If you’re someone who wakes up and only gets out of bed thanks to the thought of a hot cup of coffee, you’re not alone. More than 50% of Americans over 18 years old drink coffee every day—that’s more than 150 million people. But this year, more people working from home means fewer trips to Starbucks, and more coffee made in your kitchen.
Chances are, you don’t clean your coffee maker as much as you should, and they are probably dirtier than you think. Here are a few tips for cleaning your coffee pot to ensure your machine lasts longer and you get the best cup with each brew.
STANDARD COFFEE POT
You’ll need:
- Dish soap
- Vinegar
- Water
- Rice (optional)
1. Wash all removable parts with dish soap after every use. You can do this in the sink with soapy water, or most parts are machine washable. This helps remove coffee, grinds, and other residue left behind. Be sure to get the outside of the machine and warming plate, where spills can burn. Let the pot dry completely after each use.
2. Cleanse and decalcify. Over time, your machine can build up hard water minerals and your coffee will take longer to drip.
Every couple of months, fill the reservoir with equal parts vinegar and water, and place a paper filter in the basket. Put the pot in place, and brew the solution until it’s halfway gone. Turn off the machine and let it sit for 30 minutes, then finish the brewing. Rinse everything by putting in a new paper filter and brewing a full pot of clean water. Repeat once.
3. Clean the pot with rice. If you notice your pot or carafe is looking a little dingy, fill it with warm, soapy water, and some rice. Swirl the mixture around to loosen any build up, and use a sponge to scrub. Rinse well.
POD-COFFEE MACHINE
You’ll need:
- Water filter refill cartridges
- Descaling solution (optional)
- Needle cleaning tool (optional)
- Vinegar
- Water
1. Change the water filter cartridge every two months.
2. Clean the needle as needed. You can use a needle cleaning tool, or a toothbrush.
3. Wash the removable parts with hot, soapy water once a week.
4. Run the descaling solution through the machine every 3 – 6 months. Pour the solution into the water reservoir, and fill the empty bottle with water and pour that into the reservoir as well. Perform a brew, and repeat until “Add Water” is illuminated. Let the brewer sit for 30 minutes. Finally, rinse the reservoir, fill it with fresh water, and perform 12 rinsing brews.
You can also use a vinegar and water mixture to clean the inside of the machine instead of a descaling solution. Place an empty mug on the tray. Empty water from the reservoir, and refill it to the maximum line with equal parts water and vinegar. Turn your machine on, select the largest cup, and run the solution through the machine as many times as it takes for “Add Water” to illuminate. Let the machine sit for 30 minutes, rinse the reservoir, fill it to the top line with plain water, and run the water through the machine until it says “Add Water.”
