How to Clean a La Marzocco Linea PB (End-of-Day Routine)

How to Clean a La Marzocco Linea PB (End-of-Day Routine)

How to Clean a La Marzocco Linea PB


End-of-Day Barista Routine for Consistent Espresso

A great coffee day doesn’t end with the last flat white — it ends with a proper clean-down.

The La Marzocco Linea PB is a reliable, high-performance espresso machine, but it only delivers great coffee when it’s cleaned correctly at the end of every day.

In this guide (and the video below), we walk through a simple, repeatable end-of-day cleaning routine every barista should follow.

👉 Watch the full step-by-step video here:
How to Clean a La Marzocco Linea PB – End-of-Day Routine

Why End-of-Day Cleaning Matters

Daily cleaning directly affects:

  • ☕ Taste – old coffee oils cause bitterness

  • ⚙️ Consistency – dirty groups affect flow and pressure

  • 🔧 Machine lifespan – reduces wear and blockages

  • 👩🍳 Morning workflow – faster, smoother opens

Skipping close-down cleaning is one of the quickest ways to compromise coffee quality.

What You’ll Need

  • Blind filter basket

  • Espresso machine cleaning detergent

  • Group head brush

  • Clean cloths

  • Small container for soaking parts

Step-by-Step: Linea PB End-of-Day Cleaning

1. Backflush with Water

  • Insert blind basket

  • Run 5 cycles of 5 seconds on / 5 seconds off

  • Repeat for each group

2. Backflush with Detergent

  • Add a small amount of cleaner to the blind basket

  • Run 5 cycles of 5 seconds on / 5 seconds off

  • Remove portafilter and rinse

  • Flush group with clean water until foam is gone

⚠️ Never leave detergent in the group head.

3. Clean Portafilters & Baskets

  • Remove baskets from portafilters

  • Soak baskets and spouts only (not handles)

  • Rinse and dry thoroughly

4. Clean Shower Screens & Group Seals

  • Brush screens while flushing water

  • Remove trapped grounds around the gasket

5. Steam Wand Cleaning

  • Purge before cleaning

  • Wipe thoroughly with a clean cloth

  • Remove and soak tips if needed

  • Purge again after refitting

Milk residue hardens quickly — don’t skip this step.

6. Drip Tray & Exterior

  • Empty and wash drip tray and waste box

  • Wipe group fronts, paddles, steam arms, panels, and cup tray

7. Final Rinse & Ready for Tomorrow

  • Run a final water-only backflush

  • Lock clean portafilters into the group heads

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using too much detergent

  • Forgetting to rinse after cleaning

  • Soaking portafilter handles

  • Leaving milk on steam wands overnight

  • Skipping cleaning on quieter days

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