Great Espresso Starts with a Clean Espresso Machine

Many coffee professionals invest in premium coffee beans, high-end grinders and commercial espresso machines, yet one essential element is often underestimated: regular espresso machine cleaning.

Even the most advanced espresso machine cannot consistently produce outstanding espresso if oxidised coffee oils and coffee residues have accumulated inside the brew group, shower screen, portafilter and three-way solenoid valve.

In everyday coffee service, one of the most common reasons why espresso gradually becomes bitter, loses sweetness or develops unpleasant flavours is not the coffee itself—but insufficient machine maintenance.

PULY CAFF Plus Powder 900 g is one of the world's most recognised professional espresso machine cleaning detergents, specifically formulated for Backflush cleaning and for removing coffee oils from the brewing circuit.

What Happens Inside an Espresso Machine?

Every espresso extraction leaves behind microscopic traces of coffee oils and fine coffee particles. While the coffee itself ends up in the cup, part of its natural oils remain attached to the internal metal components of the machine.

These deposits build up on:

• the brew group;
• the shower screen;
• the portafilter;
• filter baskets;
• the three-way solenoid valve;
• other coffee-contact components.

Initially these residues are almost invisible. After dozens or hundreds of extractions, however, they oxidise and begin affecting every espresso that follows.

The result may include:

• bitter espresso;
• burnt flavours;
• unstable crema;
• reduced aroma clarity;
• uneven water flow;
• persistent stale coffee smell.

Although the espresso machine may appear perfectly clean from the outside, coffee oils hidden inside the brewing system continue influencing extraction quality every single day.

Why Water Alone Is Not Enough

Rinsing the group with water removes loose coffee grounds, but water alone cannot dissolve oxidised coffee oils bonded to metal surfaces.

These oils gradually polymerise into stubborn deposits that become increasingly difficult to remove without a detergent specifically developed for espresso machines.

PULY CAFF Plus is formulated to dissolve coffee oils quickly and efficiently while remaining safe for the metal components found in professional espresso machines when used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

After proper rinsing, no cleaning residues remain to affect the flavour of future extractions.

What Is Backflush?

Backflush is the standard cleaning procedure recommended for professional and semi-professional espresso machines equipped with a three-way solenoid valve.

Using a blind filter together with a professional espresso machine cleaner, the brewing circuit is cleaned internally by circulating detergent through the brew group and valve system.

This process removes accumulated coffee oils and brewing residues from areas that cannot be cleaned by simple rinsing.

Regular Backflush cleaning is considered one of the most important preventive maintenance procedures in specialty coffee shops and is recommended by most professional espresso machine manufacturers.

Why Professionals Choose PULY CAFF Plus

PULY has earned an outstanding international reputation among baristas, coffee technicians and specialty coffee professionals by focusing exclusively on coffee equipment maintenance.

The 900 g version is particularly appreciated by busy cafés, restaurants, hotels and service technicians because it provides excellent value while supporting hundreds of professional cleaning cycles.

For high-volume coffee environments, routine cleaning is not simply maintenance—it is an essential part of delivering consistent espresso quality every day.

How Does PULY CAFF Plus Work?

PULY CAFF Plus is specifically formulated to remove oxidised coffee oils, fine coffee particles and organic residues that accumulate inside the brewing system after repeated espresso extractions.

Unlike general-purpose cleaners, it is designed for the type of deposits created by coffee and for the professional cleaning procedures used in espresso machine maintenance.

Its controlled powder structure dissolves quickly in water and distributes evenly during the Backflush cycle. When used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and followed by complete rinsing, it helps clean the brewing circuit without leaving residues that could affect the taste or aroma of the next espresso.

Which Espresso Machine Components Can It Clean?

Used correctly, PULY CAFF Plus helps remove coffee oils and brewing residues from the main components that come into contact with coffee during extraction.

Espresso Machine Compatibility

PULY CAFF Plus is suitable for most professional and semi-professional espresso machines that support a Backflush procedure.

It may be used with compatible machines and groups from brands such as:

• La Marzocco
• Victoria Arduino
• Nuova Simonelli
• Faema
• Rancilio
• Rocket Espresso
• Lelit
• ECM
• Profitec
• Bezzera
• Ascaso
• Sanremo
• Slayer
• Synesso
• Gaggia
• and many other machines designed for Backflush cleaning.

Important: Compatibility depends on the specific machine model, not only on the brand. Always check the espresso machine manual before using a blind filter or starting a detergent Backflush cycle.

Recommended Espresso Machine Maintenance Schedule

The correct cleaning frequency depends on the number of drinks prepared, the coffee used and the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.

Daily maintenance

• Perform a water-only Backflush as required during service.
• Carry out detergent Backflush according to the machine manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Brush and rinse the brew group.
• Clean the portafilter and filter baskets.
• Rinse visible coffee residues from the shower screen.

Weekly maintenance

• Soak the metal section of the portafilter.
• Soak filter baskets and the blind filter.
• Clean accessible removable coffee-contact components.
• Inspect the shower screen for stubborn deposits.

