How to Clean a Coffee Maker

Most people can’t function without their daily dose of caffeine. Regular use of a coffee maker can make your coffee unpalatable if the machine is not properly maintained. To keep the morning java jumping, clean your coffee maker.

Most coffee makers have a simple, easy-to-use design. The filter with the coffee grounds is placed in the top of the coffee maker. A reservoir on the back of the coffee maker holds the water. Depending on the capacity of your coffee pot, the fill level is indicated by a floating red ball on the side of the coffee maker. Once the water is added, turn the machine on and place the coffee pot on the hotplate.

If you use tap water to fill the reservoir, mineral deposits could form over time on the inside of the reservoir. The water is heated in the reservoir and the heat can leave deposits behind. Fill the reservoir with a mixture of one part white vinegar to two parts water. It’s best to use bottled or distilled water since you are trying to remove deposits left by tap water. Run the water through the system to get rid of any mineral deposits. A filter can be used to catch anything that could clog up the coffee maker. A wire cleaning brush should be used to clean the walls of the reservoir. You may need to rinse the reservoir more than once to remove all of the deposits. When that is done, run plain bottled water through the system to flush out all of the vinegar.

The vinegar mixture can be used to clean the filter area as well. I would caution against using any type of household cleanser to clean this area. Residue could be left behind that could make its way into your morning coffee. Make sure that you dry the area completely after cleaning. I recommend cleaning the filter area and the reservoir together so that clean water flushed through the reservoir can also remove vinegar from the filter area, too.

Now we come to the coffee pot. Most people rinse it out when the coffee is gone and leave it at that. Yuck! If any leftover coffee has been sitting on the hotplate all day, rinsing alone is not enough to keep your pot from getting grungy and discolored. Mild dishwashing liquid and warm water can be used in the coffee pot. Wash it thoroughly and rinse with warm water. Dry the pot to avoid water spots.

Keeping your machine properly maintained is a must. It will extend the life of your coffee maker. Cleaning your coffee maker every couple of days will ensure a fresh pot of coffee every time.