So let’s be honest with ourselves; when was the last time you cleaned your coffee maker? Been a while, eh? If you are a daily coffee drinker, then it would be wise to clean the machine that provides your sweet java. Your brew will come out tasting much better if you keep your machine in top shape. Also, you never know what sort of disgusting bacteria and mineral deposits are collecting in the cracks and crevices.
Ideally, we should be cleaning our coffee makers at least once every month or two. Water can carry minerals like calcium into the maker that eventually settle into the machine. This will affect the flavor and quality of your brew. The coffee beans also leave behind an oily residue that can build up and give your coffee a rancid taste. If your coffee has been tasting especially bitter, sour, or just plain “off”, then it is time to clean it out.
Step One: Gather Your Supplies
Luckily, this is the easy part. We always recommend using eco friendly solutions if possible. Here we can use a mixture of one part white vinegar and two parts water. For the materials you need to clean the coffee pot, scroll down.
Step Two: Rinsing Cycle
Mix up enough of this cleaning solution to fill your water reservoir to 75%. Turn the machine on and let the mixture cycle through. Once the machine finishes running and cools down, pour out the mixture down your drain. Bonus: the hot vinegar water has the added effect of cleaning the gunk in your drain too.
For the next cycle, fill up your reservoir with cool water only. Run the machine again.
Step Three: Spot Cleaning
Let the machine finish this cycle and wait for it to cool down again. Then, dispose of the water and use a clean rag to wipe down the exterior surface of the machine. Be very careful with the bottom area of the machine if it has a heating pad to keep your brew warm. You can test out whether it is safe or not to clean it by letting a drop or two of water drip from your hand onto the heating pad. If the droplet evaporates immediately, then you have to wait until it cools further.
The Coffee Pot
The coffee pot, or carafe, needs to be cleaned more regularly because it stains more quickly and a lot of grime can build up. It can be really difficult to get rid of the discoloration on the glass. Ditch the soap and sponge. You’ll need one tray of ice cubes, two tablespoons of granulated salt, and two lemons, cut into quarters. Toss all of the ice cubes into the coffee pot. Then, squeeze some lemon juice onto the ice. Add the lemon wedges into the mix and sprinkle the salt over everything in the pot. Swish the ice cubes around the pot like you’re mixing a gin and tonic. The salt and ice work as scouring agents and the lemon’s citric acid helps to break down the stains.
For more difficult stains, empty out the ice and apply some salt directly onto a lemon wedge. Use the salty lemon wedge to rub the stain into oblivion. Finally, rinse out your coffee pot and enjoy. The end result is a fresh smelling, clean coffee pot.
Once everything is clean, make yourself a cup of Joe to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Kick back and relax, enjoying the robust aroma of fresh coffee. You’ve earned it!
