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Sage: cleaning, descaling and water filters

Oct 04, 2026

Sage machines have built-in programmes for cleaning and descaling and remind you when it is time. How you start the programmes differs between models. Below we use the Barista Express (BES875) and Barista Pro (BES878) as examples. If you have a Bambino, Barista Touch, Dual Boiler or Oracle, the same principles apply, but follow the manual for the buttons.

Cleaning cycle (Clean Me)

When the CLEAN ME light comes on (Barista Express) or the display shows FLUSH (Barista Pro), the brew group needs cleaning. Sage specifies roughly every 200 cups.

  1. Put the single basket (1 CUP) in the portafilter, insert the cleaning disc and place a Sage cleaning tablet on top.
  2. Fill the water tank, empty the drip tray and place a container under the spout.
  3. Barista Express: switch off the machine and hold down 1 CUP, 2 CUP and POWER at the same time for about 10 seconds. Barista Pro: press MENU, turn GRIND AMOUNT to FLUSH and press 1 CUP.
  4. The programme takes about 5 minutes and flushes in stages. Afterwards, check that the tablet has dissolved completely and rinse the basket and portafilter.

Descaling (Descale)

Descale when the display shows DESCALE or when you see limescale in the tank. How often depends on the water hardness and whether you use a filter.

  1. Empty the drip tray and take the water filter out of the tank.
  2. Fill the tank (on the Barista Pro up to the DESCALE mark) and dissolve Sage descaler in it. Barista Express: one sachet per litre of water.
  3. Start the programme. Barista Pro: MENU, select DESCALE and press 1 CUP. Barista Express: hold down 2 CUP and press POWER at the same time.
  4. The solution runs through the coffee, steam and hot water circuits. Turn the steam dial when the display or the manual tells you to.
  5. Rinse the tank, fill it with clean water and run a rinse cycle. Allow about an hour in total.

Only put the water filter back once rinsing is complete.

Replacing the water filter

Sage uses Claris filters. Replace it every three months (a 6-pack lasts a year and a half).

  1. Soak the new filter in cold water for 5 minutes and rinse it.
  2. Set the date dial on the filter holder to the next replacement month.
  3. Put the filter in the holder and press it into the mount in the tank.

Read more about water hardness in Water, water filters and descaling.

The steam wand

  • Wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth straight after each time you froth and run steam briefly to purge milk residue.
  • Blocked steam tip: set the dial to the standby position, switch off and let it cool. Clear the holes with the pin on the cleaning tool.
  • If it is stuck: unscrew the steam tip with the key in the tool, soak it in hot water, ideally with Cafetto MFC milk system cleaner, and then clear the holes.

The shower screen

Wipe the shower screen with a damp cloth after use. If needed, you can remove it:

  1. Switch off, unplug and let the machine cool down. Remove the tank and drip tray.
  2. Unscrew the centre screw anticlockwise with the short end of the Allen key. Note how the screen is fitted.
  3. Clean the screen. If the silicone gasket behind it is worn, prise it out and fit a new one with the flat side first and the ribbed side facing out.
  4. Refit the screen and tighten the screw until it sits flush.

If lights come on or something else is not working as it should, see Sage: troubleshooting and messages.

Barista & Espresso