Easy Ways To Clean Your Coffee Maker With Household Items

When was the last time you cleaned your coffee maker? If it's been a while, then you're not alone. Get ready for a cleaner and brighter cup of java!

Coffee makers are one of those kitchen appliances that you rely on every morning to start your day. If you don't clean it regularly, the internal parts of your machine can become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and other gross buildups. Don't worry!

This article will show you simple ways to clean your coffee maker with items you already have in your home! Keep reading to discover how to restore that shine and remove the gross buildup inside your machine.

Easy Ways To Clean Your Coffee Maker:

If you're a coffee drinker, you know how important it is to have a clean coffee maker. A dirty coffee maker can make your coffee taste bad and be a breeding ground for bacteria. Luckily, there are some easy ways to clean your coffee maker with household items.

Use Baking Soda:

The best way to clean your coffee maker is to use baking soda. Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent that can remove stains and buildup from many surfaces, including your coffee pot. To clean with baking soda, make a paste out of baking soda and water and apply it to the inside of the pot. Let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing it with a soft sponge or cloth. Rinse well with hot water. Vacuum it up, and your coffee maker will smell fresh in no time!

Use Vinegar:

One way to clean your coffee maker is to use vinegar. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that removes any coffee grounds or water deposits buildup. Add equal parts water and vinegar to the coffee pot and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, run the coffee maker like you usually would with just water. The vinegar will disinfect the machine, and the water will rinse away any residual vinegar taste.

coffee maker clean with vinegar

Use Lemon Juice:

If you have hard water deposits in your coffee pot, you can use lemon juice to help remove them. Lemon juice is acidic and will break down mineral deposits on contact. Just mix lemon juice and water and pour it into the pot. Let it sit for 30 minutes before running the cycle. The acidity of the lemon juice will help break down any buildup in the coffee maker. Once the coffee maker is clean, run a process with plain water to remove any residual lemon flavor.

Use Alcohol:

It's easy to clean your coffee maker with alcohol. Just follow these simple steps, and you'll have a clean machine. First, unplug your coffee maker and remove any removable parts. Next, mix 1 cup of water and 1 cup of vodka or rubbing alcohol in a bowl. Pour this mixture into the water reservoir of your coffee maker, and then run the coffee maker as you would typically make coffee. Let the mix run through the entire cycle, and then repeat if necessary. Finally, rinse the coffee maker with clean water to remove residual alcohol. 

That's it! You've now successfully cleaned your coffee maker with alcohol. It will make great-tasting coffee for years to come.

Clean the Pause and Serve Feature

If your coffee maker has a pause-and-serve feature, it's essential to clean it regularly to prevent the buildup of coffee grounds and ensure that your coffee tastes fresh. 

Clean the Pause and Serve Feature

Here's how to clean the pause and serve feature on your coffee maker:

1. Unplug the coffee maker and remove the carafe.

2. Use a damp cloth to wipe the inside of the carafe, ensuring it reaches all the nooks and crannies. Rinse the carafe out with water and set it aside to dry.

3. Use a paperclip or other small object to clear any coffee grounds stuck in the pause and serve valve.

4. Run a hot water cycle through the coffee maker (without any coffee grounds) to flush out any residual grounds.

5. Wipe down the exterior of the coffee maker with a damp cloth, taking care to dust off any vents or openings.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your coffee maker's pause and serve feature clean and working correctly - ensuring that every cup of coffee you make is as fresh and flavorful as possible!

Pour Water on the Bottom Plate:

If your coffee maker has a removable bottom plate, start by taking it off and pouring water onto the plate. Use a scrub brush to work the water around the surface of the container, loosening any coffee grounds or other debris that may be stuck to it. Rinse the bottom plate off with clean water and dry it before putting it back on the coffee maker.

Pour Water on the Bottom Plate

Clean the Drip Tray:

Assuming your coffee maker has a drip tray, this is where we will start. First, remove the tray and empty it into the sink. If there is any built-up coffee residue, scrub it with a sponge or brush until it comes clean. If the tray is still not clean, you can soak it in hot soapy water for a few minutes before scrubbing it again.

Once the drip tray is clean, rinse it with hot water and dry it with a clean towel. You can then put it back under your coffee maker.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why Do Coffee Makers Need To Be Cleaned?

Coffee makers need to be cleaned regularly to ensure their coffee is of the highest quality. Over time, coffee oils, residues, and minerals can build up inside the machine, affecting the taste, aroma, and even color of the coffee. Additionally, bacteria, mold, and mildew can grow in the device if it isn't cleaned regularly. Cleaning a coffee maker is quick and easy and helps to ensure that the coffee produced is of the highest quality.

Is It Safe To Use Bleach To Clean A Coffee Maker?

No, using bleach to clean a coffee maker is not safe. Bleach is a strong chemical that can damage the interior of a coffee maker and leave behind a strong odor. To clean your coffee maker safely, use a combination of equal parts white vinegar and water. Please fill up the coffee maker's reservoir with the solution, let it run through, discard it, and rinse the coffee maker with clean water.

What Is The Best Way To Clean A Coffee Maker?

The best way to clean a coffee maker is to empty the carafe and rinse it with warm water. Then, fill the carafe with 1 part white vinegar and two parts water. Allow the mixture to sit for approximately 30 minutes before running a cycle with vinegar and water. Finally, rinse the carafe and the basket thoroughly with warm water.

How Do I Prevent Mineral Buildup In My Coffee Maker?

Preventing mineral buildup in your coffee maker can be done by regularly cleaning it using a simple vinegar and water solution. Start by filling the water reservoir of your coffee maker with equal parts white vinegar and water. Then, run the coffee maker as if you were brewing a pot of coffee. Allow the vinegar and water mixture to cycle through the machine. Once the cycle is complete, discard the solution and rinse the reservoir with fresh, clean water. Repeat this process every few months or as needed.

Final Verdict:

Cleaning a coffee maker is integral to maintaining it and ensuring you get the best-tasting cup of coffee every time. By following the ways outlined in this article, you can easily keep your coffee maker clean and ensure that your beverages are always fresh-tasting and delicious. Cleaning your coffee maker regularly also helps to prolong its life, so if you want to enjoy great-tasting cups for years to come, ensure you take care of it with regular maintenance such as cleaning!