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Orange lights, no coffee, cleaning & descaling.
Open the guide →← All machinesBarista Express
BREVILLE / BES870
Barista Express
BES870 cleaning & descaling
Flashing means a cleaning cycle. Solid means descaling. Start with the light, then use the right product and button sequence.
Sources checked 11 October 2026 · Coffee Shops Editorial Desk
Check your model first
For the Breville Barista Express BES870 with a CLEAN/DESCALE indicator. Check the model label. Express Impress, Pro, Touch, older CLEAN ME variants and Sage regional versions may use different instructions.
Match the light pattern.
CLEAN/DESCALE flashesIndicator switches on and offCLEAN/DESCALE stays onIndicator is continuously litThe light stayed on after maintenanceA cycle ran, but the alert remainsDifferent indicator or modelCLEAN ME, another model, or unsure
Colors and rhythm illustrations are approximate. Use the written pattern and your model’s manual. The flashing illustration does not prescribe a measured frequency.
BARISTA EXPRESS · CLEAN/DESCALE flashes
Run the cleaning cycle.
This backflush uses a cleaning tablet and cleaning disc in the portafilter.
Use the cleaning checklistBARISTA EXPRESS · CLEAN/DESCALE stays on
Descaling is due.
Use descaling solution in the tank. The coffee, steam and hot-water paths all need the prescribed sequence and rinse.
Use the descaling checklistBARISTA EXPRESS · The light stayed on after maintenance
Check which cycle you completed.
A cleaning cycle and a descaling cycle do different jobs. A required descale or rinse step may still be incomplete.
Review incomplete cyclesBARISTA EXPRESS · Different indicator or model
Find the matching instruction book.
Do not apply these button combinations to an unidentified machine.
Prepare a support noteBefore handling the machine
Let it stop and cool before handling removable parts. Never open the casing or force a capsule mechanism. If there is damage, a burning smell or leakage near electrical parts, stop using it and contact the manufacturer.
Breville Barista Express · BES870
Flashing light: cleaning cycle
For BES870 with a CLEAN/DESCALE indicator. Other Barista models, CLEAN ME variants and Sage versions need their matching manual.
For the BES870 cleaning alert. This backflush is separate from descaling.
Keep hands clear of hot water. Wait for the cycle to finish before removing the portafilter.
Before you start
The supplied cleaning disc, a compatible espresso-machine cleaning tablet, the 1 CUP basket, fresh cold water and a large container.
0 of 3 steps checked
What to look for
Check the manufacturer’s instructions Confirm the tablet has dissolved. A solid descaling alert requires the separate procedure below.
Breville Barista Express · BES870
Solid light: descaling cycle
For BES870 with a CLEAN/DESCALE indicator. Other Barista models, CLEAN ME variants and Sage versions need their matching manual.
Prepare approved descaler according to its label and the BES870 book. Avoid skin and eye contact; never run the pump dry. The exact sequence is in the linked manual.
Follow the descaler’s safety label. Keep solution away from eyes, skin, children and food surfaces. Keep hands clear of hot water and steam.
Before you start
Approved compatible descaler, fresh rinse water and containers positioned to catch water from the group head, steam wand and hot-water outlet.
0 of 4 steps checked
What to look for
Check the manufacturer’s instructions All three paths need the rinse. A clear group-head flow alone does not show that the steam and hot-water paths were rinsed.
Breville Barista Express · BES870
The light is still on
For BES870 with a CLEAN/DESCALE indicator. Other Barista models, CLEAN ME variants and Sage versions need their matching manual.
Breville identifies missed steps, an incorrect starting mode and tank problems as possible reasons a descale does not start or finish.
Keep hands clear of hot water. Wait for the cycle to finish before removing the portafilter.
0 of 3 steps checked
What to look for
Check the manufacturer’s instructions A checklist cannot diagnose a blocked or failed component. Keep a note of the last completed step for support.
Cleaning and descaling questions
Does a cleaning tablet go in the water tank?
The cleaning procedure here puts its tablet on the cleaning disc in the portafilter. Descaling is a different procedure with a compatible solution in the tank.
Does this cover the Barista Express Impress?
No. Check the BES870 label and the CLEAN/DESCALE indicator. Use the manufacturer’s matching manual for another model.
Contact Breville support
Have the model, light pattern, last completed step and whether water flows ready. A short video can help describe the rhythm.
Notes stay in this tab and are copied only when you ask. Nothing is sent to the manufacturer by this page.
Sources & model scope
Breville BES870 US instruction book, care and cleaning pp. 23–24; Breville descaling troubleshooting. Match the indicator and supplied manual to your unit.
- BES870 instruction book — Breville US
Cleaning cycle on printed page 23; descaling on 24.
- Breville: descaling will not start or finish
Preparation, incomplete rinsing and when to get support.
AI-assisted research and writing by Coffee Shops Editorial Desk, checked 11 October 2026. Independent guide; no hands-on equipment test, manufacturer endorsement or human technician review is claimed. If your supplied manual differs, use it.