Warm and moist environments are breeding grounds for germs. While the heat from the coffee maker can kill most germs, periodic cleaning or descaling is a healthy habit you should practice. It undoubtedly keeps germs and molds out of our coffee maker. And, maintains the best taste of our coffee. Basically, make it a habit to clean your coffee maker every one to six months or as per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Things you need to clean your coffee maker:
- White Vinegar – preferably distilled white vinegar. Although, ordinary white vinegar will do.
- Water – preferably bottled or filtered water. But, tap water will do.
- Paper Coffee Filter
- Clean Cloth
1. Fill the Coffee Maker with Vinegar and Water
- Firstly, fill the reservoir with a 50-50 mixture of white distilled vinegar and water.
- If you have a 12-cup carafe, add 6 cups water and 6 cups vinegar.
- Consequently, increase the ratio of vinegar to water if your coffee maker has hard buildup deposits. The vinegar not only sanitizes the internal parts of your coffee maker and the carafe. It will also dissolve any accrued mineral deposits.
2. Brew and Let the Solution Sit In
- Remove the charcoal water filter from the reservoir, if there is one. This can be replaced with a new one after cleaning. So, prepare a new charcoal filter by soaking it in water.
- Place a filter in the basket.
- Position the carafe in place and turn the brewer on.
- About halfway through brewing, turn the coffee maker off. Consequently, allow the remaining vinegar solution to soak in the carafe and the reservoir for about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how much buildup you need to clear away.
3. Finish the Cleaning Cycle
- Turn the coffee maker back on and allow it to complete the brewing cycle.
- Remove the paper filter, if there is one.
4. Flush Vinegar Scent and Taste
- Pour out the full pot of vinegar and water solution. Now you can flush the vinegar scent and taste from the coffee maker.
- Fill the reservoir with fresh water.
- Put a new filter in the basket.
- Turn the coffee maker on, and let it complete the brewing cycle.
- Remove the carafe and pour out the water.
- Repeat with clean water for a second cycle.
5. Finish the Cleaning process
- Place the new charcoal filter you prepared earlier.
- Accordingly, replace the filter in the basket.
- Wipe the outside of the Coffee Maker with a clean cloth.
Important Points to Consider in Cleaning Our Coffee Maker
While it’s important to do periodic general cleaning of our coffee maker, don’t forget that standard cleaning after brewing our coffee is still a constant task we should never forget to do. It undoubtedly shines our beautiful coffee maker. On the other hand, it keeps us healthy.