Drop a tablet in the portafilter, run water through it, and backflush to clean the group head

Breville cleaning tablets are designed to dissolve in hot water and break down espresso oil buildup inside your machine's group head and portafilter. You use them by placing one tablet in the portafilter (without the basket), locking it into the group head, and running water through for about 10 seconds. Then you backflush — lock the portafilter back in, turn off the water, and release it sharply — to force the cleaning solution backward through the group head. Repeat the water-run and backflush cycle 5 to 6 times per tablet, then run a fresh tablet through the same way without backflushing to rinse. Finish by running plain water through the group head for 10 to 15 seconds to clear any remaining residue.

The tablets work best on machines with a 3-way solenoid valve — most Breville espresso machines have one. If your machine does not have a solenoid valve, you can still soak the portafilter and basket in a solution made by dissolving a tablet in hot water, but you cannot backflush. Check your machine's manual to confirm whether backflushing is safe for your model.

Key Takeaways

  • Place one tablet in the empty portafilter, lock it in, run water for 10 seconds, then backflush by releasing the portafilter sharply to force cleaning solution backward through the group head.
  • Repeat the water-run and backflush cycle 5 to 6 times with the same tablet, then run a fresh tablet through without backflushing to rinse the group head.
  • Finish by running plain water through the group head for 10 to 15 seconds to remove any cleaning residue before you brew again.
  • Use one tablet per cleaning session; do not reuse tablets or leave them sitting in water longer than needed, as they break down quickly once dissolved.

Step-by-step cleaning process

Start with your machine warmed up and the group head flushed with plain water. Remove the portafilter and basket, and set them aside. Drop one cleaning tablet into the empty portafilter — the tablet should sit flat in the bottom. Lock the portafilter into the group head as you normally would.

Turn on the water and let it run for about 10 seconds. You will see the cleaning solution flow out of the group head spout. After 10 seconds, turn off the water. Now comes the backflush: grip the portafilter handle firmly and pull it out sharply in one quick motion, as if you are ejecting it. This sudden release forces the water and cleaning solution backward through the group head, dislodging oils and residue. Lock the portafilter back in when ready and repeat the water-run and backflush cycle 4 more times (5 to 6 cycles total with the same tablet).

After your final backflush with the first tablet, remove the portafilter and drop in a fresh tablet. Lock it back in, turn on the water, and let it run for 10 seconds without backflushing this time — this rinse cycle clears the cleaning solution from the group head. Turn off the water, remove the portafilter, and discard the tablet.

Rinsing and testing before you brew

After the cleaning tablet rinse, run plain water through the group head for 10 to 15 seconds with no portafilter attached. This flushes out any remaining cleaning residue. You may see a slight soapy smell or taste in the first few seconds — that is normal and will clear as you continue running water.

Reattach the portafilter with the basket and run water through it for another 5 seconds to rinse the basket and portafilter themselves. Now lock the portafilter in and run water through for a final 5 seconds. If you see no foam or soapy water, your machine is ready to brew. If foam or residue is still visible, run plain water through the group head for another 10 seconds and test again.

How often to use cleaning tablets

Use a cleaning tablet once a week if you brew daily, or once every two weeks if you brew a few times a week. If you notice that your espresso is pouring slower than usual, the crema looks thin, or water is spraying unevenly from the group head, run a cleaning cycle even if it has not been a week. These are signs that oil buildup is restricting water flow.

Do not use cleaning tablets more than once a week on a regular schedule, as the cleaning solution can wear out seals and gaskets if used too frequently. If your machine needs cleaning more often than weekly, the issue is usually that you are not backflushing with plain water between shots — a quick 3-second backflush with no tablet after every 3 to 5 shots keeps buildup from getting heavy.

What to do if your machine does not have a solenoid valve

If your Breville machine does not have a 3-way solenoid valve, you cannot backflush safely. Instead, dissolve one tablet in 1 cup of hot water (around 200°F) and soak your portafilter and basket in the solution for 15 to 20 minutes. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the basket and the inside of the portafilter while they soak. Rinse both parts thoroughly under running water, then soak them again in plain hot water for 5 minutes to remove any cleaning residue.

For the group head itself on a non-solenoid machine, you can run the tablet solution through by hand: dissolve a tablet in hot water, let it cool slightly so it is safe to handle, and slowly pour it through the group head while holding a cup underneath to catch the runoff. Do this 3 to 4 times, then run plain hot water through the group head the same way until no soapy smell remains. This method is slower and less effective than backflushing, but it is safe for machines without a solenoid valve.

Storage and shelf life of cleaning tablets

Store Breville cleaning tablets in a cool, dry place — a kitchen cabinet away from steam and humidity is ideal. Keep them in their original packaging or in an airtight container. Tablets stored this way stay effective for at least two years, though they may begin to harden or lose potency after that.

Do not store tablets in the bathroom or near the espresso machine itself, where steam and moisture can cause them to absorb water and crumble. If a tablet has crumbled or turned soft, it is still usable — just drop the pieces into the portafilter as you would a whole tablet. If a tablet has turned rock-hard and will not dissolve in hot water, discard it and use a fresh one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Breville cleaning tablets in other espresso machine brands?

Breville tablets are formulated for Breville machines and work best in them, but they can be used in other espresso machines with a solenoid valve — Gaggia, Rancilio, and some Delonghi models, for example. The cleaning process is the same: backflush 5 to 6 times, then rinse with a fresh tablet. Check your machine's manual first to confirm it has a solenoid valve and that backflushing is safe.

What happens if I leave a cleaning tablet in the portafilter too long?

If you leave a tablet sitting in the portafilter for more than a few minutes before running water through it, it will begin to dissolve and harden into a paste. This paste can clog the portafilter or group head. Always run water through the tablet within a minute or two of placing it in the portafilter. If a tablet has already hardened, soak the portafilter in hot water for 10 minutes to soften it, then gently flush it out with water.

Can I reuse a cleaning tablet?

No — once a tablet has dissolved and been flushed through the group head, it has lost its cleaning power. Use a fresh tablet each time you clean. Reusing a tablet will not clean your machine effectively and may leave residue behind.

My espresso tastes soapy after using a cleaning tablet. What did I go wrong?

You did not rinse thoroughly enough. After the final backflush with the cleaning tablet, run plain water through the group head for at least 15 to 20 seconds — longer than the 10 to 15 seconds recommended. Then run water through the portafilter and basket for another 10 seconds. Brew a test shot and discard it; the second shot should taste normal. If soapy taste persists, run plain water through the group head for another 20 seconds.

How do I know if my Breville machine has a solenoid valve?

Check your machine's manual — it will say whether the machine has a 3-way solenoid valve. If you do not have the manual, look at the group head: if there is a small hole or vent on the side of the group head (not the spout), your machine likely has a solenoid. You can also contact Breville support with your machine's model number and ask whether backflushing is safe for your model.