Last updated: 04 June 2026

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Maintenance Schedule Descaling Water Filter Cleaning Cycle / Backflush Steam Wand Grinder Maintenance Products Troubleshooting Helpful Resources FAQs Other Sage Machines Useful Links

Sage Dual Boiler Maintenance Overview

Daily Flush Group Head Clean Basket,Purge Steam Wand Weekly Cleaning Cycle (Backflush) Monthly Inspection Shower Screen, Inspect Seals Every 3 months Replace water filter Every 1 - 6 months Descale (based on water hardness)
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Products You Will Need

  • Monthly Descaling

    Recommended Product - Ventori Descaling Tablets

  • Weekly Backflushing

    Recommended Product - Ventori Backflush Tablets

  • Water Filter

    Venori Sage compatible water Filter - (coming soon)

  • Daily Cleaning

    Microfibre Cloth
Shop Ventori Maintenance Products

Keeping these items on hand makes it easy to complete your regular maintenance and helps keep your Sage Dual Boiler performing at its best.

Sage Dual Boiler Maintenance Guide

A simple, step-by-step maintenance routine to keep your machine performing at its best.

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Descale your Sage Dual Boiler

Calcium and limescale naturally build up inside your machine over time. Regular descaling helps maintain brewing temperature, water flow and espresso flavour.

Recommended: Every 2 - 3 months, or sooner if you have hard water.

Before you begin

You will need:

  • Ventori Descaling Tablets
  • Fresh Water
  • A jug to collect water

Step 1 - Prepare for Descale

With the machine off, press and hold the 1 CUP and POWER button together for 3 seconds.

Step 2 - Start the Descaling Cycle

Once rSEt appears on the LCD, press the Up or DOWN arrow to the dESC setting and then press MENU to confirm.

Step 3 - Empty Boilers

Remove the grey silicone cover. Place a cloth over the drip tray to prevent steam escaping. Using a flat head screwdriver rotation the right valve counter-clockwise slowly until fully open. Once the water has drained, rotate the screw clockwise to close the valve.

Repeat the above process on the left valve.

Step 4 - Remove the Water Tank

Remove the water tank from the machine and empty any remaining water

Step 5 - Remove the water Filter

If, fitted, remove the ClaroSwiss BES008 filter before descaling.

STEP 6 - Preparing the Descaling solution

Dissolve the recommended number of descaling tablets in warm water

Step 7 - Fill the water tank

Fill the water tank with the prepared descaling solution

Step 8 - Prepare the Machine

Replace the water tank into the machine. Position a large container beneath the outlets.

STEP 9: Start the descaling


Press the 1 CUP button and the LCD screen will show countdown time (20 minutes). During this time, the machine will fill boilers with descale solution and heat. There may be some water flow through the group head. Allow the countdown timer to reach 0.

STEP 10: Flush the boilers

Press the 1 CUP Button and the LCD screen will countdown time (20 minutes). Place a cloth over the drip tray. Complete STEP 3 again to empty the boilers.

Empty the water tank and rinse and fill with clean water

STEP 11: Repeat Step Flush Boilers

It is recommended to flush boilers again to remove any residual descale solution.

Press POWER button to escape the Descale mode.

Step 11 - Enjoy better coffee

Your Sage Dual Boiler is now descaled and ready to brew. Regular descaling helps maintain brewing temperature, water flow and espresso flavour.

Recommended product

Ventori Descaling Tablets

  • Removes limescale
  • Suitable for Sage espresso machines
  • 24 tablets
  • 12 descaling cycles
Shop Descaler tablets

Sage ClaroSwiss BES008 Water Filter

The Sage Dual Boiler uses the Sage ClaroSwiss BES008 water filter. Replacing it approximately every 3 months helps reduce limescale, improve water quality and maintain coffee flavour.

Remember, a water filter helps reduce scale build-up but does not replace regular descaling.

Recommended Product

Ventori Sage Water Filter

Suitable for BES008-compatible Sage machines

Replaying your filter every three months helps reduced limescale and improves coffee flavour.

Shop Ventori Filters

Sage ClaroSwiss BES008 Quick Information

Task Recommednation Filter Type Sage ClaroSwiss BES008 Replace Every 3 month Priming Soak and flush before first use Descaling Still required every 2 - 3 months depending upon water hardness

Need Step-by-Step Instructions?

Visit our complete Sage Water Filter Replacement Guide for soaking, installation, priming, compatibility and troubleshooting.

View the Complete Filter Guide

Backflush the Brew Group

The Sage Dual Boiler uses a three-way solenoid valve, which means coffee oils build up inside the brew group over time. Regular backflushing helps maintain espresso flavour, improve extraction and keep the machine operating.

Before you begin

You'll need:

  • Blind basket
  • Ventori Backflush Tablets
  • Group Handle

Step 1: Fit the blind cleaning disc

Insert the 1CUP filter basket into the portafilter followed by the supplied cleaning disc.

Step 2: Add the tablet

Add one backflush cleaning tablet to the portafilter basket

Step 3 Lock the portafilter into the group head

Lock the portafilter into the group head and place a large container under the group head. Ensure the water tank is filled with cold water

Step 4: Start the cleaning cycle

Press the MENU button and rotate the SELECT dial until CLEAN CYCLE and PUSH are displayed on the LCD. Press the SELECT dial to start the cleaning cycle

STEP 5: During the Cleaning cycle

During the cleaning cycle, the LCD will displace a countdown timer showing remaining time in seconds.

