October 31, 2024
How to Clean a Coffee Maker
A run to the nearest coffee shop is a morning routine for most people. However, the cost can add up fast if you enjoy a morning cup each day. An at-home coffee maker means you only have to stroll to the kitchen to get the coveted cup of coffee in the morning, saving time and money. Whether you use a single-cup or a drip coffee maker, cleaning your coffee maker often is crucial to getting the best-tasting coffee and preventing bacteria growth.
Best Way to Clean a Coffee Maker
Minerals and oily sludges build up in your coffee maker over time, creating stains, making your coffee bitter, and potentially causing your machine to malfunction. The good news is that you can learn how to clean your coffee maker for a refreshing cup. Make sure you have these materials before you start:
- Water
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Sponge
- Bowl
- White vinegar
Steps for Cleaning a Coffee Maker
Here is a guide to cleaning a coffee maker, whether you use a drip or a pod brewer.
Step 1: Clean the Water Reservoir/Brew Basket
If you have a drip coffee maker, rinse the brew basket after every use. If you have a pod brewer, clean the reservoir with dish soap and water after every use. Some reservoirs are dishwasher-washable — consult your user’s manual to confirm if you can dishwash yours.
Step 2: Clean the Drip Tray or Hot Plate
Your drip coffee maker has a hot plate or a thermal carafe. Wait for the hot plate to cool down and clean off spilled coffee. Scrub the plate with a sponge and baking soda to remove burnt coffee. Pod coffee makers have drip trays — you can clean these with hot water and soap. Be sure to empty it regularly to prevent germs from breeding.
Step 3: Clear Mineral Deposits
Your home water contains minerals that can clog the coffee maker’s tube and tank. To remove any buildup of minerals, you need to descale your coffee maker. Some coffee machines have cleaning indicators that show when to descale. Most coffee makers need you to run a water and white vinegar solution through the machine to remove mineral deposits.
Check the user’s manual for the ratio, as vinegar can ruin some plastics and metals. Some machines may also have specific descaling instructions in the manual.
Step 4: Clean the Drip Machine (Carafe)
Clean your carafe with dish soap and water after every use for the best-tasting coffee.
Let Maid Bright Clean Your Home
Keep your coffee maker clean to prevent your machine from malfunctioning, and get great-tasting coffee. Keeping your whole house clean takes time and effort. At Maid Bright, we help you manage your chores by taking home cleaning off your plate. As a residential cleaning service serving Washington, DC, and its surroundings, we leave your house spotless and surpass your expectations.
Contact us to schedule a free estimate if you need a one-time or recurring cleaning service.
Share on Social
Book Your First Cleaning
We have high standards for your home.