Coffee machines series Saeco Aulika are deservedly considered the workhorse of offices and small coffee shops, but even the most reliable mechanism requires regular maintenance. Cappuccino maker - This is the node that most often suffers from milk residues, since the milk environment is ideal for the growth of bacteria. If you notice that the machine has stopped producing thick foam or is making strange noises when drawing liquid, then it's time for a deep cleaning.
Ignoring this process not only leads to a deterioration in the taste of the drink, but also to serious damage to the steam supply system. Milk contains fats and proteins that, when heated, polymerize and turn into a hard coating resembling plastic. This plaque can completely clog thin channels cappuccino maker, creating excess pressure inside the system.
In this article we will look in detail at how to properly dismantle, clean and assemble the cappuccino maker unit on Saeco Aulika models. You will learn which products are best for removing milk stones and how often maintenance is necessary to keep the equipment working like new.
Signs of contamination and the need for cleaning
Understand that cappuccino maker Saeco requires immediate cleaning, based on a number of characteristic signs. The first and most obvious signal is a change in the structure of the milk foam: instead of a dense, elastic foam with small bubbles, a large, quickly falling foam appears on the surface of the drink, or the milk stops whipping altogether while passing through the system in transit.
⚠️ Attention: If during operation of the cappuccino maker you hear a whistling or hissing sound that differs from the standard sound of the pump, stop using the steam function immediately. This may indicate partial or complete blockage of the outlet.
Another important indicator is smell. Even if the tube appears clean visually, microscopic particles of curdled milk may have remained inside the channels. The next time you turn on the steam mode, they begin to burn, emitting an unpleasant smell of burning or sour product. It is also worth paying attention to the color of the emerging stream: if dark inclusions or a brown tint are visible in the milk, it means that coffee and milk deposits have accumulated in the system.
The frequency of cleaning directly depends on the intensity of use of the coffee machine. In an office environment where Saeco Aulika prepares dozens of cups a day, prevention should be carried out daily. For home use, weekly flushing is sufficient, provided you do not leave milk in the system overnight.
- 🥛 The foam has become liquid, bubbly and quickly settles to the bottom of the cup.
- 👃 A strange smell of burning or sour milk appeared when starting steam.
- 📉 Productivity has decreased: milk is collected more slowly than usual.
- 💧 Water or milk drips from the cappuccino maker tube in standby mode.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before you start disassembling cappuccino maker Saeco Aulika, you need to properly organize your workspace. You will need a flat surface covered with a towel or napkin so that small parts do not get lost or scratch the table. It is also important to prepare a container with warm water into which you can immediately place the removed components for soaking.
For high-quality cleaning you will need special products. Plain water will not dissolve hardened milk fat, so it is recommended to use specialized milk cleaning tablets or enzyme-based liquid cleaners. These products safely dissolve organic deposits without damaging plastic and rubber structural elements.
Use only food grade cleaners designed for coffee equipment. Harsh household chemicals can leave toxic residues that end up in your drink.
For tools, you may need a soft brush (for example, an old toothbrush) for mechanical cleaning of hard-to-reach areas and a thin wire or brush for cleaning the canals. Do not use metal objects with sharp edges that could damage the silicone seals.
- 🧼 Specialized cleaning product for dairy systems (tablets or liquid).
- 🪣 Container with warm water (temperature about 40-50 degrees).
- 🖌️ Soft brush and pipe cleaner.
- 🧻 Paper towels or lint-free cloth for wiping.
Dismantling the cappuccino maker on Saeco Aulika
The process of removing the cappuccino maker unit on models Saeco Aulika (including Top, Office, Rio versions) is quite simple and does not require special technical skills, but requires caution. Before starting any manipulations, make sure that the coffee machine is unplugged and the pressure in the system has been released. To relieve pressure, you can open the steam supply tap, if the model allows it, or simply wait a few minutes after turning it off.
The cappuccino maker unit itself is usually located on the front panel on the right or left (depending on the specific modification) and is attached with magnets or latches. Grab the block body confidently, but without sudden jerks. Pull it towards you and up a little to release the guides. If the block is held tightly, do not use force - check whether you forgot to remove the silicone milk collection tube from the container.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to tear off the cappuccino maker by force. The plastic on older models can be brittle, and excessive force will cause the mounting lugs to break, after which the entire unit will have to be replaced.
