how do i clean the group head? coffee gunk is building up and it's gross

Diagnosis

Oils and fine coffee particles are accumulating in the shower screen and group head. This affects taste and water distribution.

How to Fix It

Perform a nightly backflush with water and a weekly chemical backflush with a cleaner like Cafiza.

1. Get a blind basket (no holes) or use the rubber disc that came with some models.
2. Insert a teaspoon of Cafiza or similar espresso machine cleaner into the blind basket.
3. Lock the portafilter into the group head.
4. Turn on the brew switch, pull the lever up for 10 seconds, then push it down for 5 seconds. Repeat this pulse 5-6 times until the detergent is dissolved and sudsing.
5. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then pulse a few more times.
6. Remove the portafilter, rinse everything thoroughly, and run several cycles of plain water through the group head to flush all cleaner out.

If That Didn't Work

For heavy buildup, you need to remove the shower screen and dispersion block for a soak. Unscrew the 8mm hex bolt holding the shower screen in place. Soak both the screen and the brass dispersion block in Cafiza solution.

Heads Up

Never use vinegar or descaling solution in the blind basket for backflushing. Those are for descaling internal waterways, not removing coffee oils. Using them this way can damage rubber seals. Use a dedicated espresso machine cleaner (alkaline) for backflushing.