The Jura E6 is a popular automatic coffee machine that brings café-style drinks to your kitchen. With just the touch of a button, you get espresso, cappuccino, or a simple black coffee. But to keep your Jura E6 working its best, you must clean it the right way. Many owners overlook the small details, leading to poor taste, machine errors, or even breakdowns. Learning how to clean your Jura E6 is not just about following instructions—it’s about understanding why each step matters and how a few smart habits can make your machine last for years.
You might think cleaning is only about pressing a button or running a cycle. But there’s more to it. Some parts need special attention, and skipping even one cleaning routine can invite mold, bacteria, and limescale. All these affect the flavor and the safety of your coffee.
In this guide, you’ll find a complete, step-by-step process for cleaning your Jura E6, practical tips that save time, and useful tables comparing cleaning methods and products. Whether you’re a new owner or someone who wants to improve their cleaning routine, this article will help you keep your machine in top shape.
Why Regular Cleaning Is Essential For Your Jura E6
Your coffee machine is a complex device. The Jura E6 uses water, milk, and coffee grounds daily, and each of these can leave residues. Over time, these residues cause several problems:
- Taste Changes: Old coffee oils can turn rancid, making your coffee bitter or sour.
- Machine Performance: Blockages from milk or coffee grounds can slow down or stop the machine.
- Health Risks: Mold and bacteria thrive in moist, dirty parts.
- Shorter Lifespan: Scale buildup can damage the internal parts, leading to costly repairs.
- Warranty Issues: Not cleaning as recommended might void your warranty.
Many people clean only what they see—like the drip tray or milk frother. But real cleanliness means going deeper. The Jura E6 is smart and will remind you when some cleanings are due, but you shouldn’t wait for the alert every time.
Preventive cleaning keeps problems away.
Understanding The Jura E6 Cleaning System
The Jura E6 is designed with automatic cleaning programs, but it also has parts that need manual attention. Here’s how the cleaning system works:
- Automatic Cleaning Cycles: The machine prompts you when it’s time to clean, descale, or rinse.
- Removable Parts: Items like the drip tray, coffee grounds container, and water tank can be removed and washed.
- Milk System Cleaning: The milk frother and pipes need regular flushing, not just rinsing.
- Water Filtration: The Claris water filter helps reduce scale, but doesn’t remove the need for descaling.
The machine guides you through most processes using its display. Still, knowing what happens inside helps you clean better. For example, coffee oils build up in the brewing unit, while milk residue can hide in hoses.

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Daily Cleaning Tasks
Cleaning your Jura E6 every day keeps everything running smoothly. These tasks are simple and take only a few minutes but are very important.
1. Empty And Clean The Drip Tray
The drip tray collects water and coffee that drips during and after brewing. It’s a common spot for mold and bacteria.
- Slide out the tray, empty it, and wash with warm, soapy water.
- Rinse and dry before replacing.
2. Clean The Coffee Grounds Container
Old coffee grounds get moldy quickly.
- Remove the coffee grounds container and empty all used grounds.
- Rinse with water and dry before placing back.
3. Rinse The Water Tank
Fresh water is key to good coffee.
- Remove the water tank, rinse it with warm water, and refill with clean, cold water.
- Avoid using dish soap as residues can affect taste.
4. Flush The Milk System
Milk residues are a breeding ground for bacteria.
- After each use, run the milk system rinse. The E6 will prompt you after making a milk drink.
- Use Jura Milk System Cleaner at least once daily (more on this in the next sections).
5. Wipe The Machine Exterior
Coffee splashes and fingerprints collect daily.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe the surface. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
Pro Tip: Even if you didn’t make a milk drink, run the milk rinse at the end of the day to keep the pipes clear.
Weekly Cleaning Routine
Some cleaning jobs don’t need to be done every day but are crucial every week.
1. Deep Clean The Milk System
Once a week, use the Jura Milk System Cleaner to remove all milk fat and protein from the system.
- Mix the cleaner with water as directed.
- Attach the milk pipe to the container.
- Follow the on-screen steps; the machine will draw the cleaning solution through all milk paths.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
2. Wash Removable Parts
Parts like the drip tray, water tank, and grounds container collect grime over time.
- Remove and wash these parts with warm, soapy water.
- Rinse and dry well before putting back.
3. Clean The Coffee Spouts
Coffee spouts can clog with oils or residue.
- Wipe the spouts with a damp cloth.
- If possible, use a small brush to clean inside.
4. Clean The Cup Platform
Coffee splashes and stains collect here.
- Remove the platform and wash with soapy water.
- Rinse and dry completely.
Insight: Many users forget to clean the cup platform, which can become sticky and even attract insects if ignored.
Monthly Cleaning And Maintenance
Some tasks are easy to forget but are vital for long-term machine health.
1. Run The Automatic Cleaning Program
The Jura E6 will prompt you with a “Clean Machine” message about every 180 preparations or 80 on/off cycles. However, running a monthly clean is wise if you use the machine heavily.
