Barista

Clean play

Also known as clean play · juego limpio de barra · clean as you go

What it is and what sets it apart: Not only end-of-shift cleaning—continuous hygiene under service, unlike a closing deep clean.

At the bar: After each milk: purge and wipe wand → clean cloth → clear waste → restore mise en place → backflush per café protocol.

Impact on the drink: Impact: cleaner flavours, less cross-contamination, less peak stress and better guest perception.

Technical notes: Assign cloth roles, backflush frequency and ownership of mess. SCA exams score hygiene.

Common mistakes: Milk crust on the wand. One cloth for everything. Dry pucks sitting for hours. Speed without reset.

How to use

Work from a logged recipe, scale and a clean station.

Steps

  1. Prep equipment and confirm the target recipe.

  2. Perform Clean play changing only one variable.

  3. Taste, clean and log the adjustment.

Tips

  • Prioritise hygiene and consistency over speed.

In Cafesito

Save coffees to your pantry, brew with method and keep your diary.

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