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 Oracle Touch 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 Oracle Touch performing at its best.

Sage Oracle Touch Maintenance Guide

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

Join Care ScheduleBrowse Sage Maintenance Hub

Descale your Sage Oracle Touch

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 - Remove the Water Tank

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

Step 2 - Remove the water Filter

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

STEP 3 - Preparing the Descaling solution

Dissolve the recommended number of descaling tablets in warm water

Step 4 - Fill the water tank

Fill the water tank with the prepared descaling solution

Step 5 - Prepare the Machine

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

Step 6 - Placing a container to collect the soltuion

Position a large container beneath the outlets large enough to collect the solution

Step 7 - Start the Descaling Cycle

To start the descaling process, click the settings button on the Sage Oracle Touch screen

Step 8 - Scroll down to descaling function

Scroll down on the screen to the descaling function and select "Descale". Follow the on screen instructions.

Step 11 - Enjoy better coffee

Your Sage Oracle Touch 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 Oracle Touch 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 Recommendation 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 Oracle Touch 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

Step 4: Start the cleaning cycle

Follow the on screen instructions to completion.

STEP 5: Rinse the brew head

After approximately 5 minutes, the cleanly cycle will have finished. Remove the portafilter and ensure the tablet has completely dissolved. If not repeat Step 4.

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, go to settings and click "Clean steam wand".

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 Oracle Touch FAQs

How often should I descale a Sage Oracle Touch?

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 do I start the descaling programme on the Sage Oracle Touch?

From the touchscreen, open Settings, select Maintenance, then choose Descale. The Oracle Touch will guide you through each stage of the descaling process, including preparing the machine, running the cleaning cycle and completing the rinse cycle. Always allow the programme to finish before making coffee again.

Why is my Sage Oracle Touch showing the Clean Me reminder?

The Clean Me indicator reminds that the brew group requires cleaning. This is different from descaling and means coffee oils have built up inside the group head. Run the cleaning cycle using a cleaning tablet and blind filter basket to remove coffee residue and maintain espresso quality.

How often should I backflush my Sage Oracle Touch?

For most home users, the Oracle Touch should be backflushed once a wekk using a cleaning tablet. If the machine is used heavily, more frequent cleaning may be beneficial. Regular backflushing removes coffee oils from the brew group and helps maintain consistent extraction and flavour.

Can I use descaling tablets instead of liquid descaler?

Yes. High quality descaling tablets are designed specifically for espresso machines and effectively dissolve mineral scale. They are easy to measure, simple to store and provide consistent cleaning without the mess often associated with liquid descalers.

How often should I replace the water filter?

Replace the water filter approximately every three months or after filtering around 40 litres of water, whichever comes first. A fresh filter helps reduce limescale build-up, improves water quality and supports better tasting coffee.

Can I still make coffee when the Clean Me reminder appears?

Yes. The Oracle Touch will usually continue making coffee, but you should complete the cleaning cycle as soon as practical. Delaying maintenance allows coffee oils to build up inside the brew group, which can affect espresso flavour and long-term performance.

Why does my Sage Oracle Touch make weak or inconsistent espresso?

Weak or inconsistent espresso can be caused by stale beans, incorrect grind settings, worn coffee beans or overdue maintenance. Cleaning the brew group regularly, descaling when required and using fresh coffee beans will help the Oracle Touch produce consistent espresso.

How do I clean the automatic steam wand?

The Oracle Touch automatically purges the steam wand after milk texturing to help remove milk residue. Even so, you should wipe the wand with a damp cloth after every use. Remove and clean the steam tip periodically to prevent blockages and maintain reliable milk performance.

How long does the Oracle Touch descaling cycle take?

The complete descaling programme typically takes 20 - 30 minutes, including the rinse cycle. Allow the programme to finish completely before preparing coffee to ensure all descaling solution has been flushed from the machine.

What maintenance should I do on my Sage Oracle Touch?

Following a regular maintenance routine will help keep your Oracle Touch performing like new:

  • Daily - Empty the drip tray, wipe the automatic steam wand, purge the group head and rinse the portafilter.
  • Weekly - Backflush the machine using a cleaning tablet and clean the shower screen.
  • Every 2 - 3 months: Run the descaling programme and replace the water filter if required
  • As needed: Clean the grinder, bean hopper, touchscreen and bean chute to remove coffee residue and maintain consistent performance.

Routine care helps preserve the ritual of better coffee