Extreme Espresso Machine Cleaning

[headchange4u]

I had to change the portafilter gasket on my Gaggia Classic. After getting everything apart I was shocked to see how much gunk was built up. Before putting things back together I would like t get things as clean as possible. Here's some shots of the carnage:







What can I use to more easily remove the large amount of build up and scale.? I've tried a wire brush and a chisel, but they both aren't making much progress I don't want to damage anything. Soaking in Oxyclean din't nothing but remove some of the coffee stains. I'm out of citric acid right now and I thought about CLR. The machine has lots of nooks and crannies that I need to get in.

Thoughts?

[Tex]

Citric acid is what'll remove the scale best, but straight white vinegar may do the job. I'm not sure CLR is food safe?

First, I'd turn the machine upside down, plug the small hole on the left, and pour in a strong detergent (TSP) and let it soak, then soak it with an strong acidic solution; after which a good scrubbing with a brass toothbrush should have it looking good. You might need to chisel out the group gasket. Soak the shower screen holder plate in an acidic solution.

[headchange4u]

Citric acid is what'll remove the scale best, but straight white vinegar may do the job. I'm not sure CLR is food safe?

First, I'd turn the machine upside down, plug the small hole on the left, and pour in a strong detergent (TSP) and let it soak, then soak it with an strong acidic solution; after which a good scrubbing with a brass toothbrush should have it looking good. You might need to chisel out the group gasket. Soak the shower screen holder plate in an acidic solution.

I got some CLR. The instructions said you can run it through a coffee pot but it says not to use on espresso machines. I may try to grab some citric acid tonight.

I got the oring out after about a hours effort. I used a chisel to cut the gasket and then I managed to snake a heavy duty metal pick underneath and pry it out.

[headchange4u]

Shot with the oring removed:

[SJM]

Using a Dremel (or similar) with either the stainless or brass brush might be satisfying.....

[Tex]

I got some CLR. The instructions said you can run it through a coffee pot but it says not to use on espresso machines. I may try to grab some citric acid tonight.

I got the oring out after about a hours effort. I used a chisel to cut the gasket and then I managed to snake a heavy duty metal pick underneath and pry it out.

Then use the CLR, it won't damage the chrome or brass (not sure about the aluminum disk?). But soak it in detergent first to get rid of the oils & organic coating.

[pwest]

For the 'gunk' and coffee 'build up', I've had good luck with Ka-Kleen (expensive, hard to get) and Awesome (cheap, easy to get)  (see: http://www.greencoffeebuyingclub.com/index.php?topic=14542.msg231420#msg231420).  I don't think it will do much for scale, though.

-Phil

[jano]

I second the motion for a brass scrubby on a rotary/dremel.  I have a Horror Fright bricks/mortar store near me which makes it easy to get a bunch.  If you do this, make absolutely certain you wear an eye mask and loose, long sleeved clothes; I found a mask helpful, too.  Having items sandblasted works as well, and leaves a pretty gnarly finish.

[headchange4u]

I'm going to try the citric acid first. I went to 3 stores last night and they were all sold out, which I find odd since it's not even canning season. I tried the CLR on the disc piece but it didn't help much.

[jano]

Try boiling in vinegar, but make sure your fan/hood is on, it's super potent (if you can boil it outside, all the better).  Okay to dilute the vinegar first, and slowly increase the concentration until it works.

Both citric acid and vinegar have worked best for me while boiling.

If there's lube and gunk left over even after subjecting it to citric acid/vinegar/stp, you might have to go stronger with I think mineral spirits or something.  I ended up sandblastic the pf holder since I couldn't get years of coffe n lube gunk out.  Wish I had taken a pic after boiling in vinegar, citric acid, and attempts with the dremel but before the blasting.

Before:

After:

[kaotep]

i was going to suggest sandblasting earlier as a last resort but I thought it was a bit extreme

[Tex]

I'm going to try the citric acid first. I went to 3 stores last night and they were all sold out, which I find odd since it's not even canning season. I tried the CLR on the disc piece but it didn't help much.

Find a local home brew store - they sell citric acid.

[headchange4u]

The citric acid/vinegar mixture + elbow grease cleaned up the parts nicely. My old Gaggia is pulling shots like a champ.

Gaggia Classic - Recently Cleaned and Tuned

[mp]

Nice looking shot Jason ... I need that one in my belly!

 

[headchange4u]

I got the mp-in-my-belly seal of approval. Awesome.