Proper cleaning is the single most important thing you can do to keep your Jura making great coffee. This guide covers every cleaning task: daily rinsing, milk circuit care, cleaning tablets, and exterior maintenance. Follow this routine and your machine will last 7-10 years with consistent espresso quality.
Daily Rinsing
Every Jura machine has a built-in rinse program that runs automatically at startup and shutdown. This flushes coffee oils and residue from the brew group. It takes about 60 seconds and requires no action from you beyond ensuring the water tank is filled.
What it does: Pushes hot water through the brew chamber, removing oils that would otherwise turn rancid and affect taste.
If your machine does not auto-rinse: Run a hot water cycle manually after your last drink of the day. This is rare on modern Jura models but common on older Impressa machines.
Milk System Cleaning
If your Jura has a milk frother, the milk circuit needs cleaning after every use. Milk residue left in the tube breeds bacteria and creates off-flavors within hours.
After every milk drink:
- Remove the milk container
- Place the milk tube in a small cup of cold water
- Run the milk frothing cycle for 10-15 seconds to flush the line
- Wipe the milk spout with a clean, damp cloth
Weekly deep clean: Some models (E8, S8, Z10) have a dedicated milk system cleaning program. Run this once a week or whenever you notice reduced foam quality. It circulates cleaning solution through the entire milk circuit.
Using Cleaning Tablets
Cleaning tablets dissolve coffee oil buildup inside the brew group that daily rinsing cannot reach. Use them every 200 cups or every 1-2 months, whichever comes first.
How to run a cleaning cycle:
- Empty the bean hopper completely (or close the bean gate if your model has one)
- Place one Jura cleaning tablet in the bypass doser (the small compartment for pre-ground coffee)
- Navigate to the cleaning program in the machine menu (usually under Maintenance or Care)
- Follow the on-screen prompts - the cycle takes about 10 minutes
- The machine will flush water through the system automatically
- Empty and rinse the drip tray when finished
Which tablets to use: Jura’s own cleaning tablets are recommended. Third-party tablets work but vary in quality. Avoid generic dishwasher or descaling tablets - they are not formulated for espresso machines.
For a detailed walkthrough, see our guide to cleaning with Jura tablets.
Cleaning vs. Descaling
These are two different processes that address different problems:
| Task | What It Removes | Frequency | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily rinse | Fresh coffee oils | Every use | Water only |
| Cleaning tablets | Dried coffee oil buildup | Every 1-2 months | Jura cleaning tablets |
| Descaling | Mineral scale (calcium) | Every 2-4 months | Jura descaling tablets |
Cleaning tablets target the brew group. Descaling targets the water system (boiler, pipes, thermoblock). You need both. See our descaling guide for the full descaling procedure.
Exterior and Drip Tray
- Drip tray: Empty and rinse daily. A full drip tray can overflow and damage your counter.
- Coffee grounds container: Empty when the machine prompts you. Do not wait until it overflows.
- Housing: Wipe with a soft, damp cloth weekly. Avoid abrasive cleaners on the chrome or matte finishes.
- Cup warmer (if equipped): Wipe periodically to remove coffee splashes.
Signs Your Machine Needs Cleaning
- Coffee tastes bitter or stale (oil buildup)
- Milk foam is thin or inconsistent (milk circuit residue)
- Flow is slow or uneven (scale or grounds buildup)
- The machine displays a cleaning reminder (follow it immediately)
Ready to Choose?
A well-maintained Jura lasts a decade. If you are still choosing a model, see our reviews for recommendations, or use the Machine Finder for a personalized pick.
Back to maintenance hub | See also: Descaling guide | Cleaning products | All guides