Periodic maintenance

• Inspect group gaskets for wear or deformation.
• Check the shower screen and dispersion components.
• Verify that water flow remains even.
• Schedule technical service when cleaning no longer restores normal performance.

A consistent maintenance routine helps preserve espresso quality, supports reliable machine operation and may reduce avoidable service interventions caused by accumulated coffee residues.

How to Perform a Detergent Backflush

1. Remove the standard filter basket from the portafilter.
2. Insert a compatible blind filter.
3. Add the amount of PULY CAFF Plus specified on the product label or in the espresso machine instructions.
4. Lock the portafilter securely into the brew group.
5. Start the Backflush sequence recommended by the machine manufacturer.
6. Repeat the cleaning cycles only as instructed.
7. Remove and rinse the portafilter and blind filter thoroughly.
8. Perform the required number of clean-water Backflush cycles until all detergent has been removed.
9. Flush the group with fresh water before preparing the next drink.

Do not increase the dosage in the belief that more powder will produce better cleaning. Excess detergent may make rinsing more difficult and does not replace correct cleaning cycles.

Cleaning Portafilters and Filter Baskets by Soaking

PULY CAFF Plus can also be used to clean removable metal parts such as portafilter heads and filter baskets, following the dilution and soaking instructions provided by the manufacturer.

• Prepare the cleaning solution using the recommended dosage.
• Immerse only suitable metal coffee-contact components.
• Do not automatically submerge plastic, wooden, painted or decorative handles.
• Do not exceed the recommended soaking time.
• Rinse every component thoroughly with clean water before reinstalling it.

Always check the component manufacturer’s instructions if you are uncertain whether a specific finish or material may be immersed.

Why Does NSF Certification Matter?

PULY CAFF Plus carries an NSF certification, a recognised international reference in food-equipment sanitation.

For a professional espresso machine cleaner, this certification is relevant because the product is used on equipment and components that come into contact with beverages.

It indicates that the product has been evaluated for its intended use under defined conditions. It does not remove the need to:

• use the correct dosage;
• follow the espresso machine manufacturer’s instructions;
• perform complete rinsing cycles;
• observe all safety warnings on the packaging.

When used and rinsed correctly, PULY CAFF Plus supports professional cleaning without leaving residues that could interfere with the next coffee preparation.

Why Choose the 900 g Professional Format?

The 900 g format is intended for users who perform espresso machine cleaning frequently, including cafés, restaurants, hotels, roasteries, training centres and espresso machine service technicians.

Compared with smaller packs, it offers practical advantages for high-consumption environments:

• lower packaging frequency;
• more cleaning cycles per container;
• better suitability for multi-group espresso machines;
• reduced risk of running out during daily maintenance;
• convenient stock planning for professional operations.

The exact number of cleaning cycles depends on the dosage used, the maintenance frequency and the number of brew groups being cleaned.

Key Product Features

• Brand: PULY.
• Product: CAFF Plus.
• Format: Professional cleaning powder.
• Net weight: 900 g.
• Primary use: Espresso machine Backflush cleaning.
• Helps remove oxidised coffee oils and organic residues.
• Suitable for portafilters, baskets and compatible removable metal parts.
• NSF certified.
• Made in Italy.
• Recommended for frequent professional maintenance.

Signs Your Espresso Machine Needs Cleaning

Coffee oils and brewing residues are not always visible. Even if your espresso machine looks spotless from the outside, hidden deposits inside the brew group and brewing circuit can gradually affect every espresso you prepare.

Common signs that indicate your machine may require a thorough cleaning include:

• Espresso tastes noticeably more bitter than usual.
• Burnt or stale coffee aromas remain after extraction.
• Crema becomes thinner or disappears more quickly.
• Flavour loses clarity and sweetness.
• Water flow becomes inconsistent.
• Oily deposits appear on the portafilter or filter baskets.
• Coffee residues remain visible on the shower screen.
• The brew group develops a persistent stale coffee smell.

Before changing your coffee beans, adjusting the grinder or modifying your espresso recipe, it is worth checking whether the machine simply needs proper cleaning.

What PULY CAFF Plus Does NOT Do

PULY CAFF Plus is specifically formulated to remove coffee oils and organic brewing residues. It is not intended to repair damaged machine components or replace professional servicing.

It will not repair:

• Worn or damaged group gaskets.
• Broken or clogged shower screens.
• Faulty solenoid valves.
• Pump pressure problems.
• Electronic failures.
• Damaged internal components.
• Heavy limescale deposits inside the boiler or water circuit.

If cleaning does not restore normal espresso quality or machine performance, the equipment should be inspected by a qualified espresso machine technician.

Coffee Oil Cleaning vs Descaling

Many users confuse coffee residue cleaning with descaling, but these are two completely different maintenance procedures.

