How to Clean and Maintain Your Faema Machine: Pro Tips for Longevity

Apr 30, 2025

Owning a Faema espresso machine means you have a premium piece of equipment designed for top-tier performance. However, like any high-quality coffee machine, regular maintenance and troubleshooting are essential to ensure it runs smoothly for years. Neglecting cleaning routines and preventative care can lead to common issues like inconsistent shots, steam wand blockages, or machine malfunctions.

In this comprehensive Faema maintenance guide, we’ll cover how to clean, maintain, and troubleshoot common problems so you can keep your espresso machine performing at its best.

Why Regular Maintenance Matters

A well-maintained Faema espresso machine ensures:

✔️ Better-tasting espresso with no residual coffee buildup.

✔️ Longer lifespan, reducing the need for costly repairs.

✔️ Consistent pressure and temperature control for perfect extractions.

✔️ Prevention of major malfunctions, saving time and money.

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step maintenance routine.

Daily Cleaning Routine for Faema Machines

Step 1: Backflushing the Group Head

Insert a blind filter (without holes) into the portafilter.
Add a small amount of espresso machine cleaning powder.
Start and stop the brew cycle several times to flush out coffee oils and residue.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Step 2: Cleaning the Steam Wand

Wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth immediately after every use.
Purge steam before and after frothing milk to clear any blockages.
If milk residue builds up, soak the wand in a mixture of hot water and cleaning solution overnight.

Step 3: Wiping Down the Exterior

Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the stainless steel surfaces.
Avoid abrasive cleaners that may scratch the finish.

Step 4: Emptying the Drip Tray & Water Tank

Dispose of any leftover water daily to prevent bacterial growth.
Refill the water tank with fresh, filtered water.

Weekly Maintenance Routine

✔️ Descaling the Boiler

If your machine isn’t plumbed into a water line, use a descaling solution to remove mineral buildup.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe descaling.

✔️ Deep Cleaning the Portafilter & Baskets

Soak the portafilter and baskets in hot water with a coffee-specific detergent.
Scrub off any coffee oils with a brush and rinse thoroughly.

✔️ Cleaning the Shower Screen & Gasket

Remove the group head shower screen with a screwdriver.
Clean it using a soft brush and soak it in a cleaning solution if necessary.
Inspect the gasket for signs of wear and replace it if needed.

Troubleshooting Common Faema Machine Issues

Even with proper maintenance, espresso machines can develop common problems over time. Here’s how to fix them fast:

1. Machine Not Reaching Optimal Pressure

🔹 Possible Cause: Blocked group head or steam wand.

✔️ Solution: Perform a full backflush and clean the steam wand tip.

2. Weak or Inconsistent Espresso Shots

🔹 Possible Cause: Worn-out gasket or uneven tamping.

✔️ Solution: Check the group head gasket and replace if needed. Ensure consistent tamping pressure.

3. Steam Wand Not Frothing Properly

🔹 Possible Cause: Milk residue clogging the wand.

✔️ Solution: Soak the wand in a milk cleaner solution overnight and use a pin to clear any blockages.

4. Machine Leaking Water

🔹 Possible Cause: Loose fittings or overfilled drip tray.

✔️ Solution: Check and tighten all connections. Empty the drip tray regularly.

5. Coffee Tastes Burnt or Bitter

🔹 Possible Cause: Dirty machine or over-extraction.

✔️ Solution: Clean the group head, filter basket, and portafilter. Adjust the grind size to achieve a balanced extraction.

How Often Should You Service Your Faema Machine?

For home users, professional servicing is recommended every 6-12 months. For coffee shops and restaurants, a full service should be scheduled every 3-6 months to maintain peak performance.

Signs that your machine needs servicing:

Slow water flow or inconsistent shot timing.
Unusual noises from the pump or boiler.
The steam wand producing weak or no steam.

Essential Faema Cleaning Products (Available at Buna Coffee)

Espresso Machine Cleaning Powder – Removes coffee oil buildup.
Milk System Cleaner – Keeps your steam wand in top shape.
Water Filters – Prevents scale buildup and improves coffee quality.
Group Head Brushes – Helps clean hard-to-reach areas.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Faema Machine in Top Condition

A well-maintained Faema espresso machine ensures better-tasting coffee, long-term durability, and minimal downtime. By following this cleaning and troubleshooting guide, you can keep your machine running like new for years to come.

Get Expert Faema Support at Buna Coffee

Need cleaning supplies or a professional service check-up? Buna Coffee has everything you need to keep your Faema espresso machine in peak condition. Explore our range of maintenance products and expert services today!

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