How To Clean Your Coffee Maker With or Without Vinegar

Are you an “instant human just add coffee” person? Then you need to know how to clean your coffee maker so you’re not drinking mold, mildew, or mineral buildup.

Steps to Clean Your Coffee Maker

1. Empty the pot.
2. Fill the reservoir with equal parts hot water and white vinegar then run it like you’re brewing a pot. Substitutes for vinegar are further down the page.
3. Rinse by running two cycles of fresh water.
4. Unplug your machine and let the burner cool.
5. Scrub stubborn residue or burnt coffee in the pot with a hot, damp cloth dipped in baking soda. Wait 5 minutes to loosen the grime then add a small amount of vinegar and let the fizzing action finish lifting the mess. Rinse.

6. Wash the basket, removable filter, and the coffee pot in hot, soapy water and rinse them well. Or clean them in the dishwasher on the top rack.
7. Once the burner has cooled, wipe the exterior with a damp, soapy cloth. Use a small amount of baking soda and a damp, soft toothbrush to clean any stubborn spots then wipe the residue away and buff your machine dry.
8. When all the parts are completely dry, including the water reservoir, reassemble your coffee machine.

Substitutes for vinegar

If you’d rather not use vinegar to clean your coffee maker, add any of the following to the water reservoir in Step 2 then top it off with hot water.

• Lemon juice: 1/2 cup. Both fresh or bottled are fine.
• Baking soda (bicarbonate): 1/4 cup.
• Borax: 2 tablespoons.
• Hydrogen peroxide: 1 cup.

Keeping Your Coffee Maker Clean

• As soon as your coffee’s done brewing, dump the grounds so coffee oils don’t collect in the basket.
• After use, wash your coffee pot, basket, and removable filter in hot, soapy water to prevent oily buildup.
• When not in use, leave the water reservoir empty and open to reduce mold and mildew growth.
• Once a month, thoroughly clean your coffee maker using the steps above to prevent mold, mildew and mineral buildup.

Not only will cleaning your coffee maker help it work better, but it will also make for a much better-tasting brew. Enjoy!