Frequently Asked Questions
General
Each NowBrew product is purpose-built for a specific type of coffee equipment. If you match the product to the equipment, you’ll get safer cleaning, better performance, and long-term protection.
Here’s a simple guide:
NowBrew Coffee Dispense Cleaner
Designed for Ready-to-Drink and Bag-in-Box coffee dispense systems. Ideal for cold brew, nitro, and other RTD setups. Ready-to-use and easy to connect, clean, and flush.
NowBrew Coffee Machine Tablets
For automatic commercial coffee machines and bean-to-cup systems. Pre-measured tablets simplify daily cleaning routines and help maintain consistent performance.
NowBrew Espresso Machine Powder
For traditional espresso machines that require backflushing. Powerful, controlled cleaning for group heads and internal components.
NowBrew Espresso Machine Tablets
For espresso machines compatible with tablet-based cleaning cycles. Convenient, mess-free dosing with consistent results.
NowBrew Milk Frother Cleaner
Specifically formulated for steam wands and milk systems. Removes milk residue and mineral buildup in one step to protect performance and flavor.
If you’re unsure which product fits your setup, reach out. We’re equipment care experts — and we’ll help you protect your investment the right way.
NowBrew is more than a coffee machine cleaner. We’re an equipment care solution built to protect your investment and clean your equipment.
Unlike many traditional coffee equipment cleaning products, NowBrew simplifies the process while delivering a deep, effective clean. Our formulas remove coffee oils, milk residue, and buildup without the harsh handling requirements or complicated procedures of traditional cleaners, helping you maintain performance and consistency.
Yes. NowBrew products are designed to simplify equipment cleaning, not complicating it for professional baristas and home coffee enthusiasts alike.
Tablet formats are pre-measured and easy to use, and Ready-to-Use solutions require no mixing or dilution. In most cases, you simply follow your machine manufacturer’s recommended cleaning cycle and use the appropriate NowBrew format.
You don’t need professional barista training to properly maintain your equipment. If you can operate your machine, you can clean it correctly.
If you ever have questions about your specific setup, contact us. We’re happy to help guide you through it.
Yes. NowBrew products are available in formats and quantities suitable for home coffee enthusiasts.
Our tablet and powder options are especially well-suited for residential espresso machines and super-automatic systems, providing the same equipment-focused cleaning approach used in commercial environments in quantities appropriate for lower daily volume.
If you’re using a high-end home setup and want to ensure you’re choosing the right format and size, contact us and we’ll help you select the best option for your equipment.
NowBrew products are formulated for commercial coffee equipment and tested for compatibility with major espresso machines, coffee brewers, and coffee dispense systems.
Proper espresso machine cleaning and routine maintenance help protect your warranty, and our formulas are designed to align with manufacturer-recommended care standards.
Because warranties vary by brand and model, we recommend checking with the manufacturer directly for their guidance.
NowBrew products are formulated to be low-hazard and drain-safe when used as directed. In most standard commercial applications, small amounts of unused diluted solution can be disposed of down a sanitary drain in accordance with local regulations.
Empty containers should be rinsed and disposed of according to local waste guidelines for commercial cleaning product packaging.
For larger quantities of unused products, or if you operate in a regulated environment (such as healthcare, education, or municipal facilities), we recommend consulting your local waste authority or reviewing the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for specific disposal guidance.
Safety
All Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for NowBrew coffee equipment cleaning solutions are available on the Directions & Safety page at nowbrew.com
Yes. NowBrew is a safe coffee equipment cleaning solution designed to protect both staff and machines.
Our formulas break down coffee residue, milk proteins, and mineral buildup without damaging stainless steel, seals, or internal components. With a Triple Zero Safety Rating under NFPA/HMIS standards, safer handling and long-term equipment protection is built right into your cleaning process.
“Triple Zero” means the product is rated 0 for health hazard, 0 for flammability, and 0 for reactivity under NFPA/HMIS safety standards, which is the safest possible hazard classification in all three categories.
