Pour Over Drippers (Weekly)
Rinse your V60, Chemex, or Kalita Wave with hot water after every brew. Once a week, soak it in a solution of hot water and a tablespoon of baking soda for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This dissolves the oil film that builds up on glass and ceramic surfaces. For Chemex specifically, a bottle brush handles the narrow neck where oils accumulate.
Grinders (Monthly)
Grinders need the most attention because stale grounds sit in the burrs between uses. Once a month, run Grindz cleaning tablets (or dry rice in a pinch) through the grinder. This absorbs oils and pushes out stuck particles. Follow with a round of beans to clear any residue.
Every 3 to 6 months, disassemble the burrs if your grinder allows it. Brush out accumulated fines with a stiff paintbrush or dedicated grinder brush. The amount of coffee dust packed into the crevices will surprise you.
Gooseneck Kettles (Monthly)
Scale builds up inside kettles even with filtered water. Fill the kettle with equal parts water and white vinegar. Bring to a boil, let sit for 30 minutes, then dump and rinse with clean water. Boil one more round of plain water to clear any vinegar taste. Do this monthly if you have hard water, every 2 to 3 months with filtered water.
Espresso Machines (Critical)
Espresso machines are the most maintenance-intensive coffee equipment. The combination of high pressure, high temperature, and fine grounds creates ideal conditions for oil buildup and scale formation.
Daily: Run a blank shot (water only, no coffee) through the group head after your last espresso. Wipe the portafilter basket and gasket.
Weekly: Backflush with espresso machine cleaner (Cafiza or similar). Insert a blind basket, add a teaspoon of cleaner, and run the pump for 10 seconds on, 10 seconds off, five cycles. Then flush with plain water until the backflush runs clear.
Every 2 to 3 months: Descale the boiler. Use a manufacturer-recommended descaling solution. This is not optional. Scale reduces heating efficiency, affects water flow, and eventually causes component failure. A full descale takes 20 to 30 minutes.
French Press (After Every Use)
Disassemble the plunger completely. The mesh screen traps oils that go rancid quickly. Wash all three screen pieces with dish soap and hot water. A French press that smells like old coffee when you sniff the plunger needs a deeper clean: soak the disassembled plunger in a baking soda solution overnight.