Apparatus for washing circuits involved in the preparation of milk-based beverages

An apparatus for washing hydraulic circuits involved in the preparation of milk-based beverages in machines for automatically dispensing hot drinks and/or in machines for preparing and supplying espresso coffee, comprising a beverage delivery device, at least one pouring spout having an orifice on the beverage delivery device, a milk storage vessel and a steam source, said circuits comprising at least one first hydraulic path which extends from the orifice of said at least one pouring spout of the beverage delivery device, said first hydraulic path being provided with a connection point for a detachable connection to said milk storage vessel, at least one second hydraulic path which extends between said steam source and the same orifice of the said pouring spout of the delivery device, a motor-driven pump arranged along said first hydraulic path, intercept valve means located along said second hydraulic path, a washing liquid source, a connection line connecting said washing liquid source and said valve means located along said second hydraulic path as well as valve means for intercepting said connection line, and means for connecting the orifice of said at least one pouring spout to said connection point when it is detached from the milk storage vessel to enable washing liquid from said second hydraulic path to be circulated through said first hydraulic path to thereby clean the first hydraulic path.