Cookaholics Bulletin Board

We have a Jura with a built in grinder. Love it, but I have never even thought of cleaning the burrs. Something else to feel guilty about.

Mary

All,

So, I got the grinder clean. However, I've run into the problem that I can't get the screen for my espresso maker clean. I've soaked it, I've scrubbed it with a toothbrush and soap, and I've run it through the dishwasher, but the little holes remain clogged with dried coffee.

A friend suggested oven cleaner, but I'm reluctant to buy a whole can just to clean the screen. Other ideas?

I replaced mine at one point when I had a Sylvia. Might be cheaper and easier then you think ... Or not. Certainly availability varies.

Well, sad to admit but I just put on some tunes and used an appropriate size needle with adhesive tape around the correct end to protect my fingers and started punching through the holes... Hey, it worked.

I like Wino's idea, but have you tried to soak in vinegar?

Can it take heat? Simmering it with baking soda works for lots of things. Or maybe just soaking in baking soda and vinegar?

Can you run it using vinegar instead of water? That is a constant battle we have because our well water is so alkaline. So if the grind is not just right, between the water and the coffee we get clogged screens and white insides.

I'll ask my dad today. Every once in a while, stuff from long ago breaks through, and he spent many years of his life dealing with all aspects of espresso and making 20 t0 30 brews a day testing roasts and been quality.

Funny story I just remembered. My mom took her espresso pot apart to clean and had it drying when a friend was over, who happened to be a priest. He wanted to know why she did that and she explained it was a good idea to take it all apart every once in a while and give it a scrub with a brillo pad. He went home to try it and couldn't figure out why his coffee tasted so bad afterwards. Another priest putting the pot back together when he wanted coffee included the brillo pad in the mix!

Baking soda and vinegar. What could possibly go wrong?

We used that combo for some rather spectacular 'bottle bombs' when we were quite young!!