Can I use soap to wahs an espresso machine?

Soap is not recommened to clean espresso machines. It cannot dissolve coffee oils very well.

How often should I clean an espresso machine?\r\nWhat can I use instead of soap?

Check your manual about how can you clean your machine.

Never, never wash any kitchen equipment with soap!

I never use soap for my espresso machine.

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Life is what happens when you are making other plans. (John Lennon)

You can use a vinegar-water solution to clean your machine...but they acutally make a solution for cleaning an espresso or coffee machine. Check it out at your local supermarket in the cleaning aisle. This is usually a highly acidic solution that cleans out the water residue that builds up if you have "hard" water.

Google "coffee maker cleaner" and see what you get. I'm sure you'll find a recipe for the cleaner.

OH..and make sure you run clean water through it about 4 or 5 times to get rid of all the cleaner. YUK!