Direct answer: To clean your Sage Barista Express, follow the built-in cleaning cycle steps and regular maintenance described by Sage and reputable guides. What to do now
- Run the machine’s built-in cleaning cycle using a cleaning tablet and the blind/filter-free technique described below. After the cycle finishes, flush with fresh water to remove all cleaner residues.
- Regularly backflush and descale according to the machine’s indicators and your water hardness.
Step-by-step clean cycle (typical for Barista Express)
- Prepare the filter: insert the 1-cup filter basket, then place the silicone cleaning disc in the filter. Place one cleaning tablet in the center of the disc.
- Lock the portafilter in place on the group head.
- Ensure the water tank is filled to the max with cold water and the drip tray is empty.
- Start the cycle by pressing the appropriate combination of buttons (commonly 1-cup and 2-cup together with the Power button) for several seconds until the clean cycle begins. The cycle runs for about 5 minutes.
- When the cycle finishes, remove the portafilter and confirm the tablet has dissolved. If not, repeat the cycle.
- Remove the cleaning disc, reinsert the portafilter, and run a brief rinse by brewing a small amount of water to flush cleaner residue.
- Thoroughly clean the portafilter and wipe down removable parts.
Additional maintenance tips
- Descale every 1–3 months or when your machine indicates a descale/clean signal, depending on usage and water hardness.
- Clean the steam wand regularly: purge steam, wipe with a damp cloth, and run a short steam cycle with water only to clear milk residue.
- Rinse and dry all removable parts after cleaning; avoid dishwasher exposure unless the manufacturer explicitly states it’s safe.
- For ongoing cleanliness, backflush with a cleaning tablet or powder as recommended, especially if you notice dairy/oil buildup or diminished performance.
Notes and caveats
- If your model’s lights indicate “Clean Me” or a similar alert, follow the dedicated cleaning procedure shown on the machine’s display or in the manual.
- Use only cleaning products designed for espresso machines (tablets or powders labeled for backflushing/cleaning) to avoid damage.
- If you’ve got different Sage/Breville regional manuals, the exact button sequence may vary slightly; the general approach remains the same: cleaning disc, cleaning tablet, run cycle, then flush.
If you’d like, I can tailor these steps to your exact model (Barista Express BES875 or similar) by confirming the precise button sequence and any region- specific instructions.