PULY CAFF Plus removes:

• Oxidised coffee oils.
• Coffee residues.
• Organic deposits inside the brewing circuit.
• Residues from brew groups, portafilters and filter baskets.

It does not remove:

• Limescale.
• Mineral deposits.
• Calcium build-up inside boilers.
• Water scale inside hydraulic systems.

For descaling, always use a dedicated descaling product approved for your espresso machine and follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions.

The KOHRconcept Professional Recommendation

Based on our experience working with cafés, restaurants, baristas and coffee professionals, one situation appears surprisingly often.

When espresso quality suddenly changes, most users immediately blame the coffee beans, the grinder or the brewing recipe.

However, one of the first things worth checking is the cleaning routine.

A brew group contaminated with oxidised coffee oils can significantly influence flavour, aroma and extraction consistency even when the espresso machine appears perfectly clean.

Regular Backflush cleaning with a dedicated espresso machine cleaner helps maintain consistent coffee quality while reducing unnecessary service visits caused by insufficient maintenance.

Why Not Use a General-Purpose Cleaner?

Household or multi-purpose detergents are not formulated for coffee oils or espresso machine brewing systems.

Using an unsuitable cleaner may result in:

• Excessive foaming.
• Difficult rinsing.
• Persistent chemical odours.
• Unwanted flavours in espresso.
• Possible damage to seals or sensitive materials.
• Poor removal of oxidised coffee oils.

PULY CAFF Plus has been specifically developed for professional espresso machine maintenance and for the type of organic deposits created during coffee extraction.

Who Is It Recommended For?

• Specialty coffee shops.
• Commercial cafés.
• Restaurants.
• Hotels.
• Professional baristas.
• Coffee roasteries.
• Espresso machine service technicians.
• Coffee training centres.
• Home baristas using compatible espresso machines.

The 900 g professional format is particularly suitable for businesses performing routine daily or weekly espresso machine maintenance.

Who Is It NOT Intended For?

PULY CAFF Plus is not designed for:

• Dishwashing.
• Cleaning external machine surfaces.
• General kitchen cleaning.
• Steam wand milk circuit cleaning.
• Milk residue removal.
• Limescale removal.
• General household cleaning.

Milk systems require a dedicated milk cleaner specifically formulated to remove milk proteins and milk fats.

Why Does Espresso Become Bitter?

A bitter espresso is not always caused by dark roasted coffee or incorrect extraction.

Old coffee oils trapped inside the brew group gradually oxidise and can contaminate every new extraction with stale flavours.

Possible causes include:

• Dirty brew group.
• Dirty portafilter.
• Coffee oils on the shower screen.
• Over-extraction.
• Grind too fine.
• Water temperature too high.
• Old or poorly stored coffee beans.

PULY CAFF Plus helps eliminate bitterness caused by accumulated coffee residues, but it cannot compensate for poor coffee quality or incorrect brewing parameters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use PULY CAFF Plus every day?
Yes. Daily use is common in commercial coffee environments when recommended by the espresso machine manufacturer.

Is it compatible with E61 groups?
Yes, provided the machine supports Backflush cleaning.

Can I use it with Lelit espresso machines?
Yes, for compatible models that allow Backflush cleaning.

Can I use it with Rocket Espresso machines?
Yes, following Rocket Espresso maintenance recommendations.

Can I use it with Gaggia machines?
Only compatible models equipped for Backflush procedures.

Does it work with Sage or Breville machines?
Some models support cleaning cycles with blind filters. Always consult your owner's manual.

Is it safe for stainless steel?
Yes, when used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Can I soak portafilters and baskets?
Yes. Metal coffee-contact components may be cleaned by soaking using the recommended dilution.

Should I soak the complete portafilter?
Normally only the metal section should be immersed unless the portafilter manufacturer specifically states otherwise.

Does it clean the solenoid valve?
Yes. During Backflush, the cleaning solution circulates through the brew group and three-way valve.

Does it clean the shower screen?
Yes, although periodic manual brushing or removal may still be recommended.

How much detergent should I use?
Always follow the dosage instructions printed on the packaging and those supplied by the espresso machine manufacturer.

Should I rinse thoroughly afterwards?
Absolutely. Complete rinsing cycles are essential after every detergent cleaning procedure.

Does it leave any taste or smell?
No, provided the recommended dosage and complete rinsing procedure are followed.

Does it remove limescale?
No. A dedicated descaling product is required for mineral scale removal.

Can it clean milk systems?
No. Milk systems require specialised milk cleaning detergents.

Can I use it at home?
Yes, provided your espresso machine supports Backflush or you are cleaning compatible removable metal components.

Safety Information

WARNING: Professional espresso machine cleaning detergent.

• Wear protective gloves and eye protection.
• Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
• Do not inhale dust.
• Do not ingest.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not mix with other cleaning chemicals.
• Always follow the safety instructions on the packaging.
• Thoroughly rinse all cleaned components before preparing beverages.

If the product comes into contact with the eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of clean water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing and seek medical advice if irritation persists.