If your coffee has started to taste off, it’s a clear sign that your coffee maker needs a thorough cleaning. Over time, mineral deposits, coffee oils, and general grime can accumulate inside the machine, affecting the taste and efficiency. Here’s the best way to clean and descale your coffee maker to ensure it’s running smoothly and delivering delicious coffee every time.
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Start by Emptying the Coffee Maker
Before cleaning, make sure to empty out any old coffee in the carafe and discard used coffee grounds. This initial step will ensure the coffee maker is ready for a deep clean. Once you’ve removed the grounds and coffee, you’re ready to begin descaling.
Descaling the Coffee Maker
Descaling is one of the most important aspects of cleaning a coffee maker. Mineral buildup, especially from hard water, can affect both the taste of your coffee and the performance of the machine. For the descaling process, you can use either white vinegar or a dedicated descaling solution like Bar Keepers Friend Coffee Maker Descaler.
If using vinegar, mix a solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% cold water. For the Bar Keepers Friend Descaler, follow the instructions on the label, which typically involves mixing 8 ounces of descaler with water.
Running the Descaling Cycle
Many modern coffee makers have a “clean” button or descaling function, making this process easier. If your machine doesn’t have this feature, don’t worry. Simply set your coffee maker to brew the largest pot possible. Let it run until the water reservoir is halfway empty, then turn off the machine and let the descaling solution sit for about 15–20 minutes. This resting period allows the solution to break down the buildup effectively.
After the pause, turn the coffee maker back on and let the rest of the solution run through the machine. This process will thoroughly clean the internal components, ensuring your coffee maker runs like new again.
Rinsing the Coffee Maker
Once the descaling solution has run through, it’s important to rinse the machine to remove any remaining cleaner. Fill the water reservoir with fresh water and run a full brewing cycle without any coffee grounds. This will flush out any residual cleaner. If the water looks cloudy or has any floating particles, run another rinse cycle to ensure all traces of the descaler are gone.
Cleaning the External Components
After the internal cleaning is complete, it’s time to focus on the external parts. Many coffee makers have removable components, such as the filter basket and carafe lid. Disassemble your coffee maker and place these parts in the sink to soak in warm water with a bit of dish soap. This will help loosen any stuck-on grime or coffee residue.
While the parts are soaking, use a DIY cleaning solution made from 1 cup of water, 1 cup of white vinegar, and a teaspoon of dish soap. Unplug the coffee maker and spray down the non-removable parts, such as the heating plate and the area where the coffee grounds go. Pay special attention to any spots where coffee spills may have dried, as these can attract grime over time.
Scrubbing and Drying
Using a scrub sponge or brush, gently clean all the parts of the coffee maker, including the heating plate, which often accumulates dried coffee spills. For tough spots, a gentle scrub with a sponge, like Scrub Daddy, can work wonders. After scrubbing, use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the areas you’ve cleaned. This step ensures there’s no vinegar residue left behind, preventing it from affecting the taste of future coffee.
Once everything is clean, allow the parts to air dry completely before reassembling the coffee maker. This prevents moisture from getting trapped, which could lead to mold or mildew.
Enjoy Cleaner, Fresher Coffee
Now that your coffee maker is clean, you can enjoy a better-tasting cup of coffee. Regular cleaning not only improves flavor but also extends the life of your machine. By descaling and cleaning your coffee maker on a routine basis, you’ll keep it performing at its best for years to come.
Cleaning your coffee maker doesn’t have to be a complicated process. With a few simple steps, you can keep it in top shape and make sure every cup of coffee is as fresh and delicious as the first.