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Backflush the E61 group with detergent: Quick Mill LUCCA X58 and ACS Vesuvius

Before you start

Applies when
E61 group with a 3-way solenoid valve (pump machine), maker names detergent backflushing but gives no procedure
Time
About 5 minutes (Clive's 'five extra minutes', excluding the optional 30-minute soak)
Tools
blind (backflush) basket, portafilter, container for soaking
Supplies
espresso machine cleaner (e.g. Cafetto EVO) (up to 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) in the blind basket); Biocaf cleaning powder (optional soak) (1 teaspoon (6 g) per litre of hot water), optional

Warnings

Steps

  1. Fit the blind basket in the portafilter and add up to half a teaspoon (3 g) of cleaner.

    From the manual: “Insert the blind filter and add up to 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) of Cafetto EVO Espresso Machine Cleaner.”

  2. Lock the portafilter into the group.

    From the manual: “Lock your portafilter into the group head.”

  3. Run the brew cycle for 10 seconds, then stop it so the pressure vents through the valve.

    From the manual: “Activate the brew cycle for 10 seconds and allow the machine to release pressure.”

  4. Do the on/off cycle 5 to 8 times, more if the group is dirty. Repeat 5-8 times

    From the manual: “Repeat 5-8 times, depending on how dirty your group head is.”

  5. Take the portafilter out, run the group and rinse the portafilter in the stream, then stop.

    From the manual: “Activate the brew cycle and rinse the portafilter in the stream of water from the group head.”

  6. Lock the portafilter back in with a clean blind basket and no cleaner.

    From the manual: “this time with a clean blind filter without the cleaner”

  7. Repeat the 10-second on/off cycles to flush out every trace of detergent.

    From the manual: “Repeat step 2 to rinse and ensure that no detergent residue remains.”

  8. Pull one shot of espresso and pour it away.

    From the manual: “Make and discard a shot of espresso (only for detergent backflush).”

  9. Soak the baskets and the metal part of the portafilter for 30 minutes in 6 g of Biocaf per litre of hot water, then rinse and refit. Optional

    From the manual: “for 30 minutes in 1 teaspoon (6 g) of Biocaf powder per 32 oz. (1 L) of hot water”

Sources

Researched on .

Community: the maker’s text, hosted somewhere else, usually by a retailer.

Applies to