Spring Clean that Machine

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.