How to Backflush Your Espresso Machine

Backflushing forces hot water (and, periodically, detergent) backwards through the brew group to clear coffee oils and residue from the shower screen, holding plate, and three-way valve. This guide explains what backflushing is, when your machine qualifies, exactly how to do daily water-only cycles and monthly detergent cycles, and what to expect afterwards (like a temporarily squeaky E61 lever).Beginner: If you can lock in a portafilter and run a shot, you can perform a water backflush. Adding detergent is straightforward—just measure, run timed cycles, and rinse thoroughly. Owners of E61 machines may optionally apply food-safe cam lubricant if the lever remains squeaky after use.Backflush disc (a.k.a. blind filter)Measuring spoon or scale (to measure ~3 g / ~½ tsp detergent)Group brush and microfiber towel (for post-cycle wipe down)Urnex Cafiza (espresso machine cleaner/detergent)Backflush disc / blind basket (58 mm or size that matches your portafilter)Food-safe lubricant for E61 cam (optional; only if lever remains stiff/squeaky)Group gasket &amp; shower screen (not required for backflushing itself, but commonly serviced alongside routine cleaning)Friendly Warning: Backflushing is only for machines with a three-way group exhaust valve (solenoid or mechanical, e.g., E61). If you’re unsure your machine has one—or your manufacturer recommends against backflushing—stop and check your owner’s manual before proceeding.Detergent caution: Cafiza is a cleaner; keep it away from eyes/skin and never ingest. Rinse thoroughly afterward so no detergent remains in the brew path.Heat &amp; PrepBring the machine fully up to temperature.Install Blind FilterRemove your regular basket if needed (use a basket ejector tool if it’s stuck). Insert the backflush disc into the portafilter.Dose DetergentAdd ~3 g (about ½ tsp) of Cafiza to the blind basket.Lock In &amp; Pressurize (10 seconds on)Lock the portafilter into the group. Activate the brew switch/lever for 10 seconds. Pressure will rise; nothing should come out of the portafilter spouts.Release (5 seconds off)Stop the brew. You’ll see soapy foam discharge into the drip tray via the relief tube. Wait 5 seconds.Repeat Cycles (x5)Repeat 10 seconds on / 5 seconds off for a total of five detergent cycles.Seeing brown foam is normal—those are dissolved coffee oils.Rinse Portafilter &amp; GroupRemove the portafilter. Dump out any detergent residue. Rinse the basket thoroughly and briefly flush the group.Water Rinse Cycles (x5)Reinstall the clean blind basket without detergent and run five more cycles of 10 seconds on / 5 seconds off with water only.The discharge should become clear by the 5th cycle. If you still see soap, run a couple extra water cycles.Final Flush &amp; Optional Sacrificial ShotRemove the portafilter and do a quick open-group flush. Some users like to pull one sacrificial shot afterward to ensure the path is squeaky clean.When you’re done brewing for the day:Insert the blind filter (no detergent).Run five cycles of 10 seconds on / 5 seconds off.Brush and wipe the shower screen and group gasket clean.A temporarily stiff or squeaky lever can happen after detergent backflushing because cleaning removes lubricating coffee oils. It usually resolves after a few shots.If it persists, apply a small amount of food-safe lubricant to the E61 cam following your machine’s service guidance.Daily: Water-only backflush (5 cycles) + wipe/brush the group.Monthly (regular home use): Full detergent backflush (5 detergent cycles + 5 water cycles).

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