Care Guides

Care Guides

Your machine or bottle will last 10+ years if you treat it right. Here's how.

Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines

Brands covered: Breville, Gaggia, Lelit, Smeg, La Pavoni, Profitec, Bellucci, Fellow

  • Daily: Empty and rinse the drip tray. Backflush with water only (no detergent) if your machine has a 3-way valve.
  • Weekly: Backflush with espresso machine detergent (Cafiza or equivalent). Clean the steam wand tip with a damp cloth after every use.
  • Monthly: Soak the portafilter, basket, and shower screen in Cafiza. Wipe down the grouphead gasket.
  • Every 3-6 months (depending on water hardness): Descale using the manufacturer's recommended descaler. If you live in London or the Southeast (hard water), consider a Brita filter or bottled water to slow scale build-up.

Super-Automatic Espresso Machines

Brands covered: Jura, De'Longhi, Philips, Smeg, Nespresso, Breville Oracle Touch/Jet

  • Daily: Empty the drip tray and grounds bin. Rinse the milk system after every milk drink.
  • Weekly: Deep-clean the milk system using the manufacturer's cleaning solution and cycle.
  • When prompted: The machine tells you when to descale — do it that day. Ignoring descale prompts is the #1 cause of premature machine death.
  • Cleaning tablets: Use the manufacturer's own tablets. Third-party ones can void the warranty.

Stovetop Moka Pots (Bialetti)

  • Never use dishwasher. Detergent strips the seasoning and dulls the aluminum.
  • Rinse only with hot water and a soft brush after each brew. The residual coffee oils are the seasoning.
  • Replace the rubber gasket every 12-18 months for optimal seal. We sell them at £4.50 each.
  • Store disassembled to let the interior fully dry. This prevents any musty smells.

YETI Ramblers, Tumblers & Bottles

  • Dishwasher safe: Yes, top rack. Includes MagSlider and Chug caps.
  • Hand wash tip: Use a bottle brush for narrow-mouth bottles to reach the bottom.
  • Stain removal: For coffee/tea stains, soak overnight in 50/50 water and white vinegar. Rinse thoroughly.
  • Do NOT: Microwave, freeze (unless the drink is already cold), or use bleach.

YETI Hoppers & Coolers

  • Hand wash only. Warm soapy water and a soft sponge. Never dishwasher, never bleach.
  • After each use: Empty completely, wipe dry, leave open to fully air-dry before storing. Prevents mold and mildew.
  • For deep-cleans: A dilute vinegar solution or manufacturer-approved YETI Cleaning Tablets work well.
  • Zipper care (Hopper series): Apply YETI Zipper Lubricant every 6 months. This is the single biggest thing you can do to extend a Hopper's life.

Water Quality Matters

Especially for espresso machines. Hard water is enemy #1. If your postcode is in a hard-water area (most of the UK east and south of Birmingham), one of these three will save you hundreds in descaling and repairs:

  1. A Brita or BWT jug filter
  2. An in-line water filter for super-auto machines (BWT Bestmax fits most Juras)
  3. Bottled water (Volvic works, Evian is too mineralized)

Questions about your specific machine? Email hello@emberandice.co.uk with your model number — we'll send you a machine-specific care sheet.