You finally gave in and splurged on a proper espresso machine, but now you don’t know how to clean your portafilter. If you’re going to drop hundreds of dollars on an espresso machine, then learning how to properly clean and care for it is your first step to ensuring it lasts a lifetime. In this post, we’ll demonstrate how to clean your portafilter basket and some things you should avoid directly from our experts.
Why is cleaning a portafilter basket important?
Learning how to clean your portafilter is important because it’s the part of the machine that holds the espresso grounds and is where the water is pumped through. Shaped like a basket or cup with a long handle, it’s one of the most essential parts of the machine because it holds the coffee itself.
However, that also means that the oils and residue from the grounds can build up and can negatively affect the taste of your coffee making it more bitter. This can even turn into a breeding ground for mildew, which no one in their right mind wants as part of their morning routine.
How often should I clean my portafilter?
The answer to this will vary a little depending on how many shots you pull at once. In a professional coffee shop where you might be pulling hundreds of shots in a day, cleaning thoroughly after every single one isn’t feasible or realistic. At home, though, that’s your best move.
You should at least thoroughly rinse your portafilter immediately after pulling the shot, but giving it a quick wash with some dish soap and a clean rag will likely only take you a few seconds. Plus, this gets it out of the way so it’s ready to go for your next drink.
You’ll also want to give it an even deeper clean every one to two weeks using espresso machine cleaning powder or detergents like Cafiza. If you have a Pesado portafilter, regular cleanings like this can help extend its lifetime and ensure you’re making great coffee every single day.
What materials do I need to clean my portafilter?
You don’t need much to start cleaning your portafilter. For simple daily cleanings, all you need is some clean water, a clean rag, and a little unscented dish soap. For the rag, we recommend a microfiber towel because it’s less likely to leave behind any fibers as you wipe down your filter.
To deep clean it, you’ll need a detergent or powder specifically designed for espresso machines. This will help remove coffee stains and banish any lingering oil or espresso residue that might be left behind by regular soap.
How to clean a portafilter basket in 7 easy steps
For a simple way to clean your portafilter, check out our video tutorial. If you want to deep clean your portafilter basket, follow the instructions below.
Step 1: Wipe down espresso filter basket
Using a clean, microfiber towel, carefully wipe down the basket to remove any lingering bits of coffee, oil, or grime. Brush away any residue or vacuum it up with a dustbuster. If you’re having a hard time removing the basket, just use a teaspoon for a little extra leverage to pop it out.
Step 2: Remove and disassemble portafilter
Pull out your portafilter and remove any screws, base plates, and baskets until they’re in their individual parts. Pesado portafilters come with an Allen key to help you with this task, but the exact method will depend on the type of portafilter you have.
Step 3: Scrub metal surfaces with dish soap
Using a soft sponge or cloth, wash out the parts of the portafilter with a small amount of dish soap. This is best for daily cleaning. If a lot of grime and residue has accumulated over time—perhaps because you’ve forgotten to clean it in the past or didn’t know how— then you’ll need to follow steps 4 and 5.
Step 4: Submerge parts in hot water with cleaner
Take about a teaspoon of espresso machine cleaner and add it to a sink or bucket full of hot water. Dissolve the cleaner, then add your portafilter parts to soak. Remember, don’t submerge the portafilter handle! Only the metal parts of the filter should be submerged. Let it soak for at least an hour to remove all the grime and impurities.
Step 5: Rinse all parts with hot water after soaking
After soaking, rinse your portafilter again in hot water. This will help remove any lingering particles of cleaner that could negatively impact the taste of your coffee.
Step 6: Wipe parts completely dry
After rinsing, wipe everything dry with another clean towel or let it air dry until no water residue remains.
Step 7: Reassemble your portafilter
With a clean and dry portafilter, you’re ready to reassemble it. Just replace the filter basket and any other parts your particular portafilter might have required you to disassemble (base plates, screws, etc.).
What to avoid when cleaning your portafilter
To help keep your espresso machine working properly, there are also a few key things to avoid. Any of these could result in worse cups of coffee or even a defective machine.
Leaving a used puck in the portafilter
It might be tempting to leave a dirty puck in the portafilter if you’re in a rush. If you do, though, you’ll impact the taste of your next coffee and it can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew—even leading to clogs in your machine. It’s just not worth it. Even if you can’t clean your puck thoroughly, at least dump the grinds and give it a good rinse.
Not drying the portafilter
A wet portafilter might be clean, but popping it directly in your machine can lead to pre-wetted grounds. This can create channels for the water to follow, which means you won’t get an even saturation of your grounds, causing your cup of espresso to be weaker and less delicious. Make sure to thoroughly dry your portafilter before reinstalling it.
Forget to replace the portafilter filter spring every six months
Over time, your portafilter’s basket filter spring must be replaced. Not replacing a worn-out filter spring will cause your basket not to be as secure. A basket that isn’t secure may fall out when knocking out used grounds—a significantly worn-out basket may fall out during brewing. For personal use, replace your filter spring every 6-12 months; for commercial use, you’ll want a replacement every 3 months or so.
Pesado 58.5 portafilters can withstand any commercial or home use
When choosing the right portafilter for your machine, Pesado 58.5 only uses the best materials. Whether you’re looking for a hybrid, bottomless, or spouted model, Pesado has what you need to help make great coffee drinks every single day. And now that you know how to care for your portafilter, professionals and regular coffee lovers alive will be delighted at how it can elevate their cup to the next level.
