LUCCA A53 / A53 Mini / Vivaldi: Group Head Cleaning and Maintenance

Learn how to clean and maintain your La Spaziale LUCCA A53 / A53 Mini or Vivaldi Espresso Machine. Our video covers backflushing, cleaning, and group gasket/shower screen replacement.

Tools you will need:

• Biocaf cleaning powder or Cafiza tablets 
• Pallo group head Brush
• Blind Portafilter basket
• 8mm wrench (or tool from the original accessory box)
• Replacement Gasket & Screen
• Molykote (or any food-grade lubricant)
• Portafilter
• Towel

We’ll want to start with a thorough backflushing. A detergent backflushing is something we recommend about once every 4-6 weeks as a routine cleaning on most machines. Follow the steps below to backflush your machine.

1. Remove filter basket from portafilter and replace with blind cleaning basket.
2. Add about 1/2 teaspoon of Biocaf wash to the blind filter. Lock your portafilter into the group head.
3. Press the shot button to run the brew cycle for 10 seconds and press the same button again to stop the pump and let the machine rest for 10 seconds to release pressure. Repeat this cycle 5 times. 
4. Remove portafilter. Rinse the portafilter to wash off any remaining detergent.
5. Lock your portafilter into the group head again, this time with a clean blind filter without the cleaner. Repeat step 2 to rinse and make sure no detergent residue is left.
6. Rinse with water and put filters back 

Next, we’ll need to remove the existing gasket, screen, and dispersion plate. 

1. With your wrench, loosen the screw inside the grouphead. This screw is holding the screen and dispersion plate in place.
2. Once the screw is removed, the two screens and plate should easily come out of the group head.
   1. If you notice lots of coffee residue on the dispersion plate, soak the plate in a bowl with ½ teaspoon of backflush detergent and hot water for 15 minutes. This will allow you to wipe away any stubborn coffee oils easily.
3. Using a pick or flathead screwdriver, pry the gasket out from inside the grouphead.
4. With the small towel, wipe away any remaining coffee residue from inside the group head.

Finally, it’s time to install the new gasket and screen!

1. Apply a thin layer of the lubricant to the exterior of your new gasket.
2. Slide the gasket back around the rim of the group head. It can be helpful to also insert your portafilter to help guide the gasket and position it firmly into place.
3. Replace the dispersion plate and screens (smallest screen on the bottom), then insert the dispersion screw until hand tight.
4. Insert portafilter back into your group head - you're all finished! 

Don't forget to do this once a year. If you bought the machine from us, don't worry...we'll remind you.