If you are like me, whose daily morning routine mainly comprises sipping a (or more) cup of coffee in peace, then this post is for you. I admit that nothing beats a freshly brewed cup of coffee daily. However, it is equally important to keep your coffee maker clean. According to a study by NSF International, the coffee maker reservoir is the 5th dirtiest kitchen item in our homes. So, you can imagine very well that if you do not keep it clean, you are ingesting a good amount of bacteria in your body without even knowing.
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Signs that show your coffee maker needs a deep clean
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- Your coffee maker has a mineral buildup or blockage if it brews a pot of coffee slower than it used to, makes more noise than usual, spouts coffee everywhere or enables grounds to overflow into the coffee pot.
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- A dirty coffee maker can ruin your coffee’s flavor. Coffee can taste bitter if coffee oils left over from the brewing process go rancid. The machine’s interior lid and filter basket may become oily with the accumulation of the same residue.
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- Mineral deposits in the inside of your coffee pot.
How to clean a coffee maker
Suppose you enjoy a decent cup of coffee in the morning. In that case, having a top-notch coffee maker and deep-clean it frequently is crucial, mainly if you use it regularly. Coffee flavor can be impacted by a buildup of coffee residue and deposits of minerals from water, which can also block the parts of your coffee machine. This may eventually hinder the effective drip operation of your brewer. Suppose you don’t frequently clean your brewing basket and other components. In that case, the residue makes your coffee more and more bitter. In this blog post, I have compiled some tried and tested tips for cleaning a coffee maker, so let’s begin!
How to clean a drip coffee maker with vinegar
Many experts have proposed cleaning your coffee maker with vinegar and water. Follow these steps to clean the coffee pot with vinegar:
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- Clean out the coffee maker. Remove the carafe, brew basket, and permanent filter, if any, and wash them all in hot, soapy water. If necessary, take off the water filter as well. Replace the carafe and empty the filter basket after that.
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- Mix equal portions of white vinegar and water and pour the mixture into the reservoir.
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- To allow the vinegar-water mixture to rest in the reservoir and the water channel, run your coffee maker for half a drip session before stopping it.
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- Let it rest for 30 to 60 minutes and complete the brew cycle. Discard the mixture and run two cycles with clean water to rinse the vinegar and other residue.
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- Finally, wipe down the exterior with a damp sponge to remove coffee stains.
This is a quick hack to clean the drip coffee maker. However, Home and Gardens suggested that you should not regularly clean the coffee maker with vinegar as the acidity of vinegar may harm the rubber seals, reducing the life of your coffee pot. So, let me share some more tips for deep cleaning the coffee pot without vinegar.
Clean coffee maker with dish soap
You can clean your coffee pot with water and dish soap. Remove the basket and discard any coffee grounds and paper filter for this method. Also, remove the permanent filter. Now fill the kitchen sink with warm water and add dish soap. Place all machine parts in the water and let them soak for 30 minutes. Wash the parts with a dish sponge to remove any coffee residue and let them dry.
Baking soda to clean the coffee maker
Another way to clean a coffee pot is to use baking soda which is ideal to remove the coffee residue. Please use the baking soda only after descaling it; otherwise, it will further clog up the pot. To clean the coffee machine, apply a paste of water and baking soda inside your carafe. After waiting for a while, gently scrub it off. If you have stubborn stains, you can also have a splash of vinegar.
How often should you clean your coffee pot?
Well, this depends on how frequently you use it and the type of machine you have. The drip filter and espresso need less cleaning than other machines, such as bean-to-cup coffee makers. Ideally, it would help if you cleaned your coffee maker after every use, and the deep clean should be done at least once after three months.
Daily coffee maker cleaning
After each usage, rinse the coffee pot, the brew basket and the lids. Then, empty the water reservoir and let everything dry thoroughly. Eliminating moisture will eradicate bacteria and mould since they require a damp environment to thrive.
Weekly coffee maker cleaning
Wash the coffee maker’s removable elements (the carafe, brew basket and lid) in hot, soapy water once a week to get rid of as much coffee buildup as possible. After the machine has cooled and been unplugged, clean the hot plate, drip tray, and exterior using a moist rag or paper towel. Make sure to get rid of all the coffee residue you can.
Coffee maker deep clean
Every three to four months, use a deep cleaning and descaling solution to clean the interior of your coffee machine. You may make these solutions at home (vinegar, citric acid, or baking soda) or buy them commercially. The greasy buildup and residue that coffee grounds leave behind are removed by deep cleaning. Descaling removes the mineral buildup that hard water leaves in the coffee maker.
That was all about coffee maker cleaning. I hope you found this article quiet helpful and will share it with your friends too. Also, if you are interested in oven cleaning hacks, check our blog.
Recommended: 20+ Inspiring Coffee Bar & Coffee Station Ideas for Kitchen Counter
FAQs
Q: How often should I clean my coffee maker?
A: It is recommended to clean your coffee maker after every use to ensure the best tasting cup of joe.
Q: What is the best way to clean a coffee maker?
A: The best way to clean a coffee maker is to regularly wash removable parts, descale the machine, and rinse with water.
Q: How do I descale my coffee maker?
A: To descale your coffee maker, mix equal parts of water and vinegar, fill the reservoir, and run the coffee maker. Then, rinse with water to remove any vinegar taste.
Q: What parts of the coffee maker should I clean?
A: It is important to clean the coffee reservoir, coffee carafe, removable parts, and the lid opening to ensure a thorough cleaning.
Q: Should I clean my coffee maker with vinegar?
A: Yes, cleaning with vinegar is an effective method to descale and clean the internal parts of the coffee maker, just be sure to rinse with water afterward.
Q: Can I put the removable parts of my coffee maker in the dishwasher?
A: Yes, most removable parts of the coffee maker can be safely placed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
Q: Why is daily cleaning important for a coffee maker?
A: Daily cleaning helps to maintain the cleanliness and functionality of the coffee maker, ensuring that every cup of coffee tastes fresh and delicious.
Q: How do I clean a Keurig coffee maker?
A: To clean a Keurig coffee maker, run a cycle with clear water, and regularly descale the machine as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: What are some cleaning tips for keeping my coffee maker in top condition?
A: Some cleaning tips include washing removable parts after each use, descaling the machine regularly, and leaving the lid open after use to let it dry.
Q: How can I make my coffee maker sparkle like new?
A: To make your coffee maker sparkle like new, a quick rinse with clear water after each use, along with a periodic thorough cleaning, will maintain its cleanliness and shine.
Anum Basit, the organizing maven and cleaning aficionado behind KitchenFreak, is a devoted stay-at-home mom with a knack for turning chaos into calm. With a passion for writing and a decade of hands-on experience managing a busy household, Anum has cultivated a deep understanding of space utilization, effective cleaning techniques, and sustainable maintenance practices. Her home has become her laboratory, where she experiments with different strategies and shares her findings on her blog.
KitchenFreak began as a way for Anum to document her journey towards creating a clutter-free, easy-to-maintain, and clean kitchen. Today, it’s a go-to resource for fellow parents and homemakers seeking practical advice on kitchen organization, maintenance, and cleaning hacks.
Anum’s expertise isn’t confined to theory; it’s steeped in real-life trials, errors, and triumphs. From discovering the best ways to organize a pantry to finding child-friendly cleaning supplies, Anum’s advice comes from her lived experiences.
Through KitchenFreak, Anum aspires to help others uncover the joy of a well-organized kitchen. Her aim is to inspire, educate, and empower her readers, showing them that no matter how messy things may get, creating a spotless kitchen is possible, one step at a time.