What is the best way to do routine cleaning of a la Pavoni group head?

[Jarno]

I have a question with regards to cleaning a la Pavoni. It seems most people here clean somewhere between 2 and 6 weeks. How do most people clean their group head? The manual recommends using the cleaning agent (Urnex Cafina) into a full boiler and then run it through the head. Are there any who prefer to break down the group head and clean manually, thus getting a better cleaning job, though at the expense of risking some gaskets and o-rings? Or, is there another better way?

Thanks

[jerker]

i use a brush (similar to this one http://www.espressoparts.com/product/UB902) after every use (or at least once a day). then i take the group apart about once a month and clean inside. it will take you no more than ten minutes including putting everything together again. here's a good guide (you can take it apart just for cleaning without replacing the gaskets) http://www.home-barista.com/forum...athering%20peacock. then i descale about once a month. i use regular descaling solution (i have heard than vinegar works also but never tried that), fill the boiler and run it through the machine. then i run clean water through twice before making coffee. i don't know if my routines are optimal, but they work fine for me. my machine is always clean and the gaskets last.

[Jarno]

Thanks. Very helpful

[espressme]

I have a question with regards to cleaning a la Pavoni. It seems most people here clean somewhere between 2 and 6 weeks. How do most people clean their group head? The manual recommends using the cleaning agent (Urnex Cafina) into a full boiler and then run it through the head. Are there any who prefer to break down the group head and clean manually, thus getting a better cleaning job, though at the expense of risking some gaskets and o-rings? Or, is there another better way?
Thanks

Hello Jarno,
FWW, I use a bit of the commercial product such as "Urnex," "Cafiza" or similar Mixed in hot water according to instructions. I place the solution into a cup measure and ( with the machine off!)present it to the group. Then I slurp ( scientific term) the solution in and out with the lever. After a few minute with the solution in the chamber. I then flush with warm water the same way. Then I can do the boiler and upper group chamber when I wish. The commercial stuff does a great job on the coffee residue and the other cirtric acid and/or vinegar cleanses do a job on the scale.
my 1¢
sincerely
richard / espressme

[TUS172]

Hello Jarno,
FWW, I use a bit of the commercial product such as "Urnex," "Cafiza" or similar Mixed in hot water according to instructions. I place the solution into a cup measure and ( with the machine off!)present it to the group. Then I slurp ( scientific term) the solution in and out with the lever. After a few minute with the solution in the chamber. I then flush with warm water the same way. Then I can do the boiler and upper group chamber when I wish. The commercial stuff does a great job on the coffee residue and the other cirtric acid and/or vinegar cleanses do a job on the scale.
my 1¢
sincerely
richard / espressme

This is also my prefered method. It is simple and works very well.