How to clean a Bartesian when drinks aren't dispensing properly

⚡ Fast fix

• Shake the capsule: Give it a 2–3 second jiggle to evenly disperse ingredients before making a drink.
• Wipe the needle: Remove any residue on the needle inside the capsule holder using a microfiber cloth.
• Run a rinse cycle: A quick clean flushes residue from the water and spirit lines.

---

It's Saturday night, and you're eager to kick back with a cocktail or two. You fire up your Bartesian® to make a margarita. But as you're waiting for your drink, you notice the machine is pouring more slowly than it normally does. Could it use a good cleaning?

Asurion Experts have seen it all—and can fix it all. Here's how to clean a Bartesian, so you can get back to enjoying your favorite cocktails.

Signs your cocktail machine needs a deep clean

If you notice any of these signs, your Bartesian is begging for a thorough cleaning:

• Weak pours: Your machine may drip drinks (rather than pour them) if there's residue buildup in the capsule holder, spirit lines, or water lines. 
• Uneven drink volumes: A Bartesian measures the exact amount of liquid for the type of cocktail you make. If it's suddenly pouring a 2-ounce margarita instead of an 8-ounce one, something is likely clogging its lines.
• Dispensing errors: You may see an error message like "Add Water" if the Bartesian detects a blockage in the water line. This is a red flag to clean your machine, especially if the water reservoir is full.
• Unusual tastes: An oddly flavored cocktail may contain residue from past drinks. 

Regular Bartesian maintenance can keep your device free of residue and buildup, so your drinks are always perfect.

How to descale your Bartesian

For a true deep cleaning, it's best to descale your device with a mix of white vinegar and water. This safely dissolves residue without harming your machine. Here's how to descale a Bartesian in a few steps:

1. Stir 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 4 cups of water in a bowl.
2. Evenly distribute the mixture between the spirit bottles and the water reservoir. 
3. Put a large container (at least 10 ounces) underneath the dispenser.
4. Verify the capsule holder is inside the machine. Press Rinse/Clean > All in the Settings Menu.
5. Allow the vinegar mixture to work its magic for 30 minutes. 

After completing the vinegar and water descaling process, wash the spirit bottles and water reservoir in soap and water. Then fill them with water and place them in the machine. 

Repeat step four at least twice to flush the vinegar mixture from your Bartesian—no one likes a vinegar cocktail.

Clean the capsule holder and other removable parts

Descaling your Bartesian flushes out its water and liquor lines, but it may not remove residue stuck within the capsule holder and needle. To clean those parts:

1. Lift the lid handle and take out the capsule holder.
2. Pull the removable capsule seal down to detach it.
3. Lift the duck-bill valve from the spirit lid center.
4. Wash the capsule holder, removable capsule seal, and duck-bill valve in hot, soapy water. Make sure to squeeze the valve to push out any remaining residue.
5. After the parts dry, re-insert them into your Bartesian.

The water reservoir, spirit bottles, and capsule holder are dishwasher-safe. So if you want to save a bit of time, feel free to put them in your dishwasher. 

However, stick to handwashing the removable capsule seal and the duck-bill valve. These parts may fail if exposed to a dishwasher's harsher cleaning. 

Prime the Bartesian for your first drink

After a deep clean, reset your Bartesian before making a cocktail. Take these steps:

1. Fill the water reservoir and insert it into your machine.
2. Fill the spirit bottles with the liquor for your drink. You don't have to fill every bottle, only the ones listed in your cocktail capsule. 
3. Place an 8-ounce container underneath the dispenser.
4. Plug your Bartesian into a power outlet. Wait a few seconds, then touch the Control Panel to wake up the device.
5. Touch Settings Menu > First Use. Follow the prompts to prime the water line. 

Maintenance tips for a smooth pour every time

Bartesian recommends running a rinse cycle before putting away your machine for an extended period of time. The rinse cycle cleans recent buildup, but it isn't strong enough to remove old residue and hard water stains. Buildup can occur if you live in an area with hard water or forget to run a rinse cycle after using your machine.

Regular Bartesian cleaning cycles get rid of the unsightly water stains and leftover debris from past use. For best performance, aim to descale your machine every month or two. This keeps the device residue-free and ready for the next time a friend drops by for an impromptu nightcap.