- Insert a Jura Cleaning Tablet into the chute when prompted.
- Follow the display instructions; the machine will run the full cleaning cycle.
- The process takes about 15-20 minutes.
2. Descale The Machine
If you’re not using the Claris Smart filter or your water is hard, scale can build up.
- The E6 will display a “Descale” message when needed.
- Use only Jura Descaling Tablets.
- The process takes around 40 minutes and requires several rinses.
3. Replace The Water Filter
The Claris filter reduces limescale and improves water quality.
- Change the filter every 2-3 months or when the machine prompts you.
- Insert the new filter and follow the on-screen steps to activate.
4. Check The Milk Pipe
Inspect the milk pipe for any discoloration or cracks.
- Replace the pipe every 2-3 months or sooner if you see damage.
- Old pipes can harbor bacteria and affect taste.
Non-obvious tip: Even with a filter, you still need to descale. Filters reduce scale but do not remove it completely.
How To Clean The Brewing Unit
Unlike some brands, the Jura E6’s brewing unit is not user-removable. The machine cleans this part during the automatic cycle, but extra care helps.
Automatic Cleaning
- When prompted, add a cleaning tablet to the chute (not the bean hopper! ).
- The machine flushes hot water and cleaner through the internal system.
- This removes coffee oils and residues.
Why Not Remove The Brewing Unit?
Jura designed the E6 as a sealed system to reduce user error and keep the unit well-lubricated. Trying to open it yourself can void the warranty or cause damage.
Pro Insight: If you notice coffee tastes off or cleaning cycles don’t help, it may be time for professional service. Jura service centers can deep clean and lubricate the internal parts.

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Milk System Cleaning: Steps And Tips
Milk systems need extra care since milk spoils quickly. Here’s a detailed process for the best results:
Step-by-step Milk System Cleaning
- Prepare the Solution: Mix Jura Milk System Cleaner with water according to the bottle instructions.
- Connect the Milk Pipe: Place the end into the cleaning solution.
- Start the Program: Select “Clean the milk system” in the menu.
- Follow Prompts: The machine will draw the solution through the system, then ask for fresh water to rinse.
- Repeat If Needed: For heavy use, run the cycle twice.
Extra Tips
- Clean after every milk drink if possible.
- Use only Jura-approved milk cleaner for best results.
- Never use vinegar or harsh chemicals—they can damage the pipes.
Insight: Many beginners think water rinses are enough for milk cleaning. This is a mistake—milk fats are stubborn and need a special cleaner.
Descaling Your Jura E6: How And When
Descaling removes mineral buildup from water, which can harm your machine.
When To Descale
- The machine will display “Descale” when it’s time.
- If your area has hard water, descale more often.
Steps For Descaling
- Remove the Water Filter: If installed, take it out before descaling.
- Prepare the Solution: Dissolve Jura Descaling Tablets in water as instructed.
- Fill the Water Tank: Add the solution.
- Start the Program: Select “Descale” in the menu.
- Follow On-Screen Instructions: The process takes about 40 minutes.
- Rinse: After descaling, refill the tank with fresh water and run the rinse cycle.
Descaling Frequency Table
Here’s a comparison of descaling frequency based on filter use and water hardness:
| Water Filter Used | Water Hardness | Recommended Descaling |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Soft | 2-3 times per year |
| Yes | Hard | 4-5 times per year |
| No | Soft | 4-5 times per year |
| No | Hard | 6-8 times per year |
Pro Tip: Using the Jura Claris filter reduces, but does not eliminate, the need for descaling.
Best Cleaning Products For Jura E6
Using the right products keeps your machine safe and your warranty valid. Let’s compare the most common cleaning products:
| Product | Main Use | Safe for Machine | Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jura Cleaning Tablets | Coffee system cleaning | Yes | No |
| Jura Descaling Tablets | Descaling | Yes | No |
| Jura Milk System Cleaner | Milk system cleaning | Yes | No |
| Generic Tablets | Cleaning/Descaling | No (may damage) | Yes (if Jura not available) |
Important: Using non-Jura products can damage your machine and void the warranty. Always check the label.
How To Prevent Common Cleaning Mistakes
Even careful users make mistakes that can harm the Jura E6. Here are the most frequent ones and how to avoid them:
- Skipping Rinses: Always run the rinse cycle after cleaning or descaling to remove chemical residues.
- Mixing Cleaning Products: Never mix cleaners or use vinegar—it can destroy seals and sensors.
- Forgetting to Empty Trays: Leaving water or coffee in trays can cause mold overnight.
- Using Hard Brushes: Only use soft cloths or brushes to avoid scratching.
- Ignoring Alerts: Don’t delay when the E6 prompts for cleaning or descaling.
- Not Replacing Parts: Change milk pipes and filters on schedule.