In practical terms, NowBrew is not considered a health hazard, will not ignite, and will not create dangerous chemical reactions under normal use.
This translates into simplified storage requirements, easier handling procedures, and reduced risk exposure during routine cleaning. Because cleaning happens daily across multiple shifts and locations, using a low-hazard solution helps minimize operational and liability concerns.
Yes. Our coffee equipment cleaning solutions are biodegradable and drain-safe when used as directed.
This supports responsible disposal practices while simplifying compliance for cafés, offices, and food service operations.
No. As with any cleaning product, NowBrew should never be mixed with other chemicals. Mixing products can reduce effectiveness, damage equipment, and create safety risks.
It’s also worth noting that each NowBrew product is formulated for a specific application, and they’re not interchangeable. For guidance on which product is right for your equipment, visit our Directions & Safety page or contact our team.
Effectiveness
Yes. Cleaning effectiveness depends on chemistry and contact time, not on how harsh a product feels to handle.
NowBrew is formulated to dissolve coffee oils, milk proteins, and mineral deposits using a balanced chemistry that addresses both organic buildup and scale. It delivers the commercial-grade cleaning performance required in cafés, offices, and high-volume environments without the handling risks associated with more aggressive formulations.
It is laboratory-tested and field-validated in real-world operations. When used as directed, NowBrew removes buildup effectively and supports consistent equipment performance.
No. NowBrew formulas are tested for material compatibility with the components commonly found in commercial coffee equipment, including stainless steel, seals, and internal fittings.
They are designed to clean effectively without corroding metal surfaces, degrading gaskets, or harming internal parts. Proper cleaning with NowBrew supports equipment longevity, and compatibility testing is part of how we ensure it does.
If you notice visible residue after cleaning, first confirm that the product was used according to the recommended dosage and contact time. In many cases, buildup that has accumulated over time may require a second cleaning cycle to fully remove.
For dispense systems, ensure the solution fully passed through the lines and that the system was properly flushed afterward. For espresso machines, verify that the backflush or cleaning cycle was completed correctly.
If residue persists after following the recommended procedure, contact us. Our team can help troubleshoot your specific equipment setup and cleaning routine to ensure optimal results.
Training & Compliance
When cleaning is easy to execute, it gets done, and NowBrew is designed with that in mind. Clear, simple instructions mean even new or part-time staff can perform consistent espresso machine cleaning, milk frother cleaning, and coffee dispense system cleaning confidently. Fewer steps mean fewer mistakes and more consistent results.
To review step-by-step directions for all NowBrew products, visit our Directions & Safety page.
Consistent cleaning and machine care is the foundation of food safety compliance, and NowBrew makes that easier to achieve. By simplifying procedures and reducing handling risks, NowBrew helps operators prevent residue buildup that can impact taste, sanitation, and inspection readiness, while protecting beverage quality and equipment performance.
NowBrew products should be stored in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use and stored in their original packaging.
When stored properly, NowBrew products have a stable shelf life under normal commercial storage conditions. Specific shelf-life details are listed on the product packaging and its Safety Data Sheet.
For best performance, we recommend rotating inventory using standard first-in, first-out (FIFO) practices.
If you have questions about storage conditions in a specific environment, our team is happy to provide guidance.
Coffee Dispense Ready-to-Use Cleaning Solution
This solution is compatible with any Ready-to-Drink, Bag-in-Box Coffee Dispense Systems utilizing a 1900 Scholle fitment.
NowBrew Coffee Dispense Cleaning Solution is designed to clean build-up that forms inside the dispense tubing and faucet. It is important to clean the internal components of your bag-in-box coffee dispense systems for your health and to prevent “off” tastes. The only way to enjoy your coffee the way the roaster intended is through a clean coffee system.
No, this cleaning solution comes ready to be used as soon as you twist off the cap. Disconnect the coffee beverage and connect NowBrew Ready-to-Use Coffee Dispense Cleaning Solution to the dispense system. No additional water or steps are required. Download the label instructions here.
