A machine put away wet develops scale, corrosion and mold. Ten minutes of preparation prevents all of it.
Before storing
Descale it. Do this first, while it still works, not when you take it out.
Backflush and clean the group with detergent, then rinse thoroughly.
Empty every water path. Run the pump until the tank is dry, open the steam wand and the hot-water spout until nothing comes out, and drain the boiler if there is a drain valve.
Remove and dry the tank, the drip tray and the water filter.
Then
Leave the steam and water valves slightly open, so seals are not compressed against a seat for months.
Remove the portafilter from the group so the gasket is not permanently compressed.
Leave the tank lid off so residual moisture evaporates.
Cover it against dust, in a dry place. Not a damp garage, and not anywhere it will freeze — water left in a boiler that freezes will crack it.
Beans
Do not store the machine with beans in a hopper. Empty and clean it.
Bringing it back
Replace the group gasket if it has been more than six months — rubber hardens.
Run two or more full tanks of clean water through every path before making coffee — one through the group, one through the steam wand and hot-water spout — then descale, even if you descaled before storing.
Expect the first few shots to taste stale as the paths flush.
For short breaks
A week or two: just empty the tank and drip tray. Standing water goes stale quickly.
Last reviewed 30 October 2026