale solvent from the manufacturer or certified analogues that do not contain aggressive acids. You may also need food-grade silicone grease for the seals if you plan on deep maintenance of the moving parts of the brewing mechanism. Preparing tools will save your time and nerves in advance.
⚠️ Attention: Never use vinegar or citric acid in high concentration to remove scale, as this can damage aluminum boilers and rubber seals, leading to leaks.
Make sure the coffee machine is unplugged and completely cooled down if you have just made coffee. This is especially important for models with a thermoblock, where the internal temperature can be very high. Check the availability of clean water for rinsing and a container for collecting waste cake.
Use only filtered or bottled water to make coffee - this will significantly reduce the rate of scale formation and extend the life of the heating elements.
Daily maintenance and flushing of the system
Basic maintenance of your coffee machine only takes a few minutes, but it cannot be ignored. Every time after turning off the device or before the first start in the morning, the system automatically performs a short rinse. However, this is not enough to completely clear coffee oils from water paths.
It is recommended to clean the drip tray and grille daily. To do this, remove the pan, drain the liquid and rinse it with warm water. Grease deposits from the grate can be carefully washed off with a sponge, but without using abrasive materials that can leave scratches. Pallet hygiene prevents the appearance of unpleasant odors in the kitchen.
Also remember to empty the coffee grounds container. If you leave used coffee in a warm, humid place for more than a day, it will start to mold. Wipe the inner niche where the container sits with a damp cloth to remove any spilled crumbs.
It is important to keep the cappuccino maker clean if you use it to froth milk. Milk is an ideal environment for bacteria, so the tube should be purged and wiped immediately after use. Residues of milk protein stick to the walls and clog the hole, which reduces the quality of the foam.
Removing and cleaning the brewing unit
The heart of any Saeco automatic coffee machine is the brewing unit (brewing mechanism). This is where the coffee tablet is formed and water is released under pressure. Periodically, usually once a week or after 200-300 cups, it must be removed for washing.
To remove the unit, open the service door. Depending on the model (Saeco Royal, Saeco Minuto or Saeco Syntia), the mechanism may have locking levers or a release button. Press the latches and smoothly pull the block towards you. Do not apply excessive force if the mechanism does not work - it may not be fully unlocked.
Rinse the brewing unit under running warm water without using detergents. Thoroughly rinse off coffee residue from all surfaces, including filters and side walls. Pay special attention to the mesh filters through which water passes - they are often clogged with fine coffee dust.
☑️ Checklist for cleaning the brewing unit
After washing, leave the brewing unit to air dry at room temperature. Do not use a hair dryer or other heating devices to speed up the process, as sudden temperature changes can deform the plastic. Drying elements required before reinstallation to avoid the formation of mold inside the machine body.
| Component | Cleaning frequency | Means | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brewing unit | Once a week | Water | Do not wash in dishwasher |
| Drip tray | Daily | Water + sponge | Follow the indicator |
| Cappuccino maker | After each use | Water | Blow with steam |
| Water supply system | Once every 2-3 months | Decalcifier | By car signal |
Decalcification procedure (descaling)
Scale is the main enemy of the heating elements and hydraulic system of the coffee machine. Hardness salts settle on the walls of the tubes and boiler, narrowing the passage opening and worsening heat transfer. The machine itself will tell you when it’s time for decalcification; the corresponding indicator or message on the display will light up.
To start the cleaning program, pour descaling agent into the water tank in the proportion specified by the manufacturer (usually 100 ml per 1 liter of water). Insert the tank, place a container with a volume of at least 1.5 liters under the hot water spout and the cappuccino maker. Select "Decalcifying" or "Descaling" mode from the menu and follow the on-screen instructions.
The process takes place in several stages with pauses. The machine will pump the solution through the system, then take breaks to dissolve deposits, and then continue pumping again. Decalcification cycle may take from 20 to 40 minutes depending on the model. Do not interrupt the process or turn off the device from the network.
What happens if you ignore decalcification?
Ignoring scale signals will lead to overheating of the thermoblock, increased noise during operation, a decrease in jet pressure and, ultimately, to an expensive replacement of the heating element or pump.
After completing the solution cycle, the machine will ask you to flush the system. To do this, you need to rinse the tank, pour in clean water and repeat the spilling process to remove any remaining chemicals. Make sure the water in the tank is clear and does not smell of product.