STEP 6: Rinse the brew head

Once the tablet has completely dissolved, remove the portafilter and rinse the brew head from cleaning solution. Wipe off any splashes of water from the machine with a soft dry cloth.

Recommended product

Ventori Backflush Tablets

Weekly cleaning removes coffee oils from the brew system and helps maintain extraction quality

Shop Backflush tablets

Ventori Tip: Don't confuse descaling with backflushing.
Descaling removes mineral limescale from the water circuit.

Backflushing removes coffee oils from the brew group.

Both are essential for great espresso.

Need the full step-by-step guide?

View our complete Sage Backflush Cleaning Guide for:

  • detailed instructions
  • cleaning cycle activation
  • troubleshooting
  • video tutorial
  • compatible Sage machines
View the Complete Backflush Guide

Clean the Steam Wand

Milk residue can quickly build up inside and around the steam wand. Purging and wiping the wand after every use helps maintain steam performance, improves milk quality and prevents blockages.

Recommended: After every use.

Step 1: Purge the steam wand

Purge the steam wand for 2–3 seconds before cleaning.

Step 2: Wipe the steam wand

Wipe the steam wand immediately after use to remove milk residue.

Step 3: Purge again

Purge the steam wand again to clear any milk from inside the tip.

Step 4: Clean the steam tip

If the steam tip becomes blocked, remove and clean it before refitting.

Step 5: Enjoy perfectly steamed milk

Your steam wand is now clean and ready for the next use.

Why Clean Your Steam Wand?

Regular cleaning helps to:

  • Prevent milk residue from drying inside the wand
  • Maintain consistent steam performance
  • Produce smoother microfoam
  • Reduce blocked steam tips
  • Improve hygiene and milk quality

Ventori Tip: Purge the steam wand before and after steaming milk, then wipe it immediately with a clean, damp cloth while it's still warm.

Clean the Grinder

Regular grinder cleaning removes stale coffee oils and fine grounds that can affect flavour and grind consistency.

Recommended: Every 2–4 weeks.

Step 1: Empty the bean hopper

Remove the remaining beans and store them in a clean container.

Step 2 – Remove the Upper Burr

Unlock the hopper and lift out the upper burr using the wire handle.

Step 3 – Brush Away Coffee Residue

Brush away coffee oils and grounds from the burr and grinder chamber. Do not use water.

Step 4 – Reassemble & Brew

Refit the upper burr, lock it into place, replace the hopper and enjoy fresh espresso.

Why Clean Your Grinder?

  • Regular cleaning helps to:
  • Maintain consistent grind size
  • Improve coffee flavour
  • Remove stale coffee oils
  • Reduce grinder blockages
  • Extend grinder performance

Ventori Tip: A soft brush is all you need for routine cleaning. Avoid using water inside the grinder.

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Explore all Sage Maintenance products

  • Ventori Descaling Tablets

    Monthly maintenance

  • Ventori Backflush Tablets

    Weekly maintenance

  • Ventori Sage Water Filter

    Replace every 3 months
All maintenance products

Sage Dual Boiler FAQs

How often should I descale a Sage Dual Boiler?

The ideal descaling frequency depends on your water hardness. As a general guide:

  • Soft water: every 3 - 4 months
  • Moderate water: every 2 - 3 months
  • Hard water: every 1 - 2 months

If you notice slower water flow, reduced steam performance, or increased noise from the pump, descaling may be required sooner

How often should I backflush a Sage Dual Boiler?

Backflushing should be performed approximately once per week using a cleaning tablet and cleaning disc. Regular backflushing helps remove coffee oils and brewing residue from the group head and internal pathways

What does the Clean Me light mean on a Sage Dual Boiler?

The Clean Me indiciator is a maintenance reminder that signals when a cleaning cycle should be performed. When the light appears, run the cleaning cycle according to Sage's instructions using a cleaning tablet and cleaning disc.

Does the Sage Dual Boiler use a water filter?

Yes. The Dual Boiler can use a Sage ClaroSwiss water filter fitted inside the water tank. Replacing the filter approximately every 3 months helps reduce the limescale build-up and improve water quality.

Can limescale affect espresso quality?

Yes. Limescale can reduce temperature stability, restrict water flow, and affect extraction consistency. Regular descaling helps maintain espresso flavour and machine performance.

What are the signs my Sage Dual Boiler needs maintenance?

Common warning signs include:

  • Slower water flow
  • Reduced steam performance
  • Increased pump noise
  • Inconsistent espresso extraction
  • Visible scale deposits
  • Longer heat-up times

These symptoms often indicate that cleaning, descaling, or filter replacement may be required.

How long does Sage Dual Boiler maintenance take?

Most routine maintenance is quick:

  • Daily cleaning: 2 - 3 minutes
  • Weekly backflush: 10 - 15 minutes
  • Descaling: 30 - 60 minutes
  • Water filter replacement: approximately 5 minutes

How can I make my Sage Dual Boiler last longer?

Regular maintenance is the best way to extend the lift of your machine. Daily cleaning, weekly backflushing, water filter replacement, and descaling based on water hardness help preserve espresso quality, steam performance, and long-term reliability

Keep your Sage Dual Boiler performing at its best with expert maintenance guides, troubleshooting advice and personalised care reminders.

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