How to clean and backflush the La Pavoni Botticelli

These steps are from La Pavoni’s manual for the Botticelli Specialty.

Backflushing the group

1. Remove the portafilter and brush the group gasket with the supplied brush.
2. Put the blind filter in the portafilter.
3. Add a spoonful of espresso machine cleaning powder and lock the portafilter in.
4. Start brewing with the group lever, and stop after about 15 to 20 seconds.
5. Start and stop several times until clean water comes out, to remove coffee and scale deposits.
6. Remove the portafilter and run water through the group several times to rinse the shower screen.

If the machine has not been used for a while, the manual recommends running water through first.

Baskets and portafilters

Check the basket holes regularly. Soak baskets and portafilters in about one litre of boiling water with four teaspoons of espresso machine cleaner for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse well.

Steam and hot water wands

Wipe with a damp cloth after each use and release a little steam, so the holes do not clog.

Outside

Let the machine cool, then clean with a soft damp cloth. The manual warns against harsh detergents and sharp tools, and says the machine must never be immersed in water.

Replacing the group gasket

With the machine off and unplugged, lever out the gasket and shower screen with a flat screwdriver, clean the seat, fit the new parts, then fit the portafilter without a basket and turn it to seat the gasket.