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9 - Remove the Blind filter, rinse the Portafilter assembly, and you are done. It is suggested that
the first pull after backflushing be discarded just in case a bit of cleaner is left that could taint the coffee.
CAUTION: The cleaning products meant for backflushing must NEVER be used in the Water Reservoir.
Using this cleaning agent in any way other than described here can damage your machine and void your
warranty.
11.4. Cleaning the Portafilter and Filter Basket
NEVER use any abrasive cleaners or cleaning pads on your Vibiemme Domobar espresso machines. They
will scratch the surface. A quality glass cleaner sprayed on a rag will usually do a good job of cleaning the
outer surfaces, but do not spray these in the area of the grouphead, and always wait for the machine to
cool before cleaning the exterior.
Coffee. If your machine has painted panels take care to use products that are compatible with powder
coating. No solvents should ever be used as these may permanently damage the powder coating’s
sheen.
11.5. Exterior Cleaning
NEVER use any abrasive cleaners or cleaning pads on your Vibiemme Domobar espresso machines. They
will scratch the surface. A quality glass cleaner sprayed on a rag will usually do a good job of cleaning the
outer surfaces, but do not spray these in the area of the grouphead, and always wait for the machine to
cool before cleaning the exterior.
Coffee. If your machine has painted panels take care to use products that are compatible with powder
coating. No solvents should ever be used as these may permanently damage the powder coating’s sheen.
11.6. Grouphead Gasket Replacement
The thick, rubber gasket that seals the Portafilter in the Grouphead is subjected to a lot of heat and
pressure. Over time it will harden and the portafilter’s action will create a depression in the surface. If it begins
to leak, the first resolution is to give it a good cleaning as mentioned above. If that does not cure the problem
then replacement is the next step. Before attempting this, it is a good idea to have the spare gasket on hand.
The most difficult thing about replacing the grouphead gasket is removing the old one, especially if it has not
been regularly replaced. Just how hard or old the existing gasket is will dictate the difficulty of removing it.
Gently pry it out using a wide, flat-bladed screwdriver or a paint can opener. Take care not to damage the chrome
surface of the grouphead. It is a very good idea to have a spare shower screen on hand when attempting this
job. The screen is held in place by the gasket, and if you have to go at the gasket with vigor, the shower screen
can be damaged. Having a spare on hand will limit downtime.
Once the gasket is out, remove the shower screen and give the area a good cleaning. Be sure that no old gasket
or coffee residue is left in the grouphead. If need be, use a brass-bristle brush to clean the area.
To install the new gasket, assemble the gasket over the shower screen and place them on a portafilter,
Maneuver the assembly into place and then simply lock the portafilter into place as you would when making
espresso. The cam-action of the portafilter locking into place will push the shower screen and gasket into place.
How often this needs to be done depends on many factors, but for in-home use about once every six
months or when leaks occur that are not resolved by other solutions as mentioned above.
11.7. Hot Water Wand and Steam Wand
The tip of the Steam/Water Wand is removable and can be cleaned after removing it from the machine. It
simply unscrews, but do not use pliers or other similar tool that may mar the finish. A small strap wrench
is preferable if a tool is needed.
Here is an image of the parts disassembled so you can see how they go back together. Note the black
O-ring still on the wand. Be sure it is there when reassembling. All parts are shown here with the correct
side facing upwards, and in order of assembly, starting with the part on the right.
The Steam/Water Wand can become clogged if a cleaning is missed after steaming milk. The tip can be
removed by unscrewing. Remove the tip and soak it in cleaner, overnight if necessary. Note the O-ring. It
fits in the slot of the tip. Be sure the O-ring is used when assembling.
