Pasta tools generally don't need much cleaning at all. If anything, they're better off with less, not more. Many are made from untreated wood, precious brass, or other materials that hold up better with a light touch than a heavy scrub. Your pasta machine is no exception. Its rollers and internal parts aren't built to get wet or handle harsh cleaners, so a quick wipe-down is usually all it needs.
That said, every so often, bits of pasta dough get stuck in the nooks and crannies of the machine. Once those bits dry out and harden, they can snag or tear your dough as it passes through the rollers–a problem no one wants mid-batch.
In this guide, we'll walk through how to maintain your Marcato Atlas 150 pasta machine day-to-day, and how to deep clean it–including disassembling the cutter attachments when it really needs it.
The Golden Rule: Less is More
Before anything else, a few things to avoid:
- Don't submerge your machine in water.
- Don't put it in the dishwasher.
- Don't use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
Pasta machines are precision tools made mostly of metal parts that aren't designed to get wet. Water and moisture invite rust. Harsh chemicals can damage the finish and leave residue behind that ends up in your next batch of dough. Less is more!
Everyday Maintenance
You don't need to deep clean your Marcato pasta machine after every use–simple wipe-down is enough for regular upkeep.
After each use, wipe away any visible flour or dough with a clean, dry cloth and store the machine somewhere cool and dry. If finger smudges bother you, a light spot-clean with a vinegar-and-water solution works well. Otherwise, that's it!
When (and why) to deep clean
A deep clean is for the dough that a wipe-down can't reach–the small, hardened bits that work their way into the rollers or cutter attachments over time.
The clearest sign it's time: your pasta starts tearing or snagging as it comes through the machine. That's usually dried dough caught somewhere inside, not a problem with your dough itself.
Sometimes a clean, dry toothbrush or pastry brush is enough to dislodge it. Other times, especially with the cutter attachments, you'll need to take the machine apart to get it fully clean.
How to disassemble and deep clean the cutter attachments
Not everyone realizes this, but the cutter attachments on the Marcato Atlas 150 come apart–and it's easier than it looks. Here's how:
- Flip it over. Turn the cutter attachment upside down so you're facing its underside.
- Release the rods. Press down and out on the metal rods with your thumbs. This releases the rods from the attachment.
- Remove the combs. With the rods released, the plastic combs should slide right out.
- Shake it out. Turn the attachment back over and give it a good shake–you'll be surprised how many small bits of dried dough fall right out on their own.
- Brush out the rest. For anything still stuck, use a clean, dry toothbrush to gently scrub it loose. Turn the rollers with your fingers as you go to reach every side. Dried dough actually comes out more easily than fresh dough, so this step works best a day or two after your last pasta session–not right after.
- Reassemble. Realign the plastic combs on the cutter attachment and reinsert the rods to lock everything back into place.
Check out the video below to see this process, step-by-step.
A note on older machines: this disassembly method applies to the Marcato Atlas 150. Older Marcato models may be built differently, so check before attempting to take one apart.
How often should you deep clean your pasta machine?
For most home pasta makers, a deep clean once or twice a year is plenty–plus any time you notice hardened bits of dough in the rollers or your pasta starts tearing unexpectedly. Outside of that, stick to the simple wipe-down after each use, and your machine will stay in good shape for years.
Find the Marcato Atlas 150 Pasta Machine, plus other pasta machine models and artisanal pasta tools, in our shop.