How to Clean Your La Marzocco Linea Mini | Step-by-Step Guide

How to Clean Your La Marzocco Linea Mini | Step-by-Step Guide

A Step-by-Step Guide for Daily & Weekly Care


The La Marzocco Linea Mini is built to deliver café-quality espresso at home or in small commercial settings. Like any espresso machine, however, it will only perform at its best if it’s cleaned regularly and correctly.

In this guide, we walk through a simple, repeatable cleaning routine to help you keep your Linea Mini running smoothly, producing great-tasting coffee, and staying reliable for years to come.

Why Cleaning Your Linea Mini Matters

Regular cleaning directly affects:

  • ☕ Flavour – old coffee oils cause bitterness and dullness

  • ⚙️ Consistency – dirty groups affect flow and extraction

  • 🔧 Machine lifespan – prevents blockages and wear

  • 👩🍳 Daily workflow – a clean machine is faster and easier to use

Cleaning isn’t just maintenance — it’s part of making great coffee.

How Often Should You Clean?

We recommend:

  • ✅ After every session: Quick wipe-down and purge

  • ✅ Daily: Group head, portafilter, steam wand, drip tray

  • ✅ Weekly: Backflush with detergent and deeper clean

What You’ll Need

Before you start:

  • Blind filter basket

  • Espresso machine cleaning detergent

  • Group head brush

  • Clean cloths

  • Small container for soaking parts

Step-by-Step: Cleaning the Linea Mini

1. Clean the Group Head

  • Flush water through the group

  • Use a group brush to remove coffee residue

  • Wipe the gasket and screen area

This prevents buildup that can cause uneven extraction.

2. Backflush the Machine

Water only (daily):

  • Insert blind basket

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

With detergent (weekly):

  • Add a small amount of espresso cleaner

  • Run the same cycle

  • Rinse thoroughly with clean water

Never leave detergent sitting in the group head.

3. Clean Portafilter & Baskets

  • Remove baskets from portafilter

  • Soak baskets and spouts in hot water with cleaner

  • Do not soak portafilter handles

  • Rinse and dry thoroughly

4. Clean the Steam Wand

  • Purge steam before wiping

  • Wipe immediately after use

  • Remove and soak steam tip if needed

  • Purge again once refitted

Milk residue hardens quickly — this step is essential.

5. Drip Tray & Water Tank

  • Empty and wash the drip tray

  • Check and clean the water tank if removable

  • Dry thoroughly before refitting

6. Wipe Down the Exterior

  • Use a clean, damp cloth

  • Wipe panels, cup tray, and controls

  • Avoid abrasive cloths or chemicals

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping backflushing

  • Using too much detergent

  • Forgetting to rinse thoroughly

  • Leaving milk residue on steam wands

  • Cleaning only when something “goes wrong”

Make It a Habit

A well-maintained Linea Mini:

  • Produces better-tasting coffee

  • Is more consistent day to day

  • Lasts longer with fewer issues

  • Makes brewing more enjoyable

A few minutes of cleaning goes a long way.

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