The short answer

  1. Cleaning: when CLEAN ME lights up. The cleaning disc and one cleaning tablet go in the portafilter; about 5 minutes.
  2. Descaling: every 90 days at hardness level 4, every 60 days at level 6, with Sage descaling powder. The machine does not remind you.
  3. Water filter: replace after 90 days or 40 litres. Take it out before descaling.
  4. Dishwasher: for none of the parts or accessories.

Everything here comes from Sage’s guide (the Barista Express BES875 / SES875 EN Quick Guide). We have not cleaned or descaled this machine ourselves. The model’s figures are in the Sage Barista Express profile.

Cleaning the Barista Express: the CLEAN ME cycle

  1. Put the 1 CUP filter basket in the portafilter, then the supplied cleaning disc, then one cleaning tablet.
  2. Lock the portafilter into the group head.
  3. Check that the water tank is filled with cold water and the drip tray is empty.
  4. Press the POWER button to switch the machine off.
  5. Press the 1 CUP and 2 CUP buttons together, then the POWER button as well. Hold all three for approximately 3 seconds.
  6. The cycle starts and lasts approximately 5 minutes.
  7. Remove the portafilter and check that the tablet has completely dissolved. If it has not, repeat from step 4.
  8. Remove the cleaning disc, refit the portafilter and press 2 CUP to rinse the brew head.

Each cycle takes one Sage cleaning tablet.

See the cleaning tablets on Amazon

Descaling the Barista Express: the steps

Take the water filter out of the tank first. During descaling, the guide says the water tank should never be removed or completely emptied, and that bottled water should not be used.

  1. Mix the solution: fully dissolve one sachet of Sage descaling powder in one litre of cold tap water, then fill the tank.
  2. Descale mode: press and hold 2 CUP, then press and hold POWER as well. The machine heats up and the POWER button flashes. It is ready when POWER, 1 CUP, CLEAN ME and the hot water and steam light are all steadily lit.
  3. Coffee side: press 1 CUP. This takes approximately 25 seconds.
  4. Steam: turn the dial left towards the steam icon, approximately 13 seconds.
  5. Hot water: turn the dial right towards the hot water icon, approximately 8 seconds.
  6. Repeat: about half the solution should be left in the tank at this point. Repeat the steps until the tank is empty.
  7. Rinse: remove the tank, rinse it thoroughly, refill it with fresh cold water to the maximum (2 litres) and run the steps again.
  8. Finish: press POWER to leave descale mode.

To stop a step early, turn the dial to STANDBY or press 1 CUP again. The machine switches itself off after 5 minutes without action in descale mode.

Sage’s guide asks for Sage descaling powder. Follow the dosage on the pack.

See the Sage descaler on Amazon

Water filter and water hardness

According to Sage, the supplied water filter reduces scale build-up, and replacing it on time reduces the need to descale. Replace it after 90 days or 40 litres, and soak the new filter for 5 minutes before fitting it. The water hardness guide shows where to find your figure in the UK.

Sage sells the ClaroSwiss water filter: according to Sage it fits the Barista Express from batch 1735 onwards, so check your existing filter or the machine’s batch code before buying (ClaroSwiss Water Filter).

See the water filter on Amazon

After each use

  • Steam wand: wipe it with a damp cloth after texturing milk, then briefly run steam over the drip tray.
  • Filter baskets and portafilter: rinse under hot water straight after use.
  • Shower screen: wipe the group head with a damp cloth, and from time to time run a short flow of water with an empty basket.
  • Drip tray: empty and clean it at regular intervals, and in any case when the EMPTY ME! indicator shows.

The guide rules out abrasive cleansers, pads and cloths.

The schedule at a glance

When What
After each use Clean the baskets, the portafilter and the steam wand
When EMPTY ME! shows Empty and clean the drip tray
When CLEAN ME lights up Cleaning cycle with a tablet, about 5 minutes
After 90 days or 40 litres Replace the water filter
Every 60 to 90 days, depending on water hardness Descale with Sage descaling powder

What this page does not replace

It summarises Sage’s guide and does not replace it: the figures for each step, and the cleaning of the grinder, are in the guide for your machine.

The other Sage machines are on the Sage range page, and every machine with a built-in grinder is in espresso machines with a grinder.

Frequently asked questions

What does CLEAN ME mean on a Sage Barista Express?

The CLEAN ME light comes on when a cleaning cycle is required. According to Sage's guide this is separate from descaling: it clears coffee oils from the brew head with a cleaning tablet and lasts about 5 minutes.

How often should I descale a Sage Barista Express?

Sage recommends every 90 days when water hardness is at level 4, and every 60 days at level 6. The guide says the machine will not prompt you automatically.

Which descaler does the Sage Barista Express need?

Sage's guide names Sage descaling powder: one sachet, fully dissolved in one litre of cold tap water.

Do I take the water filter out before descaling?

Yes. The guide says to remove the water filter from the tank before adding the descaling powder.

How often should the water filter be replaced?

After 90 days or after 40 litres, according to the guide. The 40 litre figure is based on water hardness level 4; at level 2, Sage says 60 litres.

Can Barista Express parts go in the dishwasher?

No. The guide says not to clean any of the parts or accessories in the dishwasher. All parts are washed by hand in warm water with a gentle washing-up liquid.