The Coffee Dispense Cleaning Ready-to-Use Solution contains blue tracer dye, making the cleaning solution easily identifiable in the system.
Temperature requirements depend on the product format and the equipment being cleaned.
For Ready-to-Use (RTU) Coffee Dispense Cleaner, no additional water is required. The solution is pre-mixed and designed to work effectively at normal operating temperatures within the dispense system.
In general, you do not need to introduce extreme temperatures. Proper dosage, contact time, and following your machine’s cleaning procedure are more important than adjusting water temperature.
If you have a specific equipment model in question, contact us. We’re happy to provide guidance.
Every cold brew dispense system should be cleaned routinely based on usage and volume. A good rule of thumb is to clean your system whenever you deplete the bag-in-box beverage and are ready for a fresh bag. Cleaning the system in-between bags ensures fresh flavor and extends the life of the equipment.
Espresso Machine Cleaning Powder & Tablets
Espresso machine cleaning involves daily backflushing and steam wand care. Regular maintenance protects taste, extends equipment life, and prevents costly service issues. Always follow your manufacturer’s guidelines for coffee equipment cleaning.
NowBrew is compatible with major espresso machines, including semi-automatic and super-automatic equipment.
Always review instructions for your specific application. If you’re unsure, our team is here to help.
The difference is in how your equipment is designed to be cleaned and how you prefer to work.
Tablets = Convenience
Pre-measured and mess-free. Just drop one in and run the cleaning cycle. Ideal for automatic coffee machines and espresso machines designed for tablet use.
Powder = Flexibility
Manually measured and typically used for traditional espresso machines that require backflushing. Great for higher-volume environments.
Each format is built around the equipment it serves, so you get safer, simpler, and more effective cleaning without overcomplicating your routine.
Yes, when used according to the equipment manufacturer’s cleaning procedure.
NowBrew Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets and Powder are designed specifically for semi-automatic and super-automatic coffee systems that utilize tablet-based cleaning cycles. They are formulated to clean internal brew groups and pathways without damaging stainless steel components, seals, or internal parts.
As with any cleaning product, always follow your machine manufacturer’s instructions regarding cleaning frequency and format (tablet vs. powder). If your machine specifies tablet-based cleaning, use the appropriate NowBrew tablet product.
If you’re unsure about compatibility with a specific model, contact us and we’ll help confirm the correct product for your equipment.
Temperature requirements depend on the product format and the equipment being cleaned.
For powder or tablet formats used in espresso machines, follow the equipment manufacturer’s recommended cleaning cycle. Most espresso cleaning processes use warm or hot water as part of the machine’s normal operation, and NowBrew is formulated to perform effectively within those standard cleaning conditions.
In general, you do not need to introduce extreme temperatures. Proper dosage, contact time, and following your machine’s cleaning procedure are more important than adjusting water temperature.
If you have a specific equipment model in question, contact us. We’re happy to provide guidance.
Coffee Machine Cleaning Tablets
Commercial coffee machines should be cleaned at the end of every shift to ensure that customers taste only the rich flavor that the roaster intended. Always follow your manufacturer’s guidelines for coffee equipment cleaning.
NowBrew is compatible with major commercial coffee brewers with a one-gallon capacity or larger. Always review instructions for your specific application. If you’re unsure, our team is here to help.
Temperature requirements depend on the product format and the equipment being cleaned.
For tablet formats used in commercial coffee machines, follow the equipment manufacturer’s recommended cleaning cycle. Most cleaning processes use warm or hot water as part of the machine’s normal operation, and NowBrew is formulated to perform effectively within those standard cleaning conditions.
In general, you do not need to introduce extreme temperatures. Proper dosage, contact time, and following your machine’s cleaning procedure are more important than adjusting water temperature.
If you have a specific equipment model in question, contact us. We’re happy to provide guidance.