How clean (back flush) the Rancilio Silvia
This video shows you how to back flush the Rancilio Silvia espresso machine. To do this you'll need some Cafiza powder (http://amzn.to/1r8Q2yk) or a similar detergent. This is a process you should do at least twice a month, depending on how often you use the machine. The back flush will remove oil and other junk that has collected behind the dispersion screen and along the way from the screen to the solenoid valve.
Should you backflush your machine? Technically this puts strain on the pump so you will want to be careful, but it is something you should do. Just make sure not to run the pump for too long, most people say to keep it going for under 10 seconds. If you hear the pump start to strain, flip that switch!
You don't have to backflush with a fully warmed up machine, but it helps. The hot water does a better job of dissolving the detergent and clearing it out of the system once you are on the rinse segment of the back flush.
While you want to do a full back flush with detergent every 1-2 weeks, you should consider doing a back flush with only hot water and the blind basket every time you use the espresso machine. It just takes a few seconds and will keep your machine that much cleaner.
Do: Use a safe, NSF-certified detergent like Cafiza.
Do: Use an espresso machine brush to give the area around the screen (up where the portafilter goes) a good scrubbing regularly.
Do NOT: Attempt to descale your machine with Cafiza. It is not the correct product for that.
Do NOT: Let the pump run for too long, you could damage it!
Do NOT: Attempt to back flush with a low water tank! Do yourself a favor and fill up ahead of this.
More espresso information at http://58mmtamper.com
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