For many people, tackling those busy mornings just isn’t possible without a good cup of coffee first.
And if you’re keen to save money and avoid pricey takeaway cups from your nearest cafe, then investing in a coffee machine is the best way to go.
With these, you can create barista-quality drinks at home for a fraction of the price, without even having to leave the house.
But as handy and safe as these machines tend to be, they aren’t without their dangers – and experts have issued a warning about a certain ‘red flag’ that could indicate a problem.
Dangerous levels of mould and bacteria could be lurking in those tubes that dispense and froth milk, as they’re often hard to clean, according to experts from Philips.
Often difficult to take out of the machine and clean, they provide a perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria to multiply – which not only impacts the taste of your coffee, but presents a serious health risk.
Now the experts in coffee at Philips have revealed the warning signs you should look out for, that mean it’s time to give your machine a thorough clean.
These include bad-tasting drinks as a result of a build-up of milk residue going rancid and slow coffee dispensing due to clogged pipes.
As well as potentially damaging your machine, this could also be detrimental to your health.
Nick Dash, global product marketing director and in-house coffee expert at Philips, said: “While it may feel like a chore, neglecting to clean your coffee machine can cause more harm than you realise.
“Milk residue left in the tubes can encourage mould growth and harbour dangerous bacteria like E. coli, potentially leading to food poisoning.
“It’s important to watch for signs like excessive steam, less coffee being brewed or a lengthy preparation time – these are all red flags that your machine needs a good clean.
“Opting for a product with self-cleaning features or easy-to-clean parts can not only save the hassle but also your money in the long run. Neglecting to clean your machine will lead to residue build-up, reducing its performance and causing clogs, which can rack up a big repair bill.”
According to the experts from Breville, how often you clean your coffee machine depends on how frequently you use it.
They said: “As a rule, if 2-5 cups of coffee are made per day, some parts should be cleaned every week, whereas the grinder and water tank only need to be cleaned every two to three weeks.”
Keeping on top of a good cleaning schedule will make your coffee taste better overall, as well as prolonging the lifespan of your appliance.
