Cleaning the frother or milk system: why it’s crucial and how to do it perfectly

Whether you’re a fan of creamy cappuccinos or silky lattes, regular milk frother cleaning is essential. Many people don’t realize it, but milk is highly perishable: when heated, residues can quickly ferment and become a breeding ground for bacteria. The result: altered taste, less pleasant texture, and—worst of all—a health risk. In this guide, we’ll see why it’s essential to clean your frother or milk system and how to do it effectively, whether you use an electric frother, a built-in system, or a steam wand.

To adapt your methods, you need to know what type of device you have:

1. An electric or manual milk frother

   • Standalone devices with a container to heat and froth.

   • Often removable and easy to clean if maintained after each use.

2. A built-in system on your automatic espresso machine

   • A tube draws milk from a pitcher or reservoir and froths it directly into the cup.

   • More complex internal lines that require rinsing and regular deep cleaning.

3. A steam wand on a manual machine

   • Heats and froths milk from a stainless-steel pitcher.

   • Requires immediate cleaning after each use to prevent buildup.

Optimal method:

• After each use, run the automatic rinse program if your machine has one.

• Once a day, use a milk frother cleaner specially formulated to dissolve milk fats.

• Once a week, disassemble removable parts (tubes, spouts, tips) and wash them with hot, soapy water.

Here’s a simple guideline:

• After each use : quick rinse or purge.

• Daily : full cleaning with a special milk cleaner for parts that come in contact with milk.

• Weekly : light descaling and milk-specific cleaning product.

• Monthly : inspection and deep cleaning.

To keep your frother or milk system working for a long time, adopt a few simple habits.

Start by always using fresh milk and avoiding products close to their expiration date, as they tend to leave more stubborn residues. 

Make it a habit to rinse with hot water immediately after each use, before the milk dries and sticks to the walls or the lines. 

When you disassemble parts for cleaning, make sure to dry them well before reassembling: leftover moisture is an ideal environment for bacteria. 

Finally, choose a product specifically formulated for milk systems rather than a standard household detergent, to avoid any aftertaste and to preserve your machine’s materials.