A Sage coffee machine (also known as Breville in some regions) is a high-performance espresso maker designed for barista-quality coffee at home. But like any precision machine, it needs regular cleaning and maintenance to function properly. Whether you own the Sage Barista Express, Barista Pro, Dual Boiler, or Oracle Touch, keeping it clean ensures better coffee taste, longer lifespan, and consistent performance.

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of cleaning a Sage coffee machine, from daily wipe-downs to deep cleaning cycles and descaling.

🧽 Why Cleaning Matters

Over time, coffee oils, milk residue, and limescale can build up inside your machine, affecting taste and performance. Neglecting routine cleaning can lead to:

  • Bitter-tasting coffee
  • Clogged group heads or steam wands
  • Reduced water pressure
  • Machine breakdowns or error messages

With regular cleaning, your Sage machine can deliver smooth, café-style coffee every day.

🔧 What You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following supplies:

  • Soft microfiber cloths
  • Warm water
  • Sage/Breville cleaning tablets
  • Descaling solution (Sage brand or approved alternative)
  • Backflush disc (rubber cleaning disc)
  • Cleaning brush
  • Empty portafilter
  • Jug or container for descaling

🔄 Daily Cleaning Routine

After each use, complete the following steps:

✅ 1. Purge and Clean the Steam Wand

  • Immediately after steaming milk, wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth.
  • Turn it on briefly to purge leftover milk inside.
  • Use a steam wand cleaning tool or pin to remove blockages from the nozzle once a week.

✅ 2. Empty and Rinse the Portafilter and Filter Basket

  • Remove any leftover coffee puck from the portafilter.
  • Rinse with warm water and wipe dry. Avoid using soap as it can affect flavor.

✅ 3. Wipe the Drip Tray and Exterior

  • Remove and rinse the drip tray.
  • Wipe down the drip tray sensor, which alerts you when it’s full.
  • Clean the outer surfaces of your machine with a soft cloth.

🧼 Weekly Deep Cleaning Steps

Set aside 15–20 minutes once a week for more thorough cleaning.

🧴 1. Backflushing with Cleaning Tablets

Backflushing helps clean the group head, internal valves, and solenoid.

How to do it:

  1. Insert the rubber backflush disc into your portafilter basket.
  2. Place a Sage cleaning tablet on top.
  3. Lock the portafilter into the group head.
  4. Press the cleaning cycle or manual button combination (see your model’s manual).
  5. Let the machine run its backflush cycle—this usually takes a few minutes.
  6. Repeat with plain water to rinse.

⚠️ Note: Always use official Sage cleaning tablets to avoid residue or malfunction.

Checkout: How to Make Coffee with a French Press

🧼 2. Clean the Grinder and Hopper

  • Remove beans from the bean hopper.
  • Use a brush or vacuum to remove leftover grounds.
  • Wipe the burrs gently with a dry cloth. Do not use water inside the grinder.

Read More: How to Use a Coffee Brewer

💧 How to Descale Your Sage Coffee Machine

Descaling removes limescale buildup in your machine’s internal pipes, boiler, and pump system—especially important in hard water areas.

When to Descale:

  • Every 2–3 months or as recommended by the machine
  • When prompted by the descale alert (varies by model)

Descaling Steps:

  1. Empty the water tank and remove the water filter (if used).
  2. Fill the tank with a Sage descaling solution mixed with water.
  3. Place a large jug under the group head and steam wand.
  4. Start the descale cycle (follow on-screen instructions or user manual).
  5. Let the solution run through both group head and steam wand.
  6. Rinse by filling the tank with fresh water and repeating the cycle.

✅ Always rinse thoroughly after descaling to avoid chemical taste in your coffee.

More about: How to Descale Your DeLonghi Coffee Machine

☕ Monthly Maintenance Tips

  • Clean the shower screen inside the group head with a soft brush
  • Replace water filters every 2–3 months for better flavor and less limescale
  • Check the drip tray sensors and clean off any buildup
  • Use cleaning tablets regularly to keep the system residue-free

More About: How to Get Coffee Stains Out

🔧 Troubleshooting Cleaning Issues

Problem: “Clean Me” light won’t turn off
Solution: Complete a full backflush cycle using a cleaning tablet. Repeat if necessary.

Problem: Steam wand blocked
Solution: Soak the wand tip in hot water or use a cleaning pin to clear blockages.

Problem: Coffee tastes sour or bitter
Solution: Clean the portafilter, backflush the group head, and ensure the grinder is free of stale grounds.

Problem: Low pressure during extraction
Solution: Check for scale buildup and run a full descale cycle.

Checkout: Top 5 Coffee Shops in Rhyl

✅ Final Thoughts

Cleaning your Sage coffee machine may seem like a chore, but it’s the key to enjoying consistently delicious, barista-quality coffee at home. With daily wipe-downs, weekly cleaning cycles, and occasional descaling, your machine will stay in peak condition—and your taste buds will thank you.

Whether you’re pulling rich espresso shots or steaming silky milk for lattes, a clean machine is the foundation of every great cup.

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)

How often should I clean my Sage coffee machine?

You should perform daily cleaning after each use (e.g., rinsing the portafilter, purging the steam wand), weekly deep cleaning with a backflush using cleaning tablets, and descaling every 2–3 months depending on your water hardness and usage.

What cleaning products should I use for a Sage machine?

Use Sage-branded cleaning tablets for backflushing, a descaling solution (such as Sage’s own or an approved citric acid-based descaler), and a soft cloth for wiping down the exterior. Avoid harsh chemicals or vinegar, especially for models with sensitive internal parts.

How do I know when to descale my Sage coffee machine?

Many Sage models like the Barista Pro or Oracle Touch display a “Descale” alert on the screen. If your model doesn’t, descale every 2–3 months, or more often if you live in a hard water area or notice reduced steam pressure or bitter-tasting coffee.

Why is my steam wand blocked and how do I fix it?

Milk residue can clog the steam wand. After each use, wipe it down and purge steam. If blocked, soak the wand in hot water and use the cleaning pin (included with your machine) to clear the nozzle. For stubborn buildup, run a steam cycle with water and descale if needed.

How do I perform a backflush on a Sage machine?

Insert the rubber cleaning disc into the portafilter, place a cleaning tablet on top, lock it into the group head, and activate the cleaning cycle (varies by model). The machine will cycle water through the group head to clean internal valves. Follow with a rinse cycle using clean water.