After cooking and enjoying the food, what will you do? Of course, you can’t leave dishes, pots, and pans piled up, covered with grease. You’ll need to wash them, either by hand or with the help of a dishwasher, to get your cookware clean, ready for your next use.
You need to clean the coffee machine to have the best quality coffee, and at the same time, prolong the life of the device.
However, each type of coffee maker has a different structure. How to clean a coffee maker? What is the best cleaning solution for you? The answer will be in the article below.
How often should you clean your coffee maker?
With some simple, compact coffee machines, you can clean the machine after use without spending too much time. With coffee machines with a more complex structure, you should maintain the habit of cleaning the machine once a month.
A long period of not cleaning can cause the coffee machine to clog, resulting in a slow drip-rate. Meanwhile, bacteria and mold that accumulate in the device for a long time are one of the main causes of changing the taste of coffee.
What is the best way to clean a coffee maker?
You don’t need to use different cleaners for the coffee machine. You also do not need to invest in expensive tools to clean the machine. The best way to clean a coffee machine is to use vinegar and clean water – two ingredients found in any kitchen.
The steps to clean the coffee machine with vinegar are also quite simple.
You just need to mix vinegar with water in a certain ratio. Pour that solution into the coffee container and then start the machine as you do every day. After one cycle, turn off the instrument and leave the key in the machine for about 30 minutes. Then, rinse your coffee maker with water.
Table of Contents
Step By Step Guide On How To Clean Each Type Of Coffee Maker
There are many types of coffee machines. Each type has a different structure. Therefore, cleaning operations also change. Here are the 10 most common types of coffee machine cleaning instructions for your reference.
How to Clean a Drip Coffee Maker
What you’ll need
- Hot water.
- Vinegar.
- Detergents.
- Soft towel.
Steps to clean a metal coffee urn:
- Step 1: Pour warm water into the machine. Start the machine. After 3-5 minutes, stop, then remove the water.
- Step 2: Add a mixture of warm water and vinegar in equal proportions. Repeat the first step.
- Step 3: Continue to add warm water to the machine. Repeat the same process as the first step until you have removed all the vinegar from the device.
- Step 4: Use a dry cloth to clean the inside of the machine. You can also use soap to clean.
- Step 5: Open the lid until the device is completely dry.
Tips for cleaning a metal coffee urn:
- If your coffee maker has many residues built up, it’s best to repeat the above process until the water is completely clear.
- You should prepare a lot of warm water, divided into several times to pour into the machine. Doing so will remove all the vinegar from the coffee machine, ensuring the flavor for the next brew.
How to Clean a French Press Coffee Maker
What you’ll need:
- Hot water.
- Dishwashing liquid.
- Dishwasher.
- Soft brush or sponge,
- Soft towel.
Steps to clean a metal coffee urn:
With a French dishwasher, you should disassemble each part and then clean it with the help of a dishwasher. Specifically, the steps are as follows:
- Step 1: Disassemble the dispenser by sliding the carafe off the metal handle. You can use a dishwasher to clean this part.
- Step 2: Soak the filter to remove coffee scum if necessary. Or you can press the plunger to clean all filter elements with warm water.
- Step 3: Use a soft brush or similar tools to clean the parts of the machine. Using warm water is also a helpful way to remove stains.
- Step 4: Dry the parts with a soft cloth, then reassemble.
Tips for cleaning a metal coffee urn:
- You should clean the machine after each use. The steps mentioned above seem complicated but do not take too much of your time. Regular cleaning will help prevent residue from accumulating in the carafe.
- To make cleaning the machine easier, you should empty the grounds immediately after making coffee.
How to Clean a Pour Over Coffee Maker
What you’ll need:
- Dishwashing liquid.
- Water.
- Soft brush/wipes.
Steps to clean a metal coffee urn:
- Step 1: Put dishwashing liquid in the jar. Use a washcloth or brush to scrub the surface.
- Step 2: Rinse off both the residue and the detergent with water. Repeat several times to remove all odors as well as soap.
- Step 3: Dry, and the machine is ready for next use.
Tips for cleaning a metal coffee urn:
You can use a clean toothbrush to remove the stains inside the machine.
If the color is too stubborn, you can use a denture tablet.
How to Clean a Chemex Coffee Maker
What you’ll need:
- Dishwashing liquid.
- Hot water.
- Denture tablet.
- Soft towel.
Steps to clean a metal coffee urn:
- Step 1: Disassemble the leather band and wooden grips.
- Step 2: Using warm water and dishwashing liquid, wipe the Chemex. You should wipe gently, being careful not to break.
- Step 3: If the coffee scum is too stubborn, you can add hot water to the pot, put one or two Denture tablets in it and leave it overnight.
- Step 4: After using the Denture tablet, you should clean the Chemex with detergent and warm water.
- Step 5: Wait until all parts are dry, reinstall the leather band and wooden grips as before.