Cleaning the milk system (if equipped)
If your model is equipped with an automatic cappuccino maker (for example, Saeco GranBaristo or Saeco Lirika), the milk supply system requires special attention. Milk fat and protein dry out quickly and form a dense film that is difficult to remove with ordinary water.
Remove the milk container and disassemble it according to the instructions. Usually the milk collection tube, the adjustment ring and the jug itself are removable. Rinse all parts under warm water. For deep cleaning, you can use a special product for milk systems or simply wash thoroughly with a soft brush.
Many modern models have the function of automatically washing the milk circuit. Activate it through the maintenance menu after each preparation of a drink with milk. This will take less than a minute, but will keep the system clean. Purity of the milk ducts critical to health safety.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave milk in the container with the machine turned off overnight. Always store the milk reservoir in the refrigerator or rinse it thoroughly after use.
Check the steam and milk outlets. If the pressure has weakened, the hole may be clogged with dried milk. Gently clean it with a thin needle or a special brush, which often comes with the coffee machine.
Automatic rinsing of the milk circuit after each use is the only way to ensure that your cappuccino is bacteria-free and tastes fresh.
Cleaning the coffee grinder and dispenser
The coffee grinder is another unit that requires periodic attention. Although it does not come into contact with water, the coffee oils contained in the beans oxidize and impart a rancid taste to freshly ground coffee. In addition, dust can cake, interfering with the operation of the millstones.
To clean the coffee grinder, use a special dry cleaning tablet or just dry rice (as a last resort if you don’t have a tablet). Pour cleaning agent into the bean hopper instead of coffee and run a multi-shot espresso cycle. This will allow the abrasive particles to clean out the millstones.
It is also a good idea to periodically vacuum the bean hopper and grinder outlet to remove fine dust. This must be done carefully so as not to damage the millstones or disrupt the grinding settings. Coffee grinder maintenance affects grinding uniformity and extraction.
If you notice that the machine is noisier or the coffee flows too quickly/slowly, the burr settings may have changed or become dull. In such cases, it may be necessary to adjust the grinding degree or replace the millstones by a specialist.
Lubrication of moving parts and final assembly
After all the elements are washed and dried, it is recommended to check the condition of the seals and moving joints. The rubber rings on the brewing unit may dry out over time. To extend their service life, use food-grade silicone grease.
Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the side seals of the brewing unit and the guides. This will ensure smooth operation and tightness of the brewing chamber. Avoid getting grease on filters through which water passes. Seal lubrication prevents leaks and jamming of the mechanism.
Reassemble all elements in reverse order. Make sure that the brewing unit clicks into place and that the tray is locked. Turn on the machine and run a hot water cycle or a couple of cups of non-bean coffee to test the system.
Regularly performing all the described procedures will allow your Saeco coffee machine to work like new. Don’t wait for a breakdown or the appearance of an unpleasant odor - prevention is always cheaper and easier than repair. Spend only 15-20 minutes a week on maintenance, and your equipment will respond to you with stable operation.
How often do you change water filters?
Built-in filter jugs (such as Brita or CAFilter) need to be replaced every 2 months or after making 50 liters of coffee, regardless of how often you use the machine.
Can the brewing unit be washed in the dishwasher?
No, manufacturers categorically do not recommend washing the brewing unit in the dishwasher. High temperatures and aggressive detergents can deform plastic parts and damage the lubrication of seals. Hand wash only under warm water.
What should I do if the machine does not turn on after cleaning?
Make sure that the brewing unit is installed correctly and as far as it will go. If it is crooked, the safety sensor will not allow the car to turn on. Also check that the pan is completely dry and installed correctly. If the problem persists, try unplugging the machine for 10-15 minutes.
How often should complete decalcification be carried out?
The frequency depends on the water hardness and intensity of use. On average, the procedure is carried out once every 2-3 months or after preparing 200-300 cups. The machine itself will signal when the time is right. Using filtered water allows you to extend the intervals between cleanings.
How to lubricate the seals of the brewing unit?
Use only special food grade silicone grease designed for coffee machines. Conventional technical lubricants, petroleum jelly or vegetable oil cannot be used, as they can be toxic when heated and spoil the taste of the coffee.