Backflushing – Vibiemme Lollo User Manual
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8.4. Backflushing
This is the process of forcing some special cleaner back though the Grouphead. This will remove any
stray coffee left in the places that normal, day-to-day cleaning cannot reach. How often this should be
done depends on how much use the machine gets, the coffee you use, as well as the amount of coffee
you use for each pull. If you are making one or two beverages a day, then once every one or two weeks
is probably sufficient. If you are making around four to six doubles a day, then once per week is probably
a good idea. If the machine is being used all day (such as in an office or small restaurant) then backflush
every day.
Your Vibiemme was supplied with a blind filter to be used to backflush. This is the basket with no holes in
it. To use it, follow these simple instructions:
WARNING: The cleaning agent is quite strong. Follow all safety recommendations on the cleaner’s
packaging. Only use chemicals designated for back flushing. Other cleaners can cause problems
or even damage to your machine.
1 - Insert the Blind Filter Basket into one of the Portafilters.
2 - Place a small amount of espresso machine cleaner into the basket (see manufacturer’s instructions
for specific amounts to be used).
3 - Lock the Portafilter into place just like you would to make espresso.
4 - Manually engage the brew function
5 - Watch the Brew pressure gauge and when pressure builds to about 9 BAR, turn the brew function off.
6 - Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you see the suds of the cleaning agent appear in the Drip Tray (removing
the drip tray cover during this process can help you see what is going on). Wait about two or three
minutes, then repeat steps 4 and 5 once again.
7 - After two or three cycles like this, loosen but do not remove the Portafilter and turn on the brew
switch again. Wiggle the handle and allow the cleaner to be flushed up into the Grouphead. The cleaner
will overflow the Portafilter and clean the area up inside the grouphead of coffee.
WARNING: Hot water and cleaning agent will spill out. Use caution to avoid burns or exposure to
the cleaner. Wear eye protection to prevent injury.
8 - When the suds coming through the 3-way valve appear to be clean and free from coffee residue, empty
and clean the drip tray and the Portafilter. Replace the Drip tray and run a bit more water through the
Grouphead so it is free from cleaner. Replace the portafilter and repeat steps 3 through 5 until the water
runs clean into the drip tray. Repeat step 7 to rinse any remaining cleaner from the grouphead.