How to Clean a Coffee Make

How to Clean a Coffee Maker: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping your coffee maker clean is essential for flavour, hygiene, and the longevity of your machine. Over time, oils, mineral deposits and old coffee residue build up — all of which can ruin the taste of your brew. This guide explains how to clean a coffee maker properly using simple household items.

☕ Why Cleaning Your Coffee Maker Matters

A clean coffee maker ensures:

  • Better tasting coffee

  • No bitter or stale aftertaste

  • Improved machine performance

  • Longer lifespan

  • Reduced bacteria and mould build-up

If your coffee suddenly tastes flat or unusually strong, it’s likely time for a deep clean.

🧽 How to Clean a Coffee Maker (Step-by-Step)

What You’ll Need

  • White vinegar or lemon juice

  • Fresh water

  • Soft cloth or sponge

  • Paper filter (for drip machines)

1. Empty the Machine

Remove any old coffee grounds and empty the carafe. If your machine uses reusable filters, give these a quick rinse too.

2. Make a Cleaning Solution

Mix:

  • 1 part white vinegar

  • 1 part water

This dissolves mineral build-up and removes old oils.

3. Run a Brewing Cycle

Pour the solution into the water reservoir and run a full brew cycle. This flushes the internal pipes and heating components.

If you have a more advanced espresso-style machine, follow manufacturer instructions.

4. Let It Sit

Once the cycle finishes, allow the solution to sit for 10–15 minutes. This helps break down stubborn deposits.

5. Rinse With Fresh Water

Run two full cycles with clean water to remove any vinegar taste.

If the coffee still tastes acidic after brewing, run an additional rinse.

6. Clean the Coffee Pot and Parts

Wash the:

  • Carafe

  • Brew basket

  • Filter holder

  • Reusable filter

  • Drip tray (if applicable)

Warm soapy water works fine. Avoid harsh scrubbers that may scratch the surfaces.

🧼 How Often Should You Clean a Coffee Maker?

For best results:

  • Daily: Rinse carafe, filter, basket and wipe external parts.

  • Weekly: Deep clean removable components.

  • Monthly: Run a vinegar solution through the machine.

  • Hard water areas: Every 2 weeks.

A clean coffee maker = consistently delicious coffee.

🫘 Best Coffee Beans for a Cleaner Machine

Some beans are naturally cleaner and leave less residue. These options from The Coffee Connect produce smooth flavour with minimal oil build-up:

Explore more options in the All Coffee Collection.

🫧 How to Prevent Build-Up in Your Coffee Maker

Here are some quick tips:

  • Use filtered water to reduce mineral deposits

  • Avoid leaving coffee grounds in the basket for hours

  • Don’t pour coffee back into the machine

  • Clean the pot immediately after brewing

  • Choose medium-roast, low-oil beans for cleaner brewing

🔗 Helpful Internal Articles

Enhance your brewing knowledge with these related guides:

✅ Final Thoughts

Learning how to clean a coffee maker is quick, simple and massively improves the taste of your daily cup. Clean the removable parts regularly, run a vinegar cycle once a month, and choose high-quality, clean-brewing beans. Your coffee — and your machine — will thank you for it.

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