8.2 Coffee Machine Cleaning & Maintenance

# 8.2 Coffee Machine Cleaning & Maintenance

**Little Coffee Bean Co**
**Version:** V2
**Date:** October 2025
**SOP Number:** 8.2

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## Purpose

To provide staff with clear procedures for daily cleaning, maintenance, and deep cleaning of Frachino coffee machines, ensuring optimal performance, hygiene standards, and equipment longevity.

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## Scope

This SOP applies to all Frachino coffee machines at Little Coffee Bean Co locations (mobile Tuk Tuks and fixed shops).

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## Equipment Required

– Cleaning brushes (group head and portafilter)
– Cleaning tablets (espresso machine cleaner)
– Damp cloths and dry cloths
– Descaling solution (approved for Frachino machines)
– Blind basket (no holes) for backflushing
– Thermometer (for temperature checks)
– Manufacturer’s manual

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## Daily Cleaning (End of Shift)

### 1. Purge Group Heads
– Insert blind basket (no holes) into portafilter
– Lock into group head
– Run water for 10 seconds
– Stop and repeat 5 times
– Remove any residual water and grounds

### 2. Clean Portafilters & Baskets
– Remove grounds from portafilter
– Rinse thoroughly under hot water
– Use cleaning brush to remove buildup
– Dry with clean cloth
– Inspect for damage

### 3. Clean Group Head Screens
– Use cleaning brush to remove grounds from screen
– Backflush with water (5-10 seconds)
– Repeat until water runs clear
– Dry with cloth

### 4. Wipe Steam Wand
– Immediately after steaming milk, wipe wand with damp cloth
– Purge steam for 2-3 seconds to clear milk inside
– Wipe again with dry cloth
– Never allow milk to dry on wand

### 5. Empty Drip Tray
– Remove and empty drip tray
– Rinse and dry
– Replace under group heads

### 6. Wipe Exterior
– Wipe down machine exterior with damp cloth
– Dry with clean cloth
– Check for leaks or damage

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## Weekly Deep Clean (Saturday)

### 1. Soak Portafilters & Baskets
– Fill container with hot water and cleaning tablet
– Soak portafilters and baskets for 20 minutes
– Scrub with brush to remove buildup
– Rinse thoroughly under hot water
– Dry completely

### 2. Deep Clean Group Heads
– Insert blind basket into portafilter
– Lock into group head
– Add cleaning tablet to water
– Run cleaning solution through for 10 seconds
– Stop and repeat 5 times
– Flush with clean water until clear
– Repeat for all group heads

### 3. Clean Shower Screen
– Remove shower screen from group head
– Soak in hot water with cleaning tablet for 15 minutes
– Scrub with brush
– Rinse thoroughly
– Dry and replace

### 4. Deep Clean Steam Wand
– Soak tip in hot water with cleaning tablet for 10 minutes
– Use small brush to clear milk buildup
– Backflush with water
– Rinse thoroughly
– Dry completely

### 5. Descale Machine
– Follow manufacturer’s descaling instructions
– Use approved descaling solution
– Run solution through group heads and steam wand
– Flush thoroughly with fresh water (at least 2 liters)
– Run water until no descaling solution smell remains

### 6. Check Temperature
– Use thermometer to check water temperature
– Should be 90–95°C
– Report any temperature issues to management

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## Monthly Maintenance

– Inspect all seals and gaskets for wear
– Check for leaks around group heads
– Verify pressure gauge reading (should be 9 bars)
– Inspect portafilter handles for cracks
– Check water filter cartridge and replace if needed
– Inspect steam wand for damage

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## Troubleshooting

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## Safety

– Always ensure machine is off before cleaning
– Allow machine to cool before handling hot components
– Never use harsh chemicals not approved for espresso machines
– Report any damage or malfunction immediately
– Keep cleaning materials away from customer areas

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## Responsibility

– **Baristas:** Complete daily cleaning after each shift
– **Shift Managers:** Oversee daily cleaning and complete weekly deep clean
– **Store Manager:** Verify cleaning standards and arrange professional servicing
– **Directors:** Review maintenance logs and budget for repairs

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## References

– Frachino Coffee Machine Manual
– Manufacturer Maintenance Guidelines
– UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) Guidance