If you brew coffee at home or if you are a professional barista, understanding your kitchen equipment and its cleaning options is crucial for its proper performance and longevity.
When you prepare milk beverages, make sure that your frother always remains in tip-top shape. After you have a cup of delicious cappuccino, give your appliance proper treatment and care. MilkFrotherTop offers a short tutorial on how to clean all types of milk frothers.
Easy Tips to Clean Milk Frother
Any barista can tell you that milk is the most troublesome substance to clean. It tends to build up residue and form milk stones. The problem is more difficult if the milk is occasionally overheated.
All parts of the appliance which are exposed to milk require an effective cleaning regimen. Any type of frother should be washed immediately after utilization, because caked milk can interfere with unit operation, affect froth quality, and, most importantly, develop harmful bacteria.
Most frothers are manufactured with easy cleaning options. You may hold the device under a running faucet, while others should just be carefully rinsed. Some appliances can be cleaned in a dishwasher with no effort at all.
It is particularly important to wash your frother based on the instructions included, because incorrect cleaning may damage the tool or affect its performance. To prevent this, here are some tips to follow based on your type of frother.
Electric Frother
- To clean an electric frother, detach the carafe from the base unit. Dismantle other removable parts. Make sure that all items are cool. If the jug is not dishwasher-safe, handwash it with warm running water. Don’t submerge it into water.
- Most milk jugs have a non-stick inner coating, which makes the cleaning process easier. You may use a sponge or cloth with non-abrasive detergent. It is important to remove all stuck substances. If there are any stains or lime scale deposits, scrub the coating gently. Never use a metal spoon or knife to remove burnt foam, as they may scratch the surface.
- The frothing disk and the whisk should be washed separately with warm water and soap.
- To clean the exterior, use a soft damp cloth to protect the cover from tarnish and scratches. Don’t apply any chemicals or soap to wash the stainless steel, otherwise, it may cause discoloration and rust. Before storing, wipe the frother with a dry cloth.
- The process of cleaning is not so involved if the appliance is dishwasher-safe. Just place the jug, lid, and frothing disks into the machine and press the button.
If you still have questions, the best way is to contact the support service. The manufacturer will advise you about what to use during cleaning. Some brands offer special detergents used only for frothers.
Wand (Handheld) Frother
- To wash a handheld frother, dip the tip of the wand with a whisk into a glass with hot soapy water. Turn the device on for 10-15 seconds. Fill the glass with pure water and turn the frother on again to wash away the detergent. You can repeat this step several times.
- Try not to moisten the electrical part, where the batteries are located. Switch the tool on for a few seconds and let the spinning whisk dry.
- Wash the appliance right after it has been used so that nothing can built up on the whisk. Use a wet cloth to wipe the upper part of the frother (plastic or metal).
Manual Milk Frother
- Usually, manual (or pump) frothers can be cleaned in a dishwasher, unless they contain plastic parts and are therefore not recommended for these machines.
- If they should be handwashed, grab your rubber gloves. Remove the plunger with a mesh screen and the lid and wash them with a soapy solution. Remove all the clogs from the mesh. Rinse all the parts thoroughly after cleaning.
- If you notice any deposits, use a lemon or citric acid to get rid of it. Let the liquid remain in the jug for a couple of hours and rinse it with water.
- Wipe the device with a dry cloth before storing.
Summing Up
Cleaning opportunities are super significant when you are buying a milk frother. Each potential user needs to determine which type of cleaning he/she prefers. If you are planning to use the device often, be ready to wash it frequently. In case you don’t like the hassle over its cleaning, then opt for a dishwasher-safe unit. Remember, if a cleaning option suits you, this means that the appliance will not be shelved in your kitchen cupboard.
References
- How Do I Clean the aerolatte® Milk Frother – https://www.aerolatte.com/
- Nespresso Aeroccino: How To – Care and Cleaning – https://www.youtube.com/
What is the brand of the hand held one (on the first pic, the one you put under the tap water) ? I have trouble with mine: it became a little rusty. I tried my best to dry it after each cleaning, but I obviously failed. Could you propose a solution? Greetings from Eastern Canada.
Hi, Nathalie
Thanks for the question! There is a HELLO milk frother on the image.
Unfortunately, I have never a similar problem … Try to contact the support center of the milk frother manufacturer.