Does it matter what kind of cleaning products I use in my office coffee machines?
Lily Hedley | July 4, 2025 | 3 minute read
In summary, yes it does.
When maintaining an office coffee machine, cleaning isn’t optional. It’s essential.
But what many people don’t realise is that what you clean it with matters just as much as how often you clean it.
If you’re using the wrong cleaning products, you could be damaging your machine without knowing it.
Here’s what to watch out for, and how to get it right.
Some cleaning products can harm your machine
Not all cleaning products are safe for use in a coffee machine. Household sprays, bleaches or vinegar-based products might be fine in your kitchen at home, but they can corrode internal parts or leave behind residues that affect taste. What’s more, the amount of use given to an office coffee machine requires specialised ingredients.
Office coffee machines are made up of delicate components that need to be cleaned with the right type of product, at the right strength, and in the right way.
You could void your warranty or service cover
Most coffee machine suppliers specify the cleaning products that should be used. This could be written into your service agreement or warranty.
If an engineer finds damage caused by non-approved cleaning products, your repair might not be covered. In some cases, ongoing support might even be withdrawn.
Before attempting to clean your coffee machine, read your service agreement. If you’re not sure what to use, ask your supplier directly.
The right cleaning products keep everything running
When you’re using the recommended products, you’re cleaning your machine in the way it was designed to be cleaned.
The right cleaning products will:
- Break down coffee oils, milk proteins and scale
- Rinse cleanly without leaving residue
- Make the machine safe to drink from after cleaning
- Protect sensitive components from wear
It also helps maintain consistent taste, avoids contamination and keeps your team safe from bacteria or mould build-up.
What are ‘the right products’?
Your office coffee machine will require a few different products.
Namely, a milk frother cleaner, usually in liquid form or tablets that can be dissolved into water. This cleans all milk residue from the milk frother inside your coffee machine, neutralising lactic acid and removing any solid fats.
Additionally, you probably need a grinder cleaner. These come as tablets or powders which you pour into your grinder to remove any debris and stop any rust from building up.
Depending on the make of your office coffee machine, you might need to use specific cleaning products.
What should I do?
- Check your service agreement. Look for any mention of cleaning routines or approved products.
- Ask your supplier. If you’re unsure, ask for a list of recommended cleaning products for your specific machine.
- Stick to what’s tried and tested. Use the cleaning products that your machine was designed to work with. If you’ve been supplied with tablets, liquids or descalers as part of your setup, it’s for a reason.
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