Bring Back the Sparkle: A Guide to Cleaning Your Ascaso Duo Plus with Puro Cleaner
Your Ascaso Baby T or Duo Plus is a beautiful machine, capable of crafting exquisite espresso. But like any high-performing appliance, it needs a little love and regular cleaning to keep it operating at its peak and producing those perfect shots. One of the best ways to ensure a thorough and effective clean is by using a dedicated espresso machine cleaner like Puro. Disclaimer! Always follow the directions on the cleaner you purchase! In these high tariff times who know what proportion changes these cleaning companies may have to make to their formulas!
In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of cleaning your Ascaso Duo Plus or Baby T using Puro cleaner, ensuring it stays in top condition for years to come.
Before You Begin: Safety First!
* Always make sure your machine is cool before starting the cleaning process.
* Unplug your Ascaso from the power outlet.
* Refer to your Ascaso Duo Plus or Baby T user manual for any specific cleaning instructions or warnings.
What You'll Need:
* Puro Espresso Machine Cleaner (powder or tablets)
* A blind basket (backflushing disc)
* A soft cloth or sponge
* A brush for the group head (optional, but recommended)
* A small container for soaking (for the portafilter and basket)
Let's Get Cleaning!
The cleaning process for your Ascaso with Puro will generally involve two main parts: backflushing the group head or heads and soaking removable parts.
Part 1: Backflushing the Group Head
Backflushing is crucial for cleaning the group head, removing coffee oils and residue that can build up over time and affect the taste of your espresso.
* Insert the Blind Basket: Remove your regular filter basket from the portafilter and insert the blind basket. This basket has no holes, allowing pressure to build up and force water back through the group head.
* Add Puro Cleaner:
* Puro Powder: Add approximately half a teaspoon of Puro powder into the blind basket.
* Puro Tablet: Place one Puro tablet into the blind basket.
* Attach the Portafilter: Securely attach the portafilter with the blind basket and Puro cleaner to the group head of your Ascaso Duo Plus.
* Initiate the Cleaning Cycle (Pulsing):
* Turn on your Ascaso Duo Plus or Baby T.
* Activate the brew switch for about 10 seconds. You'll hear the pump engage, but no water will come out of the spout due to the blind basket.
* Deactivate the brew switch for 5-10 seconds. This allows the pressure to release and the cleaning solution to flow back through the system.
* Repeat this "on-off" pulsing cycle 4-5 times.
* Rinse Thoroughly:
* Remove the portafilter from the group head. You'll likely see a brown, murky solution – that's all the coffee residue being flushed out!
* Rinse the portafilter and blind basket thoroughly under running water.
* Reattach the empty portafilter (with the blind basket still in place) to the group head.
* Repeat the pulsing cycle (on for 10 seconds, off for 5-10 seconds) 3-4 more times using only clean water. This is essential to rinse away any remaining Puro solution.
* Remove the portafilter and activate the brew switch for a few seconds to flush any residual cleaner directly from the group head.
Part 2: Soaking Removable Parts
While the group head is being backflushed, you can take the opportunity to clean your portafilter, filter baskets, and any other removable parts that come into contact with coffee.
* Prepare the Soaking Solution: In a small container, dissolve approximately half a teaspoon of Puro powder (or one tablet) in warm water.
* Soak the Parts: Disassemble your portafilter (remove the basket and any other removable parts). Place the portafilter, filter baskets, and any other coffee-stained removable parts into the Puro solution.
* Let it Soak: Allow the parts to soak for 15-30 minutes. For heavily soiled parts, you might extend the soaking time. You'll notice the coffee oils and stains dissolving.
* Scrub and Rinse: After soaking, use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub any remaining residue. Rinse all parts thoroughly under running water to ensure no Puro solution remains.
Finishing Touches:
* Wipe Down: Use a damp, soft cloth to wipe down the exterior of your Ascaso.
* Steam Wand: Don't forget to purge your steam wand after each use, and if it's particularly dirty, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth. Puro is generally not for internal descaling of the boiler, but rather for cleaning coffee residue.
* Run a "Sacrificial" Shot: Before making your next delicious espresso, it's a good idea to run a "sacrificial" shot of plain water through the group head with your regular filter basket. This helps to ensure any lingering cleaner taste is gone.
How Often Should You Clean?
The frequency of cleaning depends on your usage.
* Daily (Light Cleaning): Purge your steam wand, wipe down the exterior, and empty the drip tray.
* Weekly (Moderate Cleaning): Backflush with plain water (no cleaner) and wipe down the group head.
* Every 2-4 Weeks (Deep Cleaning): Perform the full Puro cleaning process as described above, or more frequently if you're a heavy user.
By following these steps and regularly cleaning your Ascaso Duo Plus with Puro cleaner, you'll ensure that your machine continues to deliver exceptional espresso, shot after perfect shot. Enjoy your sparkling clean machine and even better coffee!
Reach out with any questions! Happy to help!