How to Clean a Coffee Maker 3 Ways

The data is in: Coffee is the new water. According to a recent study, two-thirds of Americans imbibe at least one cup of joe every day.

But whether your small pleasure is an afternoon espresso, savoring the various types of coffee, or you simply delight in that early scent of morning brew, you likely want to keep your coffee maker in tip-top shape—and first and foremost, that means keeping it clean.

Below, we’ve concocted a scrumptious blend of tips on how to clean coffee makers to keep the bean machine sparkling. Whether you’re looking to scrub a traditional coffee maker or French press, our quick and simple guide on how to clean a coffee maker will have you brewing up a fresh cup in no time.

Essential Coffee Maker Cleaning Materials

Just as local growers in the highlands of Mexico require specialty tools to harvest their coffee beans, so too do you need a few items on hand to keep your coffee machine running smoothly. The good news is that many of these items are pantry staples you might already have.

Search your kitchen for the following:

● White vinegar

● Baking soda

● Dish soap

You’ll use these to whip up safe, effective cleaning solutions. Some commercial cleaners also work well, but if you go this route, you’ll want to ensure they’re approved for your type of coffee maker.

Finally, you’ll need a sponge for washing your coffee machine, paper towels, or a microfiber cleaning cloth for drying. Once you’ve gathered your tools, you’re all set to start scrubbing.

How to Clean a Coffee Pot

Don’t be intimidated by all those removable parts and hard-to-reach corners—with help from your simple vinegar cleaning solution, cleaning a coffee pot is a snap.

Why use white vinegar, you ask? A natural disinfectant that is both non-toxic and environmentally friendly, the citric acid vinegar kills bacteria. It breaks down stains from bean oil residue, making it our go-to choice for cleaning your coffee pot. Follow the steps below:

1. Fill up the water tank of your drip coffee maker with a mixture of equal parts distilled white vinegar and equal parts plain water.

2. Turn the coffee maker on. Sit back, relax, and let the coffee pot run until halfway through the brew cycle.

3. Turn off your drip coffee maker. Let the cleaning mixture sit for 30 to 45 minutes, then turn the machine back on and complete the brewing cycle.

4. Once finished, dispose of the vinegar mixture and refill the water tank with fresh water. Run the brew cycle again, then repeat this entire step once more to ensure no vinegar taste lingers in your next cup.

And you’re done! Make sure to complete this cleaning cycle every month or two to keep bacteria at bay and your home brews tasting bright.

See related: How to Use a Coffee Maker

How to Clean a French Press

As classic as the croissant and as iconic as the beret, the French press has been helping home baristas craft delicious drinks on both sides of the Atlantic for over one hundred years. Check out our marvelous method for cleaning below:

1. After ensuring that any coffee grounds have been rinsed away, fill the carafe with warm water, adding a teaspoon of mild dish soap.

2. Insert the plunger lid and push it up and down four or five times, moving rapidly to dislodge buildup.

3. Empty the carafe and rinse all parts well. Dry with paper towels or your microfiber cloth.

4. For an extra deep clean, disassemble the plunger, remove the filter screens and discs, and wash each piece separately with your warm soapy water solution.

Facile, no?

Enjoy Delicious Coffee Every Day with Breville

No one stands between you and your morning cup of coffee—not rowdy kids, barking dogs, or bacteria and buildup lurking in your filter. But with the right cleaning method, you can ensure that each cup is free from pesky microbes and tastes consistently delicious every day.

At Breville, we create thoughtfully designed products to empower you in the kitchen and help you to create your own specialty coffee from home. Head to our site to learn more about the products that have been changing home chefs’ and baristas’ lives for almost one hundred years, or visit our blog for more cleaning and cooking tips.

Sources:

National Coffee Association USA. Fall 2022 National Coffee Data Trends. https://www.ncausa.org/Portals/56/PDFs/Communication/Fall-2022-NCDT-preview.pdf?ver=k1_KDQ4Hbf2jK5LQtj4u-g%3d%3d

National Geographic. Coffee-brewing is an art in this historic Mexican city. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/historic-city-is-a-coffee-lovers-paradise

NSF.org. Reliable and Scientific Tips for Cleaning With Vinegar. https://www.nsf.org/blog/consumer/reliable-scientific-tips-cleaning-with-vinegar

New York Times. Who Made That French Press? https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/01/magazine/who-made-that-french-press.html