Cleaning Espresso Machine

[Coffeefreak]

For the first time, I backflushed my Sylvia and was favorably impressed with the results. This was after checking with Chris Coffee and being told that it was not only a recommended procedure but new Sylvias are now shipping with a backflush rubber insert. So proud was I that I emailed a list of Cafiza's ingredients to my brother - the Biochemist. His response:

To clean your espresso machine, it would be just as efficient (maybe better) if you used a cup of vinegar to go through one cycle and then flush out the vinegar with two to three cycles of water.

Any comments?

[Tex]

Vinegar will not remove coffee lacquers which builds up in the 3-way valve, passages, and grouphead. Use a strong detergent to backflush and clean the grouphead parts. For descaling I recommend a citric acid solution - 2 tablespoons to 1 quart water.

Backflush with plain water daily and with detergent weekly.
Descale at least every 3 months, or more depending on your water pH.

My mantra: "Keep 'em clean, keep 'em working!"