Steam wand deep clean

Clean the wand and clear the tip

The manual's steps.

1. Wipe both wands with a soft, damp, non-abrasive cloth after every use.
2. Purge steam into the drip tray after frothing, so the holes do not clog.
3. If the holes do clog, let the wand cool and clear them with a needle or paper clip.
4. If that is not enough, unscrew the tip.
5. Keep the small gasket between the tip and the thread: the manual says do not lose it.
6. Screw the tip back on.

A squeaky steam or hot-water lever

ECM's manual does not give this job, and says repairs and changes of components are for an authorised specialist dealer. The method below is someone else's, named on each step.

Clive Coffee's method, written for the original Synchronika, whose joystick parts carry the same numbers.

1. Switch off and let the machine cool.
2. Wrap a towel round the lever arm to protect the chrome.
3. Unscrew the outer part of the arm with an adjustable wrench.
4. Grease the inner friction point with Molykote 111.
5. Refit the outer part and check the lever moves smoothly.

ECM Synchronika II: every job