How to Clean a Coffee Maker (and Why You Should)

Parents, you're busy. I get it. But that doesn't mean your coffee maker should be dirty. In fact, if it is, that's probably why your coffee tastes like crap. Here's how to clean a coffee maker — and why you should. 

Cleaning your coffee maker is easy; there's no excuse not to do it regularly (at least monthly). 

Not only will it make your coffee taste better, but it'll also help keep your machine in good working order. 

Today, we’ll walk you through the simple process of cleaning your coffee maker the right way. 

Let’s dive in.

Why You Should Clean Your Coffee Maker Regularly

Cleaning your coffee maker is essential for two main reasons. 

First, it helps improve the taste of your coffee by removing built-up deposits from the water you use to make it. 

Second, it helps keep your coffee maker in good working order by removing dirt and grime that can clog up the machine.

The built-up deposits can make your coffee taste bitter or dull when you don't clean your coffee maker. The dirt and grime can also cause your coffee maker to malfunction.

So if you want to enjoy the best possible cup of coffee at home, clean your coffee maker regularly. Your coffee will taste better, and your machine will last longer.

3-Step Process For Cleaning a Coffee Maker

Now that you understand the importance of cleaning your coffee maker regularly, let’s explore the different steps you must take to actually do it.

1. Disassemble the Coffee Maker for Cleaning

First things first: you need to take your coffee maker apart. This usually just means removing the carafe and filter basket. Check your owner's manual for specific instructions.

Some coffee makers have a built-in water filter. If yours does, you'll need to remove and replace it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Depending on the model of the coffee maker, you may also need to remove the heating plate. This is usually easy to do - just lift it off.

Reading your coffee maker's manual is essential for taking it apart and putting it back together. Make sure you know where everything goes before you begin cleaning.

2. Clean the Coffee Maker's Parts

Once you have all of the parts removed, it's time to start cleaning. First, wash the carafe and filter basket in hot, soapy water. Rinse them well and set them aside to air dry.

If your coffee maker has a built-in water filter, replace it with a new one.

Next, clean the coffee maker's exterior with a damp cloth. Wipe down the control panel, buttons, and any other visible surface.

Now it's time to clean the coffee maker's interior. This is the part where you'll need some descaling solution.

Descaling solution is a mild acid that helps remove built-up mineral deposits. These deposits can come from the water you use to make coffee, and they can negatively impact your coffee's taste and the performance of your coffee maker.

To use a descaling solution, follow the manufacturer's instructions. You'll usually need to add it to the water reservoir and run a brew cycle.

Once the descaling solution has done its job, run several more brew cycles with just water to remove any residual solution.

3. Reassemble the Coffee Maker

Once all the parts are clean, it's time to reassemble your coffee maker. Make sure you consult your owner's manual, so everything goes back in the right place.

Now it's time to make some coffee and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Additional Tips For Cleaning Your Coffee Maker

In addition to the descaling solution, you can use a few other things to clean your coffee maker.

White vinegar is a natural descaling agent, so you can use it in place of a descaling solution if you prefer. Add equal parts of water and vinegar to the reservoir and run a brew cycle. Then, run several more cycles with just water to remove the vinegar taste.

Lemons are also effective at removing built-up mineral deposits. Just cut a lemon in half and rub it all over the inside of the coffee maker, including the carafe and filter basket. Rinse everything well, and you're good to go!

Finally, if your coffee maker has a strong smell, try adding a few drops of essential oil to the water reservoir. This will help neutralize any bad odors.

Conclusion

Cleaning your coffee maker is vital for making the best possible cup of coffee at home. 

Follow the steps outlined above, and be sure to clean your machine constantly. Your coffee will thank you!

Call our team to get a free estimate.

A weekly house cleaning service is the perfect way to spend quality time with your loved ones without having to worry about getting everything done around the house.

You spend so much time providing — let us take care of the cleaning.We'll come in every week (or every other week) and refresh everything just the way you like it. After just the first couple of regular cleans, we'll learn things about you that you wouldn't even know to let us know about

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