Bleary-eyed fumbling for that first cup of joe can lead to spills, yet despite this repeated abuse during the morning rush, your coffeemaker may be one of your most neglected kitchen tools. Sometimes it’s those appliances that we use every single day that accumulate the most dirt and germs—and the least TLC. Think back now: When was the last time you gave your coffeepot a thorough cleaning? The worst part is, this isn’t just about aesthetics: The mineral and coffee oil buildup in your appliance can actually be making your java taste terribly bitter—and that’s no way to start your day. To brew a fresh cuppa that you and your family can enjoy, follow these simple steps that will get your coffeemaker back into pristine condition.
- White vinegar
- Dish sponge
- Dishwashing liquid
- Cleaning towel
Photo: shutterstock.com
Step 1
First, fill your coffeemaker’s water chamber with equal parts water and white vinegar, then start the brew cycle.
Step 2
Halfway through the brew cycle, turn off the coffeemaker and let it sit for 30 minutes. This wait time will give the vinegar a chance to do its job, which is cleaning and disinfecting the insides of the appliance. When the time is up, turn the coffeemaker back on and let it complete its cycle. Let it cool.
Step 3
Pour cool water into the water chamber and run the machine again without stopping. Let it cool. Repeat two or three cycles of clean water to make sure all the vinegar is removed—that can taste more bitter than the burnt-on coffee oils.
Step 4
Once the carafe and machine have cooled, wash the inside and outside of the carafe with warm water and dishwashing liquid using a dish sponge. Next, turn back to the countertop appliance and thoroughly wipe down the entire outside, paying extra attention to crevices and buttons. Now’s the time to clean off any last sticky spot that might be left over from a morning spill.
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Step 5
Dry both the machine and carafe thoroughly with a soft towel, then fill the water reservoir again—because all that work deserves a fresh brew!
In fact, people tend not to clean their coffee makers as often as they should—and that can lead to some major ick factor and some less-than-awesome tasting coffee. NSF International, a public health and safety organization, found that the coffee machine water reservoir is the fifth germiest place in most homes, with even more germs than a bathroom faucet. And mineral deposits and other buildup over time can slow down your coffee machine and lead to some less-than-optimal coffee.
So get cleaning! Maintain your coffee machine by washing the baskets, filters, and carafes in warm, soapy water daily, either by hand or via dishwasher. (Most thermal carafes require handwashing.) If you have a Keurig coffee maker, wash the removable components (K-cup holder, mug tray, and water reservoir) with warm, soapy water every week.
Your coffee maker should get a deeper clean and descaling every month to reduce mineral buildup and keep mold and germs from taking up residence.
Fortunately, you probably already have the ultimate all-natural cleaner to take care of oily residue or impurities muddying up the flavor of your cup of joe—distilled white vinegar. You'll be amazed at how much better your coffee tastes after your deep clean is done.
You Can Use Cleaning Vinegar to Clean Everything—Except Thes
What You Need:
- Distilled white vinegar
- Water
How to Clean a Coffee Maker with Vinegar:
- Pour equal parts distilled white vinegar and water into your coffee maker's water chamber.
- Hit the switch to brew.
- When half the liquid has brewed, turn off the coffee maker and let the solution sit for about an hour.
- Turn it on again to finish the cycle.
- Discard the solution and run several cycles with clean water until the smell of vinegar is gone.
How to Descale a Keurig Coffee Maker:
You should descale your Keurig every two months, or whenever the descale light goes on. While there are specialty Keurig descaling products, the same combination of distilled white vinegar and water will do the trick.