If you are a proud owner of a Breville Barista Express, you know the joy of making the perfect cup of coffee in your kitchen. However, what do you do when you see the Breville Barista Express clean light solid?
In this comprehensive guide, we will explain what the solid clean light on your Barista Express means and walk you through the steps to fix the issue. By the end, you should be back to enjoying your favorite brews with peace of mind.
What Does The Breville Barista Express Solid Clean Light Mean?
The solid clean light on your Breville Barista Express is more than just an indicator; it is a crucial call to action. This light illuminates solidly to inform you that it’s time for a cleaning cycle.
Why is this important? Regular cleaning is vital for maintaining the longevity and performance of your espresso machine. It ensures that coffee oils, residues, and mineral build-ups are effectively removed, keeping your coffee tasting great and your machine functioning smoothly.
Not A Cause For Alarm
It is essential to understand that the solid clean light on your Breville Barista Express is a normal part of your machine’s maintenance cycle. It is not an indication of a malfunction or a serious problem.
Perform Regular Cleaning Cycle
Regular cleaning is not just about keeping your machine looking good; it is essential for its optimal functioning. Over time, coffee oils and residues build up, which can impact the taste of your coffee and the efficiency of your espresso machine.
Steps To Conduct A Cleaning Cycle
- Start by turning off your machine and gathering your cleaning tools – Breville cleaning tablets, the cleaning disc, and the portafilter.
- Place the cleaning disc in the portafilter. Add one Breville cleaning tablet to the center of the disc.
- Insert the portafilter into the group head. Press and hold the power button, the 1 cup, and the 2 cup buttons at the same time for about 10 seconds to start the cleaning cycle.
- The machine will run the cleaning cycle for about 5 minutes. During this period, it will intermittently release water and steam to clean its internals.
- After the cycle, remove the portafilter and thoroughly rinse it. If your machine has been neglected for a while, consider running the cleaning cycle twice.
- Run a cycle with just water to flush out any residual cleaning solution.
Descale The Machine
Descaling is critical, especially in areas with hard water. Mineral deposits can accumulate over time, affecting the machine’s performance and the quality of your espresso.
Descaling Process
To descale your Breville Barista Express coffee machine, follow these easy steps:
1. Start by getting your machine ready for descaling.
2. Make a descaling solution by dissolving a Breville Descaling Powder sachet in one liter of water. Pour this into the water tank of your coffee machine.
3. To enter the descaling mode, press and hold both the 2-CUP and POWER buttons at the same time. Wait for the machine to warm up. You will know it’s ready for descaling when several buttons (POWER, 1 CUP, and the CLEAN/DESCALE and HOT WATER/STEAM indicators) are all lit up steadily.
4. Press the 1-CUP button to start descaling the coffee-making part of your machine. This takes about 25 seconds. The button will flash as it works and then stay on when it is done. If you need to stop it early, just press the 1 CUP button again.
5. To descale the steam part, turn the steam dial to the right, towards the steam symbol. This should take about 13 seconds.
6. Next, descale the hot water part by turning the steam dial to the left, towards the hot water symbol. This is a quick 8-second process.
7. You will need to repeat steps 4 to 6 until you have used up about half of the descaling solution in the tank.
8. After descaling, it is important to rinse the machine. Remove the water tank, clean it, and fill it with 2 liters of fresh, cold water. Put it back in the machine and repeat steps 4 to 6 to rinse out any leftover descaling solution.
9. Finally, press the POWER button to finish the descaling process. The machine will turn off its LED lights, signaling that the process is complete.
And there you have it – your coffee machine is now descaled and ready to use!
Check And Clean The Filters
Filters can become clogged with coffee grounds and oils, leading to pressure issues and affecting the brew quality.
Clean The Filters
- Remove the filters from the portafilter.
- Soak the filters in warm, soapy water and gently scrub them to remove any buildup.
- Rinse the filters thoroughly and let them dry before placing them back in the machine.
Tips for Maintenance
- Sticking to a regular cleaning schedule can prevent the build-up of residues and oils, which can affect the taste of your coffee and the performance of your machine.
- Always use Breville’s recommended cleaning tablets and descaling solutions for optimal results.
Frequently Asked Questions
A blinking power light on your Breville Barista Express typically indicates that the machine is heating up. This is a normal part of the process as it prepares to brew your coffee or steam your milk. It should become steady once the machine reaches the optimal temperature.
The solid clean light is a reminder for a cleaning or descaling cycle. Simply run a cleaning cycle using Breville cleaning tablets. If the light remains on after cleaning, make sure that you have properly rinsed the machine by running a cycle with just water.
When both ‘1 cup’ and ‘2 cup’ buttons flash, it is time to descale your machine. This is crucial in areas with hard water, as mineral build-up can affect the machine’s performance. Use a Breville-recommended descaling solution and follow the instructions in your manual.
Yes, you can still use your machine if the pressure gauge light is not working. However, the light is helpful in ensuring the correct brewing pressure, so consider contacting Breville support for guidance on fixing or replacing the light.
If no lights are on, first make sure your machine is plugged in properly and the power outlet is working. If the machine is still unresponsive, it could be an electrical issue, and it is best to contact Breville support or a professional for assistance.
The frequency of the clean light depends on usage, but typically it should illuminate after around 200 cycles. Regular cleaning helps maintain optimal performance and coffee quality.
A flashing steam light indicates that the machine is either heating up or cooling down to reach the ideal temperature for steam. This is a normal part of operation, and the light should become steady once the temperature is stabilized.
Conclusion
Dealing with a Breville Barista Express clean light solid is straightforward. By understanding what it means and how to fix it, you can make sure your machine continues to produce delicious, high-quality espresso.
Remember, regular maintenance is key to the longevity of your espresso machine. So, when that light comes on, take it as a friendly reminder from your Barista Express.
