Blog
How to Clean a Coffee Maker
May 18, 2024
-
By
Lucas Bennett
Are you someone who brews their own coffee? If so, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll be going over how to clean and maintain your coffee maker so that you can make a fresh pot of joe every time!
The Importance of Cleaning Your Coffee Maker
Coffee makers are a haven for residue and other contaminants, with some studies finding them to be one of the germiest places in the home.
But it’s not just about hygiene; those remnants of coffee grounds and water minerals can also compromise your brew’s flavor and aroma.
By maintaining a clean coffee maker, you’ll be able to make better-tasting coffee and express the character of your selected beans.
The Impact on Coffee Taste
Coffee is all about the oils and flavors extracted during the brewing process, but when old coffee oils turn rancid, they can leave an unwelcome bitterness.
While cleaning the appliance is important, the last thing you want to use is soap – that will leave a residue that will alter the taste of your coffee. Opt for specialized cleaning products like ACTIVE Coffee Maker Cleaner Tablets instead. They are specifically designed to keep your coffee tasting great without any soapy aftertaste.
Maintaining Your Coffee Maker’s Efficiency
A coffee maker with hard water buildup will not only brew slower but can also overheat, leading to inconsistent cups.
That’s why regular descaling is so important – you want to maintain clear pathways inside your coffee maker to ensure a proper brew cycle.
Remember, using a descaler like ACTIVE Coffee Machine Descaler Liquid is not just about taste—it’s also about performance.
Extending the Life of Your Coffee Maker
A machine that’s well looked after is less prone to malfunction and will save you from the hassle and costs of sudden repairs.
For example, regular cleaning and descaling with ACTIVE will extend the lifespan of your coffee maker significantly. It’s also worth noting that many manufacturers require regular maintenance as part of their warranty coverage, so neglecting your coffee maker’s cleanliness could end up costing you more than just a good cup of coffee.
Everyday Cleaning Tips for Coffee Makers
Regular cleaning might sound tedious, but it’s surprisingly simple and goes a long way in preventing the buildup that can ruin your coffee’s taste and your coffee machine’s efficiency.
Whether you own a traditional drip coffee maker, a sophisticated espresso machine, or a handy Keurig, cleaning your coffee maker daily is crucial for its performance.
Cleaning Your Drip Coffee Maker
Drip coffee makers are known for their simplicity and convenience. But even the simplest machines need love.
First things first, make sure to dispose of the coffee grounds after each use. It’s also a good idea to give the filter a quick wipe.
Once a week, take it a step further by washing all removable parts, like the coffee pot and filter in hot soapy water. If your drip coffee maker has a glass carafe, you can use a mixture of hot water and a bit of dish soap to keep it sparkling and stain-free.
Cleaning Your Espresso Machine
Daily maintenance should include purging the group head to clear out coffee residue and steaming the wand before and after use to prevent milk buildup.
Don’t forget to rinse the portafilter and basket under warm water and give the machine’s exterior a loving wipe-down with a damp cloth.
Cleaning Your Keurig Coffee Maker
Keurig machines are known for being convenient, but they still need regular cleaning to operate smoothly. Make it a habit to rinse the drip tray and clean the pod holder daily to avoid clogs and buildup.
A quick wipe of the exterior will also keep it looking new, and don’t forget to leave the lid open after every use to let the interior dry out.
Deep Cleaning Techniques for Coffee Makers
Every now and then, you’ll want to give your coffee machine a deep clean and that’s where products like ACTIVE Coffee Maker Cleaner Tablets and ACTIVE Coffee Machine Descaler Liquid come in.
These products are specifically formulated to tackle the tough stuff—oils, mineral deposits, and scale—that can affect your coffee’s flavor and your machine’s performance.
How to Use ACTIVE Coffee Maker Cleaner Tablets
Using ACTIVE cleaners for coffee machines is straightforward.
For the Coffee Maker Cleaner Tablets, simply follow these steps:
Step 1: Add One Tablet
Place one tablet into the water reservoir, then fill the tank with warm water.
Step 2: Run a Cleaning Cycle
Run a cleaning cycle. The tablet will automatically wash away the oil residues and mineral buildup that can interfere with your coffee’s flavor and machine’s functionality.
Step 3: Run a Second Cycle
Discard the treated water and run a second cycle with fresh water to rinse out any remaining cleaning solution.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Coffee Maker Cleaner
- Water
You can run a regular ‘brew’ cycle if your machine doesn’t have a cleaning setting.
ACTIVE Coffee Maker Cleaner Tablets
Easy to use and easy to store tablets for an entire year of cleaning.
Descaling Your Coffee Maker With ACTIVE Descaler Liquid
Over time, mineral deposits can build up inside the machine. Not only will they affect the flavor of your coffee but they can also cause affect your machine’s performance by causing blockages inside the pipes and tubes.
That’s why it’s so important to descale your coffee machine regularly and the best way to do that is with ACTIVE Descaler Liquid.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Descaler Liquid
- Water
Step 1:
Pour 4 oz. of ACTIVE Coffee Machine Descaler Liquid into the reservoir, then fill the tank with water.
Step 2:
Run a ‘cleaning’ or regular brew cycle.
Step 3:
Discard the treated water, and you’re ready to brew your coffee.
ACTIVE Coffee Machine Descaler Liquid
Powerful descaling performance in a convenient liquid formula.
How Often Should You Deep Clean Your Coffee Maker?
