Clean equipment is essential for brewing great espresso. Over time, coffee residue and oils build up on grinder burrs and group heads. Left uncleaned, they taint the flavor of your shot. In addition, mineral deposits created by water, particularly hard water, are a major culprit in causing performance issues with espresso machines. When mineral deposits are left uncleaned, they can significantly reduce the life span of an espresso machine.
Always refer to your manual for cleaning instructions and chemical recommendations. Using an incorrect espresso machine cleaner can damage your machine and void your warranty.