Quick answer
To keep your Breville coffee brewer performing at its best, clean the removable parts after every use and descale the machine every 2–3 months, or more often if you have hard water.
Why regular cleaning and descaling matters
Coffee contains natural oils that can cling to the brewer's internal parts and the carafe, leaving a bitter taste in your next cup. Mineral deposits from water, called scale, can build up inside the heating element and reduce the machine's efficiency, causing longer brew times and higher energy use.
Descaling also helps your brewer reach the right water temperature for optimal extraction. If you notice your coffee tastes off or the brew time has slowed, it's a clear sign that scale has built up and it's time to descale.
What you'll need
You'll need a descaling solution approved for coffee machines (or a homemade mix of equal parts white vinegar and water), fresh water, and a soft cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers on any part of the brewer, as they can scratch surfaces and leave residue.
Always check your brewer's manual for the manufacturer's descaling recommendation, as some machines have specific instructions or require a particular type of descaler.
Step-by-step cleaning and descaling process
- Unplug and disassemble: Turn off and unplug your Breville coffee brewer. Remove the carafe, filter basket, and any removable parts. Wash them in warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Let them air dry. Never put the carafe or filter basket in the dishwasher unless the manual explicitly says it's safe.
- Prepare the descaling solution: Fill the water reservoir with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water, or use a commercial descaling solution according to the package instructions. Ensure the solution level is within the reservoir's max line. If you have hard water, consider descaling monthly instead of every 2–3 months.
- Run the descaling cycle: Place the empty carafe back in position and start a brew cycle without coffee grounds. Let the solution run through the machine. When the cycle finishes, discard the solution from the carafe. Do not stop the cycle midway; let the solution sit in the machine for the recommended time to dissolve scale effectively.
- Rinse with fresh water: Fill the reservoir with clean, fresh water and run at least two full brew cycles without coffee to flush out any remaining vinegar or descaling solution. Discard the water after each cycle. A slight vinegar smell may linger; run an extra rinse cycle if needed.
- Clean the exterior and carafe: Wipe the exterior of the brewer with a damp cloth and dry it. Clean the carafe thoroughly with warm, soapy water, and rinse well. For glass carafes, use a soft sponge to avoid scratches. Check the carafe for any coffee stains or residue before storing.
- Reassemble and run a test brew: Reattach all cleaned parts and fill the reservoir with fresh water. Run a brew cycle with coffee grounds to confirm the machine is working properly and the water tastes clean. If the water still tastes off, run another rinse cycle before brewing your next cup.
Product spotlight
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the Luxe Brewer™ Glass: The Luxe Brewer™ Glass features a built-in heater plate to keep your brew hot and offers versatile brewing options including Cold Brew and Custom settings. Regular descaling ensures the heater plate and internal components work efficiently, so your coffee stays at the ideal temperature and the machine delivers consistent results.
the Luxe Brewer™ Glass
