My tool was waiting for me when I returned from Toledo this Friday. I must say, it works much better than my dishrag method. My machine needed a backflush, so I got to try it out.
The scoop on the end of the tool is just right for a dose of JoeGlo detergent.
I ran through my normal heat and flush routine, and then wiped the screen off with a dishrag. Then I took the tool and scrubbed the screen and gasket off and did another very quick flush. I was surprised how much more grime back flushed out after the brushing.
I also like the little ribs on the handle, close to the brush end. If you were wondering why they were there, let me toss in my observation. After detergent flushing, you have to clean water flush. After that, I take the brush, turn on the brew cycle and give the shower screen a rinsing scrub. Those little ribs catch the water as it runs down the handle, that way you do not end up with burnt fingers or water on the floor. One of those little creature comfort items that are the hallmark of a well thought out design.
The Steamy Wanda tool is nice as well. If you froth large pitches of milk and submerse an inch or two of the frothing wand, you will end up with a bit of backwash in the steam wand. This little gadget gets right up there and brushes it all out.
Now for the parting EWWW shot. I did not empty my drip tray before I left on business, so the residue was dried onto the drip tray when I got home. After the detergent flush and rinse I emptied the drip tray, the diluted detergent from the flush was enough to completely break down the sludge. Most of it poured right out of the tray, the remainder only took a very light wipe with a dish rag to clean out. That is some good detergent.
