Re: Detoxing the Gaggia Classic
Thankyou for that frankie, gives me a lot more confidence. I think while I am at it I will change the gasket at the same time because knowing my luck, I will clean spike and then have to pull it apart again to replace the gasket.
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Re: Detoxing the Gaggia Classic
And lots of false "crema" in your shots......Originally posted by Javaphile link=1163501398/15#23 date=1163651611A word of warning. Backflushing detergent is not to be used as a descaler. Do not put it in your reservoir!!! Stick with citric acid or a specifically designed descaling compound/chemical for descaling or you may end up destroying your machine!!
If you dont get rid of all the citric acid after descaling the coffee tastes foul... Just imagine how toxic it would be with Backflushing detergent!!!! :-[
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Re: Detoxing the Gaggia Classic
Nope!Originally posted by Thundergod link=1163501398/15#24 date=1163655166You didnt have first hand experience of this when starting out did you?Originally posted by Javaphile link=1163501398/15#23 date=1163651611A word of warning. Backflushing detergent is not to be used as a descaler. Do not put it in your reservoir!!! Stick with citric acid or a specifically designed descaling compound/chemical for descaling or you may end up destroying your machine!!
Java "The right tool for the right job" phile

Java "I *gasp* read the directions!" phile
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Re: Detoxing the Gaggia Classic
You didnt have first hand experience of this when starting out did you?Originally posted by Javaphile link=1163501398/15#23 date=1163651611A word of warning. Backflushing detergent is not to be used as a descaler. Do not put it in your reservoir!!! Stick with citric acid or a specifically designed descaling compound/chemical for descaling or you may end up destroying your machine!!
Java "The right tool for the right job" phile
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Re: Detoxing the Gaggia Classic
A word of warning. Backflushing detergent is not to be used as a descaler. Do not put it in your reservoir!!! Stick with citric acid or a specifically designed descaling compound/chemical for descaling or you may end up destroying your machine!!
Java "The right tool for the right job" phile
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Re: Detoxing the Gaggia Classic
Hi forcoffee and Lucinda,
I found this link in my archives - itll do for now - but I think I have a better, more comprehensive one somewhere.
http://www.wholelattelove.com/articles/brew_group_gasket.cfm
The only thing Ill add is that when removing the "shower holding plate" or dispersion/breaker plate - back the allen screws out all the way but dont fully pull them out - then use a pair of pliers etc to grip on them and twist gently to help remove the plate.
As the cleaning - I used the Caffetto EVO cleaner for the portafilter, baskets, dispersion plate and shower screen and screws to soak/scrub off any baked-on coffee gunk - and for backflushing. Buy from pedro - hes great!
Even with soaking/scrubbing of the filters, screen, dispersion plate - I would still backflush. This helps to keep the 3-way valve in the classic working properly and all the post-valve pipework - you do like being able to remove the filter straight after a shot right?
In addition - to pull apart the 3-way is a pain in the rear.
I decided to only use citric acid in the boiler/water tank for descaling - due to the ongoing question mark over peroxide or phosphoric acid based cleaners and their effect on aluminium. There were a number of threads about it over on Coffeegeek ages ago. I have no experience with the clean@home - so I cant comment on its use in the boiler.
Citric acid can be found in the supermarket or in shops that sell consumables for home brewing (its used as a steriliser).
I would also run the citric acid solution through the wand when flushing the citric acid out - its not supposed to be there to remove milk gunk - but I think it seemed to help keep the wand innards clean.
Forcoffee - do the screen at least - sooner rather than later. You can use hot water with a touch of dishwashing liquid to remove any rancid coffee oils while to wait to buy the caffetto/equivalent. Then rinse well to remove any detergent residue.
Ill say it again - prepare to be shocked the first time you do it.
After a clean - run a seasoning shot through it - then I think youll find the first "real" shot will taste soooo much better.
Frankie
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Guest repliedRe: Detoxing the Gaggia Classic
Try http://www.coffeeparts.com.au for your coffee cleaning needs. They are a sponsor and Pedro is very helpful indeed. I believe citric acid will help you with the descaling as well. But the chemical for back flushing can be sought from coffee parts.
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Re: Detoxing the Gaggia Classic
forcoffee, get yourself some espresso clean@home by cafetto. I think coffee parts has cleaning kits or www.cafetto.com and follow the instructions to de scale your classic. I was told once a month should be okay, though I am never sure on the time thing. Believe me you will notice the difference once it is cleaned. You can use this stuff in your tank too, so backflushing may not be required - other more experienced people may have more knowledge on this.
