Manual and semi-automatic espresso machines:

Manual and semi-automatic espresso machines require you to grind the coffee yourself and control the process. They typically have a portafilter and brewing unit.

Daily cleaning:

Rinse portafilter and filter basket: Remove the portafilter and rinse it with hot water. Make sure to remove coffee grounds from the filter basket.

Wipe the steam wand: After each use, wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth to remove milk residue. If there is milk inside the wand, you can use a needle to clean it.

Clean the brewing unit: Rinse the brewing unit by running an empty brew (without coffee) through the machine.

Weekly cleaning:

Use blind filter (backflush): If the machine has a three-way valve, you can use a blind filter and an espresso machine cleaner to perform a "backflush." This helps remove coffee oils and residues from the valve.

Wipe the machine: Use a damp cloth to wipe the entire surface of the machine, including any drip trays.

Monthly cleaning:

Removable parts: Disassemble and clean removable parts such as the portafilter, steam wand, and drip tray.

Descaling: Use a descaling agent specifically for espresso machines and run it through the machine to remove scale buildup.