Tips for cleaning a metal coffee urn:
- You can clean this appliance in the dishwasher. However, before that, you need to remove the sleeve.
How to Clean a Cold Brew Maker
What you’ll need:
- Detergents.
- Clean water.
- Wiper.
- Non-abrasive soft brush/sponge/scouring pad.
Steps to clean a metal coffee urn:
- Step 1: Disassemble the coffee maker filter parts.
- Step 2: Scrub the jar with detergent. With the filter, wash it in the same way as with the French Press.
- Step 3: Use a towel to dry the parts or let them dry naturally. Then reassemble according to the rules of the machine.
Tips for cleaning a metal coffee urn:
To avoid mold, you should not store coffee for a long time in Cold Brew Maker. Instead, prepare a separate container for the coffee and clean the machine after making it.
How to Clean a Coffee Percolator
What you’ll need:
- Clean water.
- Dishwashing liquid.
- Baking soda.
- Soft towel/brush.
Steps to clean a metal coffee urn:
- Step 1: Clean the container, filter with dishwashing liquid, and a soft brush/towel.
- Step 2: If you have trouble removing the residue, pour water and baking soda into the jar. Then start the machine.
- Step 3: Replace the water mixture and baking soda with clean water and then start the machine. Repeat the above steps until the residue and baking soda powder are completely removed.
Tips for cleaning a metal coffee urn:
You should only use baking soda if your coffee maker is stainless steel.
If your coffee machine runs on electricity, be careful during cleaning with water. Do not expose the electrical contacts at the bottom of the tank to water.
How to Clean an Espresso Machine
What you’ll need:
- Hot water.
- Steam wand cleaning brush.
- Soft towel.
- Soft brush.
- Dishwashing liquid.
Steps to clean a metal coffee urn:
- Step 1: Use a brush to clean the mesh, removing any coffee grounds or residue. You can remove the mesh and then put it under the faucet to let the water jet wash away any dirt.
- Step 2: Reinsert the filters. Fill the machine with warm water, then start the engine as usual for about 5-10 seconds. Then, replace the dirty water with clean, warm water and repeat the process until the water no longer changes color.
- Step 3: Remove the basket from the filter, then use the brush to scrub. You can also leave the basket under hot running water to clean as with the mesh.
- Step 4: With the steam wand part, you should use the steam wand cleaning brush to clean it.
Tips for cleaning a metal coffee urn
You may have difficulty disassembling the machine. However, if you refer to the user manual of each device, you can easily disassemble the machine without spending too much time.
How to Clean a Stovetop Espresso Maker (Moka Pot)
What you’ll need:
- Hot water.
- Wiper.
- Soft brush or sponge.
- Soap.
- Baking soda powder.
Steps to clean a metal coffee urn:
- Step 1: Pre-wash the parts with water.
- Step 2: Mix soap, baking soda powder with a little water. Use this mixture to clean long-standing stains.
- Step 3: Use water to rinse the machine, remove all dirt and soap.
- Step 4: Use a dry cloth to wipe the parts of the machine and then assemble according to the instructions.
Tips for cleaning a metal coffee urn:
You should regularly remove the gasket and filter for cleaning.
Only use baking soda if your coffee maker is stainless steel.
How to Clean an Aeropress Coffee Maker
What you’ll need:
- Dishwashing liquid (gentle type).
- Clean water.
- Wiper.
- Brush.
Steps to clean a metal coffee urn:
- Step 1: Remove the plunger and filter. If you see any clumps of coffee grounds in the filter, discard them immediately.
- Step 2: Clean the body with soap and water. You can use a brush to scrub stubborn stains.
- Step 3: Don’t ignore the rubber stopper that seals the coffee grounds.
- After each use, remove the piston and turn on the filter. Discard any concentrate base.
- Step 4: Rinse off the soap with water, then dry the parts.
Tips for cleaning a metal coffee urn:
You may find you need to clean the machine more thoroughly based on the taste of the coffee. The feature of Aeropress Coffee Maker is that it will convert Aeropress into acid if the environment is not hygienic. Therefore, clean the machine again if you find the coffee tastes different, sourer, and less delicious.
How to Clean a Metal Coffee Urn
What you’ll need:
- Clean water.
- Wiper.
- Brush.
- Baking soda powder.
Steps to clean a metal coffee urn:
- Step 1: Create a cleaning solution with warm water and baking soda according to the 3: 1 formula.
- Step 2: Pour the cleaning solution into the jar. Use a brush to clean the inside of the jar gently.
- Step 3: Clean the jar with soap again, then remove all soap with clean water.
- Step 4: Use a soft cloth to dry the bottle or leave the jar open until completely dry.
Tips for cleaning a metal coffee urn:
- You can replace baking soda with vinegar or a mixture of vinegar and salt to achieve the same results.
How Do You Clean A Moldy Coffee Maker?