I have only just started doing this after some bad advice by the people I bought my machine from, who told me I shouldnt use a descaler and that I should take my machine into them once a year for a service and they would clean it for me (for lots of $$$ too
) They shall remain nameless as the business has been taken over by new management who are much more helpfull.
Frankie, I would love it if you could find that link. I am sure my grouphead is desperately in need of a clean, only I have been a little nervous to attempt this myself without guidance. ;D
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Re: Detoxing the Gaggia Classic
Thanks Frankie. I was hoping you would see the Topic at some point. You helped me out directing me to the Silvia wand replacement thread a couple of weeks back. Thomas from Mocopan in Melbourne sorted me out with the wand.
The good news is it is now installed on my Classic and I am even getting some reasonable microfoam. Practice and more practice......on my macchiattos (hope I spelled that right
) and the odd latte for my wife.
These tips will definitely point me in the right direction towards keeping the insides clean. If you do come across the
link detailing the grouphead clean that would be great but no rush .... Im another couple of months off attempting that one. Sounds like its about due for a backflush though.
Detoxing me ? - I shudder to think - lets take it one step at a time and start with the Classic.
Thanks to all for your input.
Cheers,
forcoffee
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Re: Detoxing the Gaggia Classic
Hi forcoffee,
I had a classic for around 2 years and pulled an average of 1-2 doubles per day, every day.
Yes you can backflush the Classic and its well worth doing.
The link to Randy Glasss site on backflushing is the same procedure you can use. Make sure you heed the advice on how long you keep the pump on for and the other warnings.
I used to water backflush every few days, with a chemical flush around once a fortnight. Doing it this way, when I would remove the screen, dispersion plate etc every month or so - it would only require a quick scrub and could go right back in.
I still shudder to remember the very first time I did it - when I had owned it for a few months and hadnt ever cleaned it properly - YUCK. Its amazing that any water made it throught he coffee crud at all. The screen looked totally blocked and the brass dispersion plate was nearly black. Be prepared to be disgusted the first time you remove your shower screen.
Ill have to dig around for the link I used to have that had a detailed instruction list of how to clean the grouphead of a Classic.
I only used filtered water and its quite soft in Melbourne - so I only descaled with citric acid every quarter. If you have hard water where you are - it may be worth doing more often. I think there might be a page on that first link that deals with descaling as well.
Oh - and with respect to overdosing on coffee - after a point - the caffiene receptors in your liver stop responding to caffiene as strongly - so you end up needing more coffee to get the same effect - its a vicious circle. The good news is that you can "reset" the receptors although it involves some discomfort. You go off caffiene for a few days (take aspirin/paracetamol etc for the resultant withdrawal headache) and allow your body to flush itself clean. You may find that the first coffee after the detox will get you buzzing for ages.
Lastly - you may wish to look up the Silvia wand swap and over-pressure valve adjustment threads here. I think that they do make a marked improvement in the coffee you get from the Classic.
Frankie
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Re: Detoxing the Gaggia Classic
Well worth the read and the consumption is even better. ;DOriginally posted by forcoffee link=1163501398/15#16 date=1163552701I can even read up on Cold Process coffee as well....thats something I had never heard of
Java "Time to decant the new batch!" phile
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Re: Detoxing the Gaggia Classic
Thats ok coffeechaser......the topic meandered a little but Im sure will get back on track.
Ill have a read of the link Mal posted when I get a chance. Im sure Ill find what Im after in there.
Wouldnt mind hearing from a fellow Classic owner though before attempting backflushing. But its good to know it can be done.
I can even read up on Cold Process coffee as well....thats something I had never heard of
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Guest repliedRe: Detoxing the Gaggia Classic
CP= Cold Press of course. I have read that previsouly on Grendels blog.
Maybe I should up my daily coffee intake so my mind can be sharper
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Re: Detoxing the Gaggia Classic
LOL There ya go! Coffee to the rescue!! ;D ;DOriginally posted by JavaB link=1163501398/0#12 date=1163548226Ah... thats why you remember your physics equations so much better than I do.....
I need more coffee to prevent memory loss.... whats that called... em... Alzheimers ;D
Java "Now what was I saying?!?" phile
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Re: Detoxing the Gaggia Classic
CP is Cold Process coffee. It may sound horrible but as some converts on here can attest to its a wonderful cup.Originally posted by Coffeechaser link=1163501398/0#11 date=1163547159I am not sure what "CP" is...
You can find more information on CP in these discussions of it:
http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1141872695/5#5
http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1136514307/11#8
http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1140901380/0#0
Java "Loves his CP!!" phile
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