# How do I keep my TK-01 clean?

> Like any superautomatic espresso machine your TK01 requires some periodic maintenance to extend its lifespan With a little TLC your TK01 will keep brewing

Source: https://support.terrakaffe.com/en_us/how-do-i-keep-my-tk-01-clean-SkMd4Lkfo

Last updated: 2024-06-27T00:26:33.368Z

Like any super-automatic espresso machine, your TK-01 requires some periodic maintenance to extend its lifespan. With a little TLC, your TK-01 will keep brewing perfect bean-to-cup espresso for years to come.

Your TK-01 comes with four cleaning cycles built into the menu: rinse, milk cleaning, brewer cleaning, and descaling. You can access these by tapping “MENU” on your homescreen, then tapping “CLEANING,” and then selecting which function you’d like to run.

Your TK-01 will automatically run through a rinse cycle each time it’s turned on or shut down using the illuminated power button next to the touch display. We recommend shutting down your machine at least once a day to ensure the rinse cycle occurs.

If brewing milk-based drinks, be sure to run through the milk cleaning cycle at least once a day. Your TK-01 will automatically remind you to do this about thirty minutes after using the milk frother, but you can access this option at any time through the cleaning menu. To do this, connect the milk hose to the drip tray and press “MENU”, then “CLEANING”, then “MILK CONTAINER”. 

Between every 200 to 400 brews, your TK-01 will prompt you to run a brewer cleaning cycle and descaling cycle. These two processes require specific products, which we sell directly in the [TK Shop](https://www.terrakaffe.com/collections/accessories).

Running a brewer cleaning cycle allows for a deeper clean of your TK-01’s brew unit. To clean the brewer using a cleaning table or packet, first ensure that your water tank is full. Next, press “MENU,” then “CLEANING,” then “BREWER,” and insert one cleaning tablet/packet into the pre-ground coffee chute when prompted. If using a tablet, we recommend crushing the tablet beforehand to ensure it dissolves. 

Descaling your TK-01 removes any buildup of calcification or limescale in the machine’s internal boilers. To descale your machine, first remove the water tank from the machine, and take out your water filter. Add four descaling tablets/one descaling packet to the tank and fill with warm water. If using tablets, wait until the tablets fully dissolve. Reinsert your water tank, then, on your touch screen, press “MENU,” then “CLEANING,” then “DESCALE,” and follow the directions on the screen if you have not received a prompt to descale. If you have received a prompt to descale, run the cycle directly from the alert.

In addition to these pre-programmed cleaning cycles, we recommend a few additional measures to keep your TK-01 in tip-top shape. First, remove your brew unit – a crucial part of the espresso brewing process – once per week for a quick rinse. Run the brew unit under water to clean any coffee residue. Keep the brew unit upright while rinsing, and don’t worry about the thick, glue-like substance on the bottom of the unit. This is a special lubricant, which keeps your machinery running smoothly.

We also recommend periodically deep cleaning your TK-01's spout. Below is a video that shows how to do this.

Finally, we suggest replacing your water filter every three to four months. Regular replacement of your filter will slow any calcification on the machine’s internal boilers, which will allow for less frequent descaling. We sell water filters [here](https://www.terrakaffe.com/products/water-filter) in our TK Shop.

As always, our Customer Experience team is here to help with any questions or concerns at contact@terrakaffe.com.

Happy brewing!