DavidMLewis wrote: And lots of smaller home machines like La Pavonis are typically turned off between uses.

Hell, my Pavoni lever sucks up the milk regardless.

On or off, she isa thirsty messy girl!

DavidMLewis wrote:why tempt fate?

Well, that gets to my reason for jumping into this thread. My mom guarded against tempting fate by knocking on wood. So far, dire consequences have been invoked, but I can't quite put together the explanations, beyond some pressure differential that would suck up a dribblet of contaminated moisture clinging to the tip. Ok, could be, but not convincing--or at least not sufficient. Is this a universal? Sounds like some machines are more susceptible, but why's that?

Interesting also is that I don't recall ever reading about the dangers and/or mechanics being explained here. The practice is frequently described in print, but the physics are not-----perhaps someone will provide a link.

A second line of response plays the filth card--hard not to sound defensive here, but I want to assure you that my wand is generally as clean as what I see at fine busy cafes where baristas do wipe (most of the time.) That wipe with a moist cloth still allows a build-up at peak use. Mike's practices are an important, but not last, word on this.

Remember the insurance commercial where the guy sniffs the milk container before taking a swig? I think the the title was something like "Life is about risks".
I know if I leave a little bit of milk in a glass for awhile it takes away any desire to eat for awhile if I get a snootful. Mouthful might get things moving real quick (exit stage left)!
However, to its credit the wand gets hot so the little bacterial creeps might be dissuaded from attacking! However, I have had food poisoning too many times to take a whole lotto chances.
When stuff hits the floor, I wash it or throw it. However, I know some people who will eat food right off the floor. Then again my counters are dirtier than some peoples floors...

Evolution: wet rags -> something else -> wet paper towels -> something else -> Urnex Cafe Wipz -> several different baby wipes -> Huggies Pure Baby Wipes (Fragrance Free)

Each of these was used for cleaning the GH, baskets, wand, SS, etc. Urnex Cafe Wipz was the best but was costly so I settled on this Huggies (after trying several baby wipes products). It's relatively cheap, doesn't burn your hands, disposable, strong, cleans fast and leaves no smell or taste.

I've been using Huggies Pure Baby Wipes (Fragrance Free) for months and never looked back...I strongly recommend it!

coffee.me wrote: [snip]
I've been using Huggies Pure Baby Wipes (Fragrance Free) for months and never looked back...I strongly recommend it!

Good idea! Those things are great! Just don't flush them (just ask the plumber). I got a case of the organic, unscented, recycled, no animals wounded, pc, tree hugger style and I only look back to use them.
I will have to see if they will hold up to your huggies with BW CM smackdown!

zin1953 wrote:A small glass of ice water . . . "slide" the milk pitcher off, and "slide" the water on. Later, just wipe off the steam wand, and blow some steam out . . .

By the way, since I first read Jason's comment, a variation of this technique has become SOP for me. Although I find the ice unnecessary. After I pour a cappuccino, I rinse the pitcher and fill it with cold tap water. Set it on the drip tray and dip the end of the wand in for half a minute or so. Remove the pitcher and wipe with a microfiber cloth. The cold water does do a good job of loosening the milk.