Buzz
White vinegar is a natural and effective cleaning agent. It can remove grease and calcium buildup, making it ideal for coffee makers that regularly come into contact with minerals in water. It is recommended to clean your coffee maker with vinegar at least once every six months to ensure your coffee remains clean and flavorful.
Steps
Prepare the machine and vinegar solution
Remove the filter and clean the coffee grounds. Discard any remaining coffee grounds in the container. Throw away the used filter and empty the water from the most recent brew.
Rinse the filter basket with water.
Mix one part vinegar with two parts water, unless the user manual specifies otherwise. Some coffee makers recommend using less vinegar in the cleaning solution. Check the manufacturer’s instructions or online for the appropriate amount of vinegar. If the manufacturer suggests less vinegar, you can use one-third of the usual amount.
Prepare the vinegar solution.
Clean the coffee maker
Run the machine for half the brewing cycle. Press the brew button after pouring the vinegar solution into the water reservoir. Monitor the coffee maker to ensure it doesn’t complete the full cycle. Press the stop button when the machine reaches halfway through the cycle. If your machine has a cleaning mode, use it instead of the normal brew cycle. The cleaning mode automatically allows the different parts of the machine to come into contact with the cleaning solution.
Soak the solution in the coffee machine for one hour. This is the time needed for the vinegar solution to break down mineral buildup and mold. If you're short on time, you can soak for 30 minutes instead.
Complete the brewing cycle. After soaking for the full hour, run the machine to allow the remaining solution to pass through. You might notice brown or white particles in the solution, which is normal and indicates that the vinegar solution is working effectively.
Rinse the coffee machine
Dispose of the vinegar solution. Once the brewing cycle is finished, pour the solution into the sink. It’s fine if a small amount of solution remains in the machine.
Thoroughly rinse the coffee pot. Use water and soap to clean the coffee pot. You can use a dish sponge to scrub or shake the soapy water vigorously inside the pot. Discard the soapy water and rinse with clean water one last time to remove all soap residue.
Fill the coffee pot with clean water after washing. Do not mix vinegar with the water. Use the maximum amount of water that your coffee machine can brew.
Run three brewing cycles. Press the start button to begin brewing with clean water. Let the machine complete the cycle. Repeat the process for two more cycles. After each cycle, dispose of the water and refill the reservoir with fresh water. Let the machine rest for three to five minutes between cycles.
- Consider running 1-2 additional brewing cycles with warm water if you still detect the smell of vinegar.
Jonathan Tavarez
Cleaning Expert & Founder, Pro Housekeepers
Cleaning Expert & Founder, Pro Housekeepers
Our experts agree: After cleaning the coffee machine with vinegar, it’s recommended to run three cycles with clean water, without adding any other substances, to completely flush out the vinegar.
Clean the exterior of the coffee machine with soap and water. After the final brewing cycle, discard the water. Then, remove the coffee pot and filter basket from the machine. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the entire exterior of the machine with a little soapy water. Rinse everything thoroughly with clean water once you've finished wiping.
- Make sure to clean off any coffee stains accumulated over time.
Clean the exterior of the coffee machine with vinegar. If you prefer not to use soap and water, vinegar can be a good alternative. First, pour vinegar into a spray bottle. Do not dilute the vinegar. Then, spray the vinegar onto a cotton cloth and use it to wipe down the outside of the coffee machine. Apply more vinegar as needed. Finally, rinse with clean water to finish cleaning.
- For hard-to-reach areas, you can use a cotton swab to clean the narrow gaps.
Clean the coffee pot and filter basket. You can either wash them by hand or place them in the dishwasher. To wash by hand, apply a little dish soap to a sponge or cloth and scrub the entire coffee pot and filter basket. Then rinse thoroughly to remove all soap. If using a dishwasher, choose a gentle wash cycle.
- A product called Quick n Brite is effective for removing lime buildup inside the coffee pot. Pour a little into the pot, let it soak for a few minutes, then rinse with clean water.
Reassemble the coffee machine. Make sure that no mold or mineral buildup remains. After cleaning, reassemble the coffee pot and filter basket. Now you’re ready to brew a clean and fresh cup of coffee.
Tips
- Check the user manual for instructions on "how to descale" your coffee machine.
- Manufacturers recommend cleaning your coffee machine at least once a month and descaling at least every six months.
- If you use hard water to brew coffee, it’s advisable to descale more frequently.
Warning
- Neglecting to clean the coffee machine at least every six months can lead to mold and bacteria growth.
Essential Items
- Water
- White vinegar
- Dishwashing soap
- Sponge
- Cleaning cloth
- Timer