NSF International says that half of all coffee machines have yeast and mold problems. Maybe the yeast mold in the device is not large enough to change the taste of the coffee.
However, if you do not have specific hygiene measures and let this situation last for a long time, the fungus will grow to the point of affecting your health.
The steps to clean a coffee machine with vinegar are as simple as cleaning the machine with warm water, specifically as follows:
- Step 1: Mix a solution of cleaning water and white vinegar in a ratio of 1:1. Then pour the answer into the water tank of the coffee machine. Turn on the switch like you’re making coffee.
- Step 2: Turn off the device. Keep the solution in the machine for about 30 minutes to an hour.
- Step 3: You can also use a cloth soaked in a vinegar solution to wipe the parts showing signs of mold.
- Step 4: After soaking for 1 hour in the vinegar solution, you can pour out the old water and flush the coffee pot with clean water.
How Do You Clear A Clogged Coffee Maker?
If you notice that your coffee is taking a long time to finish, you should think about removing blockages for the machine.
Some of the measures you can use include:
- Use a soft brush to remove the blockage.
- Remove the basket, the net, turn it upside down, and tap gently to let the dirt fall.
- Use vinegar or baking soda to get rid of the dirt.
Reasons Why You Need To Clean Your Coffee Maker Regularly
Removing mold and bacteria and avoiding clogging are two big benefits when you clean your coffee machine regularly. But in fact, there are 9 reasons why you should have a habit of washing your coffee machine, whether you often use it or not:
- Remove bacteria dirt: As mentioned, the coffee machine is an environment that contains many types of bacteria and dirt. If you neglect cleaning, you are inadvertently encouraging bacterial growth. Don’t make your coffee machine a breeding ground for bacteria! Get rid of them as soon as you can.
- Remove mold: With bacteria, mold is also the type of organism that benefits most from an unclean coffee machine.
- Worse yet, mold isn’t an easy problem to deal with because you can’t make it go away with hot water. Therefore, it is better to prevent the appearance and growth by cleaning the machine regularly, removing the environment for mold growth.
- Improve the taste of coffee: The dirt that accumulates for a long time creates mold and bacteria. These two factors directly affect the taste of coffee. Therefore, to have delicious coffee, in addition to choosing the right high-quality coffee, you need to remove all impurities by cleaning the preparation equipment regularly.
- Save time and effort: If the frequency of cleaning your coffee machine is every 6 months or less, every time you start the job, you will find there are too many problems to face: Stubborn plaque, unpleasant odors, too many stains. If the frequency of cleaning your machine is denser, the condition of the coffee machine will not be as bad as above. And certainly, you will save a lot of time and effort.
- Shorter preparation time: As mentioned, the coffee machine after a period of use may be slower to drip. The reason comes from hard water, scum causing a blockage. If you thoroughly clean your coffee machine, especially the piping, you won’t have to wait any longer than usual to get your favorite drink.
- Extend the life of your coffee machine: Dirt, calcium deposits, and other hygiene-related causes have a huge impact on the machine’s life. Therefore, shortening the preparation time and regular cleaning also helps increase the coffee machine’s use time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean a stainless steel coffee decanter?
You can use any of the above cleaning methods to clean a stainless steel coffee decanter.
The most effective is probably using baking soda and warm water to remove the residue. If you want to use scouring pads for quick cleaning, you should prefer non-abrasive scouring pads to be decanter-friendly.
The best cleaning frequency is immediately after each use. Cleaning will not take you too much time but will save you a lot of trouble later.
How do you clean a stainless steel coffee mug?
You can clean a stainless steel coffee mug with dish soap just like you would with a regular cup. Or you can also apply the cleaning steps with baking soda powder, like with a stainless steel coffee decanter.
You need to keep in mind that the cup should not be cleaned in the dishwasher. Besides, you should store the cup in a ventilated place to avoid mold.
How do you clean a metal thermos?
To clean a metal thermos bottle, you need to prepare a brush, soap, and vinegar. First, you make a cleaning mixture of vinegar, water, and soap. Then, use this mixture as a cleaning agent, and use it on the thermos.
During the cleaning process, use an extra brush to scrub the spots with plaque and dirt. Finally, remember to rinse the thermos with water thoroughly.
Can I Wash The Coffee Maker in The Dishwasher?
Some coffee makers can be cleaned in the dishwasher, and others are not.
For example, most drip coffee makers have no problem coming into contact with the dishwasher. However, some other coffee machines are too fragile to put in the dishwasher.
If you’re unsure if your coffee maker is dishwasher safe, clean it with warm water and some of the ways shared above.
Conclusion
Maybe before, the answer to “How to clean a coffee maker?” is that you only stop using hot water. But the fact has proven hot water does not have much effect in removing bacteria and fungi in the dispenser.
You have more than one way to clean your coffee machine. The ways you can easily do it are all in the above article.
All you need to do is choose the method that works best for your device, following the instructions. Cleaning the coffee machine has never been so easy!