Non-obvious tip: Some people add more cleaner, thinking it will work better. This can backfire, causing foaming or even damage.

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Deep Cleaning: When And How
Sometimes, your machine needs more than routine cleaning. Deep cleaning is not often required, but is important if you:
- Notice strange tastes even after cleaning
- See visible buildup inside
- Haven’t maintained the machine for months
Steps For Deep Cleaning
- Run all automatic cleaning programs (coffee, milk, descale).
- Remove and scrub all removable parts.
- Use a small brush to clean around coffee spouts and tight areas.
- Check and replace the milk pipe if it’s old.
- If needed, contact a Jura service center for an internal clean.
Warning: Do not open the machine body or attempt to remove the brewing unit. Jura’s design is sealed and must be serviced by a professional.
Cleaning For Different Water Types
Water quality affects cleaning needs. Hard water leaves more scale, while soft water reduces buildup.
- Hard Water: More frequent descaling, even with filters.
- Soft Water: Less frequent, but still descale as instructed.
- Filtered Water: Reduces scale but does not remove all minerals.
Water Hardness Test
Jura machines come with a test strip. Dip it in your tap water to check hardness. Set the result in your machine’s menu for accurate cleaning alerts.
How Cleaning Affects Coffee Taste
A clean Jura E6 gives the best flavor. Dirty machines make coffee bitter, sour, or weak. Here’s what you might notice:
- Stale Coffee: Old oils and grounds add off-flavors.
- Milky Residue: Leftover milk gives sour, unpleasant aftertaste.
- Scale Build-up: Water can’t heat or flow properly, affecting extraction.
Pro Insight: If your coffee tastes different, clean the machine before adjusting grind size or beans.
Jura E6 Cleaning Schedule Example
Consistency is key. Here’s a sample cleaning schedule for a home using the E6 daily:
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Empty drip tray and grounds container | Daily |
| Rinse water tank | Daily |
| Rinse milk system | After every use |
| Deep clean milk system | Weekly |
| Automatic cleaning cycle | Monthly or when prompted |
| Descale | As prompted (2-8x/year) |
| Replace water filter | Every 2-3 months |
| Replace milk pipe | Every 2-3 months |
Tip: Set reminders on your phone or calendar to keep on track.
Troubleshooting Common Cleaning Issues
Sometimes, even with regular cleaning, problems can arise. Here are solutions to common issues:
“clean Machine” Or “descale” Message Won’t Go Away
- Make sure you completed every step in the program.
- If stuck, unplug the machine for a few minutes and restart.
Machine Still Smells Bad
- Check all parts for hidden milk or coffee residue.
- Deep clean or replace the milk pipe.
Weak Coffee After Cleaning
- Make sure you used the right cleaning tablet and fully rinsed the machine.
- Check for old beans or grounds stuck in the system.
Milk Frother Not Working
- The milk system may be clogged.
- Run the milk cleaning cycle twice.
- Check for kinks or cracks in the milk pipe.
Insight: If you use non-Jura cleaners, some sensors may not detect cleaning—always use recommended products.
Storing And Maintaining Your Jura E6
If you plan to leave your machine unused for more than a few days:
- Empty and dry the water tank.
- Remove and dry the drip tray and grounds container.
- Run a rinse cycle to clear lines.
- Store the milk pipe separately and clean it before reuse.
Tip: Before using again, rinse everything and run a cleaning cycle.
Recommended Cleaning Accessories
A few accessories make cleaning easier:
- Jura Milk System Cleaner: For safe and thorough milk cleaning.
- Soft Brushes: For cleaning spouts and tight spots.
- Microfiber Cloths: For wiping surfaces.
- Replacement Milk Pipes: Keep extras on hand.
You can order these from the Jura Official Website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Clean The Milk System On The Jura E6?
You should rinse the milk system after every use and do a full clean with Jura Milk System Cleaner at least once a week. If you make many milk drinks daily, clean more often.
Can I Use Vinegar Or Generic Cleaners For My Jura E6?
No, you should only use Jura-approved cleaning products. Vinegar and generic cleaners can damage internal parts and void your warranty.
What Should I Do If The Machine Says “fill Water Tank” But It’s Full?
Make sure the water tank is inserted correctly and the float is moving freely. Sometimes, cleaning the tank and checking for blockages solves the problem.
How Do I Know When To Replace The Milk Pipe?
Replace the milk pipe every 2-3 months or sooner if you see discoloration, cracks, or bad smells. Fresh pipes keep milk drinks safe and tasty.
Does The Claris Water Filter Replace The Need For Descaling?
No. The Claris filter reduces limescale but does not remove it completely. You still need to descale as the machine instructs.
Caring for your Jura E6 is easier than it seems when you have the right knowledge and tools. With regular cleaning, you’ll enjoy delicious coffee and milk drinks, keep your machine safe, and avoid costly repairs. A few extra minutes each day can add years to your machine’s life and keep every cup tasting as good as the first.