For optimal performance and flavor, we recommend deep cleaning your coffee maker once every three months. Regular maintenance will help prevent the build-up of mineral deposits and residue.
However, if you’re a heavy user or if your coffee maker is in a commercial or office setting, you might need to deep clean more frequently—perhaps even bi-weekly—to maintain optimal performance and coffee flavor.
Why Choose ACTIVE Products?
ACTIVE tablets are pre-measured, which simplifies the deep cleaning process. They’re also non-toxic and safe for all coffee machine brands so you won’t have to worry about introducing anything harmful into your next brew.
The same goes for ACTIVE Coffee Machine Descaler Liquid – it’s convenient, easy to use, and highly effective, especially if you pair it with the cleaning tablets.
Alternative Cleaning Methods for Coffee Makers
There are several alternative cleaning methods that you can use if commercial products such as ACTIVE are not available. For example, you can use common household items like baking soda, lemon juice, and white vinegar.
Cleaning with Baking Soda
Baking soda is a powerhouse when it comes to cleaning, and the great thing about it is that most of us probably already have it in the kitchen.
Supplies:
- Baking soda
- Water
Step 1:
In a small bowl, dissolve 1/4 cup of baking soda in water, then start a brewing cycle.
Step 2:
Pause the cycle and let the baking soda mixture sit in the machine for a few minutes, before allowing the cycle finish.
Step 3:
Discard the treated water, then fill the tank with clean water and run a second cycle to ensure no baking soda residue is left behind.
Cleaning with Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another fantastic natural cleaner, thanks to its acidic properties that can help dissolve mineral deposits.
Supplies:
- Lemon juice
- Water
Step 1:
In a small bowl, mix equal parts of lemon juice with water.
Step 2:
Run the mixture through a brew cycle like you would with other cleaning solutions.
Step 3:
Discard the lemon water mixture and run a second cycle with fresh water to remove any lingering citrus taste.
Cleaning with White Vinegar
Vinegar is perhaps the most well-known cleaning alternative due to its acidity and ability to dissolve limescale.
Supplies:
- White vinegar
- Water
Step 1:
In a small bowl, combine equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water to create a solution.
Step 2:
Pour the vinegar solution into the reservoir and run a brew or cleaning cycle.
Step 3:
Discard the treated vinegar mixture, then run a second cycle with fresh water to remove any remaining vinegar taste.
Caring for Coffee Maker Components
The carafe, filter basket, and water reservoir all play crucial roles in the brewing process, and each needs its own cleaning regimen to ensure the best coffee possible.
Carafe Cleaning Tips
The carafe should be rinsed with warm water after each use and thoroughly cleaned with hot soapy water or a baking soda solution every week.
For those pesky coffee stains, a baking soda paste or even a scrub with lemon rinds and rock salt can help restore your carafe’s shine.
Filter Basket Maintenance
Coffee grounds and oil tend to gather in the filter basket, which is why you want to clean it regularly.
Simply rinse it with warm water after each use, and if it’s dishwasher safe, consider giving it a cycle for a deeper clean.
For metal filters, a vinegar soak and gentle scrub will keep it in brewing shape.
Cleaning the Water Reservoir
Given the water reservoir’s susceptibility to limescale and contaminants, regular cleaning with soapy water or vinegar is a must. If it’s dishwasher safe, take advantage of that feature for a hassle-free clean.
Always leave the lid open after cleaning to let it dry completely and prevent contamination.
Keeping Your Coffee Maker Clean
By incorporating daily rinses, weekly washes, and regular deep cleans with ACTIVE into your routine, you’ll be able to maintain not only the taste and efficiency of your coffee maker but also its longevity.
So, take pride in your coffee ritual and give your coffee maker the care it deserves.
Key Takeaways
- Regular cleaning of your coffee maker will help prevent contaminants, and coffee oil residue, all of which can affect the taste and hygiene of your brew
- Proper maintenance and descaling with specialized products like ACTIVE will not only enhance flavor but will also increase the efficiency and lifespan of your coffee maker
- Deep cleaning every month with products like ACTIVE Cleaner Tablets and Descaler Liquid, or alternative household items like vinegar or lemon juice, is essential for optimal machine performance
How to Clean a Coffee Maker – FAQs
What’s the best way to clean a coffee maker?
ACTIVE Cleaner Tablets and Descaler Liquid are the best options when it comes to cleaning your coffee maker. They are specifically designed to remove oils, residues, and stains, and will enhance the flavor of your brew.
How do you clean the inside of a coffee maker with vinegar?
To clean the inside of a coffee maker with vinegar, mix equal parts white vinegar and water, fill the reservoir, and run half of a drip cycle. Then, run a cycle with water twice to ensure the vinegar smell is gone.
How often should I clean my coffee maker?
You should rinse and wipe your coffee maker daily after every use.
Consider using specialty cleaning products like ACTIVE Coffee Maker Cleaner Tablets or Descaler Liquid every month, or more often for heavy use or commercial settings.
SAVE
15% off
Your Next ACTIVE
Purchase on Amazon
Limited Time Offer
Lucas Bennett
Meet Lucas Bennett, a former coffee shop owner and current espresso aficionado. With years of hands-on experience in the coffee industry, Lucas now pours his expertise into writing comprehensive guides. His passion for coffee shines through in his meticulous tips on brewing the perfect cup and maintaining high-performing equipment. He takes pride in helping enthusiasts and novices alike elevate their coffee and espresso experiences.
Similar posts
