| Applies to: | Breville BTM800 the Tea Maker |
| Time required: | 15–30 minutes (longer if soaking for stain removal) |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Tools: | Soft sponge/cloth, mild dish soap, soft brush, optional Breville Revive Organic Tea Cleaner; or lemon juice, baking soda, or white vinegar |
| Safety First: Unplug the Tea Maker and let all parts cool before cleaning. Never immerse the Glass Jug base, Power Base, power cord, or plug in water. Only the Jug Lid, Tea Basket, Basket Lid, and Tea Scoop are dishwasher safe. |
Overview
Regular cleaning keeps tea tasting great and helps the BTM800 perform well. This guide covers routine cleaning, removing tannin stains, and basic care for the jug, basket, lid, and base.
Symptoms
- Tea tastes bitter or dull
- Brown tea stains or film inside the glass jug or on the basket
- Cloudy water or visible mineral build-up (scale)
Cause
Tea oils/tannins and minerals in water can build up over time inside the jug, on the lid filter, and on the tea basket components.
Procedure
- Power Off & Cool
- Press TEA|Cancel or HOT WATER|Cancel to turn the unit off, unplug, and allow all parts to cool completely.
- Clean Jug Lid & Scale Filter
- Wash the Jug Lid in warm soapy water with a soft sponge; rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Rinse the integrated scale filter under hot running water and gently rub with a cloth/brush; dry fully. The lid is also top-rack dishwasher safe (position vertically so the filter faces up).
- Clean the Glass Jug (daily care)
- Empty the jug after use. Do not allow brewed tea to stand overnight.
- Wipe the interior with a soft damp sponge or rinse with warm water. (If used only for tea, avoid soapy water to preserve flavour.)
- Wipe the exterior with a soft damp cloth. Never immerse or wash the exterior of the jug under running water. Avoid abrasives or chemicals.
- Remove Tannin Stains — Option A (with Revive Organic Tea Cleaner)
- Ensure the jug and basket are empty. Fill jug to 1500 ml, attach basket to the magnetic post, select 212°F/100°C and boil; cool 1 minute.
- Lower the basket (press and hold BASKET 2 seconds), add the cleaner packet, and let stand 5 minutes.
- Empty, then boil clean water once or twice to rinse. Rinse thoroughly with tap water.
- Remove Tannin Stains — Option B (household alternatives)
- Fill jug to 1500 ml and add one of the following: juice of one lemon (and the lemon), or 2 tbsp baking soda, or 6 tbsp white vinegar.
- Boil (212°F/100°C), allow to cool; for best results, soak overnight.
- Discard solution, scrub with a soft, non-metallic brush, then boil fresh water and discard; repeat if needed. Rinse thoroughly before use.
- Clean Tea Basket Lid, Basket, and Scoop
- Wash in warm soapy water with a soft sponge; rinse and dry thoroughly. A mild non-abrasive cleanser may be applied to the sponge if needed.
- These parts are dishwasher safe.
- Clean the Power Base
- Wipe with a soft damp sponge only. Dry completely before reconnecting power.
- Wipe with a soft damp sponge only. Dry completely before reconnecting power.
- About Descaling (scale/mineral build-up)
- Regular use can create lime or phosphate scale that affects performance and appearance. De-scale the Glass Jug periodically with a commercial descaling agent following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Regular use can create lime or phosphate scale that affects performance and appearance. De-scale the Glass Jug periodically with a commercial descaling agent following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Storage (optional)
- Ensure the unit is clean and dry. Attach the basket to the magnetic post, fit the jug lid, wrap the cord under the base, and store upright. Do not place items on top.
Outcome & Next Steps
After cleaning, stains should be reduced or removed and tea flavour should improve. If heavy staining or build-up persists after repeating the steps, or if you notice damage, contact Breville Consumer Support for service.
Notes & Tips
- Use filtered water for better taste and to reduce scale.
- Only clean parts listed as dishwasher safe in this article.
- If you frequently keep tea warm, consider slightly reducing brew time to avoid stronger flavour development over time.
- Reviewed/approved.