After removing the main unit, carefully inspect its installation location on the body of the coffee machine. There is a steam needle and connecting holes. Often it is at the junction of the needle and the body of the cappuccino maker that the main plaque accumulates. Gently wipe the area with a damp cloth so that when you install a clean unit, you don't immediately contaminate it.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Disassembly and mechanical cleaning of parts
Cappuccino maker unit Saeco consists of several key elements: a housing, a suction tube, an air supply regulator (aerator) and an outlet spout. Most modern models allow you to disassemble this assembly without tools, simply by snapping off the plastic clips. Carefully inspect the case: it may have rotating elements or locking buttons.
First, remove the silicone tube, if it has not been removed previously. Then disassemble the plastic case. Inside you will see a metal or plastic tube through which steam is supplied, and a channel for collecting milk. This is where the steam and milk mix, creating a vortex. Rinse all parts thoroughly under running warm water, using a soft brush to remove visible dirt.
Pay special attention to small holes and valves. If you see a white or yellowish coating, this is a milk stone. It must be carefully cleaned with a brush dipped in a cleaning solution. For hard-to-reach areas, you can use a toothpick, but be careful not to widen the calibrated holes, which determine the quality of the foam.
| Detail | Type of pollution | Cleaning method | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone tube | Mold, curdled milk | Rinsing with warm water and a brush | Daily |
| Steam needle | Milkstone, coffee oils | Soaking in a special product, brush | Weekly |
| Air regulator | Fatty plaque | Disassembling and washing each element | Once a month |
| Cappuccino maker body | Remains of milk outside | Wipe with a damp cloth | As it gets dirty |
Chemical treatment and descaling
Mechanical cleaning is often not enough, since microscopic pores in plastic and metal still contain bacteria. For deep disinfection and descaling, it is necessary to use chemicals. Soak the disassembled parts of the cappuccino maker Saeco Aulika in a warm cleaning solution for 15-20 minutes. The exact time is always indicated in the instructions for the selected chemical.
If you don’t have specialized chemicals at hand, you can use citric acid diluted in warm water, but this method is less effective against fatty deposits. After soaking, thoroughly rinse all parts again with running water to completely remove any remaining cleaning agent and dissolved dirt.
Can I use vinegar?
The use of table vinegar is not recommended by Saeco coffee machine manufacturers. Acetic acid can attack rubber seals and silicone tubing, causing them to prematurely age and crack. In addition, the smell of vinegar is very persistent and can persist for a long time in porous materials, ruining the taste of coffee.
After drying, reassemble the cappuccino maker unit in reverse order. Make sure that all latches click into place. A loosely closed housing will result in excess air leaking in and a lack of normal foam.
- 💧 Soak the parts in a warm cleaning solution for 15-20 minutes.
- 🚿 Rinse all elements thoroughly under running water.
- 🌬️ Let the parts dry completely before assembling.
- 🔒 Check the tightness of all connections during assembly.
Assembly, installation and testing of the system
Installing the cleaned cappuccino maker on Saeco Aulika done in reverse order. Insert the block into the grooves until it stops, making sure that it is securely fixed. Place the silicone tube over the milk container. Before preparing the drink, it is recommended to make several idle passes of steam to clean the internal channels and make sure there are no foreign odors.
Turn on the coffee machines and select the cappuccino setting. Pay attention to the sound: it should be smooth, without whistling or interruptions. The milk should rise evenly through the tube. If the foam again turns out to be of poor quality, check the position of the air regulator - it may have been accidentally moved during cleaning.
Regular maintenance extends the life of expensive equipment. Timely cleaning of the Saeco Aulika cappuccino machine prevents clogging of the boiler and steam generator, the repair of which can cost up to 50% of the price of a new machine. Don't neglect this simple ritual, and your coffee machine will delight you with perfect coffee for many years.
The main secret of perfect foam is not only a clean cappuccino maker, but also cold milk (no higher than 4-5 degrees) and a correctly configured air supply regulator.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How often do you need to completely disassemble the cappuccino maker?
Complete disassembly and soaking in chemicals is recommended once every 1-2 weeks during active use. Every day it is enough to rinse the system with clean water and wipe the external parts.
Can the parts of the cappuccino maker be washed in the dishwasher?
Most plastic parts of modern Saeco cappuccino makers can be washed in the dishwasher at a temperature not exceeding 50 degrees. However, it is better to wash silicone tubes and metal elements by hand to avoid deformation.
What should I do if, after cleaning, the cappuccino maker still does not froth the milk?
Check the integrity of the silicone tube for cracks through which air may be sucked in. Also make sure that the hole in the air regulator is not clogged. If there are no mechanical problems, the entire machine may need to be decalcified.
What are the dangers of not cleaning the cappuccino maker?
Leftover milk quickly multiplies bacteria, which can cause food poisoning. In addition, hardened deposits reduce the efficiency of heat transfer and can lead to overheating of the steam supply system components.