Machines
How to clean the group head on a Bambino Plus
Oct 12, 2026 · 5 min
Breville’s cleaning cycle for the Bambino Plus, sometimes called a backflush: when it’s due, the disc-and-tablet steps, and what to rinse.
Cleaning cycle vs descale
On the Bambino Plus, the group-head cleaning cycle is a flush that uses the blank cleaning disc (and, for the full cycle, a cleaning tablet). Breville calls this the cleaning cycle; some guides call it a backflush. Breville says it is separate from descaling. Descale removes mineral scale from the water path; the cleaning cycle targets the group. If lights point at descale, use the descale guide instead.
When the Bambino Plus asks for it
After 200 extractions since the last cleaning cycle, the 1 CUP and 2 CUP buttons flash alternately. That means the group head needs cleaning. You can also start a cleaning cycle manually before the alert: with the unit off (all lights off), press and hold 2 CUP and STEAM together for five seconds, per the booklet.
Breville cleaning cycle steps (short)
Insert the cleaning disc into the filter basket in the portafilter. Place a cleaning tablet on the disc. Lock the portafilter into the group head. Empty and replace the drip tray; put a 2 L (68 fl oz) container under the portafilter and steam wand. Fill the tank to MAX. Press and hold 1 CUP and 2 CUP for 5 seconds. When both stay lit, press either one to start the cycle. The lights flash while it runs, and the machine returns to ready mode when it’s done. When it finishes, remove and rinse the portafilter, cleaning disc, drip tray and container. Always follow the exact button sequence in your edition of the manual.
What not to do
Do not skip rinsing parts after the cycle. This isn’t a descale. Dishwasher: Breville says not to clean parts or accessories in the dishwasher. For milk residue on the wand, use the steam-wand cleaning section of the same Care & Cleaning chapter — see how to steam milk.
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