Spring Clean that
Machine!
Spring is in the air- the days are getting longer, it’s a
little brighter and the daffodils are out in full force. Traditionally it’s the
time of year we start to clean and declutter- both at home and in our
workspaces. It’s therefore the perfect time to revisit our coffee machine
cleaning routines.
Most of us start out with the best of intentions when our
machines are new but if we’re not vigilant, good habits can slip over time. We
firmly believe that world class coffee starts and ends with clean, well
maintained equipment. So whether you have a machine already or are thinking of
getting one, make cleaning and maintenance a part of your daily routine.
1. Taste
After a full day’s use, your
machine will be full of coffee residue, oils and fats, all of which will affect
the taste of your coffee. Imagine serving coffee through a machine with stale
coffee grounds, dust or stale milk product inside. You can be sure that this
will not result in the optimum taste!
2. Creating the right impression
This is an obvious one but a machine that
is sparkling clean looks good and creates a good impression for customers.
3. Hygiene and Safety
From the pen of an expert:
‘Build-up of visible protein solids on coffee
machines, around the steam wand and dispenser are not the only hazards with
fresh milk coffee machines. By far the greater risk are the small residues left
on internal pipes and parts. It should be remembered that the internal parts of
the machine are not temperature controlled in any way. Whilst pasteurised milk
is low in bacteria, these milk deposits and residues, if left in the internal
ambient conditions for any period can allow bacteria to grow unhindered. It
is, therefore, essential that the daily and weekly cleaning processes,
which form part of the essential operations of such machines, utilising the
specialist cleaners designed to sanitise and remove build-ups of milk protein
solids, are carried out. This is the only way to ensure that out of sight, out
of reach and any internal parts of the machine remain ‘food-safe’ and the
operator can demonstrate due diligence.’
Andy Slade TechIOSH
HSEQ Manager
4. Service Call out Charges
Another thing to consider is that
if your machine breaks down and the cause is found to be lack of proper
cleaning, you may be charged for the callout and repair- even if you have a
service contract.
5. Manufacturer Warranty
Similarly, if you fail to clean
your machine in accordance with the manufacturer recommendations and it breaks
down, you could void your warranty.
6. Lifespan
As with your car, washing machine
and any other essential machine in your life, it will last longer and work more
efficiently if properly cleaned and maintained.
Our Top Tips
· Set up a Schedule- either programme your machine
to remind you or create a simple cleaning rota sheet. Most of our bean to cup
and traditional machines can be programmed to remind you that they need to be
cleaned or to shut down completely until the cleaning cycle has been completed.
· Make cleaning part of your end of the day
routine. This will make sure that there is no milk left in the machine’s milk
lines overnight.
· Stock up on cleaning kits – if you always keep
two, you’ll never run out! If you are an existing customer, our Telesales team
can arrange a scheduled call or set up a standing order to make sure you never
run out. Call us on 0203 697 0620
· If you have a traditional machine, purge and
wipe your steam arm with an antibacterial cloth between every use. Brush group
handles between each use to remove stale grounds and empty and sanitise the
bean hopper at the end of every day.
