Ever wondered if soaking your portafilter overnight is doing more harm than good?

If you’re anything like me, your espresso machine isn’t just an appliance—it’s basically part of the family. But taking care of espresso gear, especially your portafilters, can feel confusing. Should you be soaking them overnight, or just giving them a quick rinse after each use?

Soaking overnight—is it safe or damaging?

I’ve often heard different opinions on whether portafilters should sit overnight in cleaning solutions. Many baristas say soaking portafilters overnight in something like Cafiza is harmless. And sure, stainless steel can handle it well for a night or two. But over time, soaking brass parts excessively can cause serious issues, like pitting or corrosion. This article on portafilter cleaning confirms that prolonged exposure to harsh cleaners is risky.

The safest bet? Don't regularly soak brass portafilters overnight. Stainless steel might fare better, but even then, prolonged soaking isn't the smartest habit.

Why soaking can actually backfire

Something interesting I’ve noticed is people thinking soaking alone cleans everything thoroughly. Actually, soaking only loosens oils and coffee residues. You still need to physically scrub the portafilter after soaking. If you skip the scrub, you're leaving residue behind, which can affect the taste of your coffee the next day. And who wants their morning flat white tasting off?

Link out to your portafilter collection here naturally: A clean portafilter can seriously improve your espresso shots, but having the right type is just as crucial. At Brewed Co, you can pick from a range of quality portafilters that suit different espresso machines perfectly.

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Best practices for regular cleaning

The best habit is a quick clean after every use. I find this prevents build-up from hardening, meaning a simple rinse and wipe will usually suffice. It doesn’t take more than a minute or two and saves headaches down the line.

If you’re keen to dive deeper occasionally, soak your portafilter briefly (10-20 minutes is enough) in a mild espresso cleaner solution. After soaking, always use a gentle brush to remove loosened residues. I prefer brushes specifically designed for espresso gear, as they reach awkward spots.

And speaking of specific tools, having good accessories on hand makes cleaning less of a chore. Take a look at our selection of cleaning accessories to make maintenance simpler.

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What about using vinegar?

I know some coffee lovers swear by vinegar, but honestly, it can be harsh on espresso machine components. Vinegar may degrade rubber seals or metal surfaces over time. According to this helpful guide on vinegar cleaning, using it sparingly is okay, but personally, I stick to specialized espresso cleaners.

What I've seen works best long-term

From personal experience and plenty of barista chats, a gentle but regular cleaning approach beats harsh, sporadic soaks every time. Espresso gear loves consistency. Frequent quick cleans paired with occasional deeper cleans keep your equipment running smoothly.

Not sure what a deeper clean entails? This detailed cleaning and descaling guide covers all the bases.

Cleaning precision baskets matters too

Many people forget that the baskets inside your portafilter need attention as well. Precision baskets especially benefit from thorough, regular cleans because residue can block their tiny holes, messing with your coffee extraction.

Need an upgrade or a spare? We have some excellent precision baskets available that can improve your coffee-making routine.

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Quick daily cleaning routine I recommend

1. Immediately after brewing, knock out the puck and rinse the portafilter thoroughly.

2. Wipe it dry with a clean towel.

3. Briefly inspect the basket holes—if blocked, give them a quick scrub or poke gently to clear.

4. Leave your portafilter loosely placed in your machine to dry naturally.

Every week or two, soak briefly with an espresso cleaner. It keeps your gear clean without risking damage.

Wrapping up your cleaning routine

Ultimately, your espresso machine is an investment. Keeping it clean doesn’t have to be difficult or risky. Quick, regular cleans mixed with occasional deeper treatments give the best results, both for your machine's lifespan and your coffee’s flavour.

If you're unsure about any cleaning methods or products, or you want specific advice tailored to your machine, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. At Brewed Co, we're always happy to help home baristas brew better coffee.