How to Clean a Coffee Pot

How to Clean a Coffee Pot: Simple Methods for a Fresher Brew

A clean coffee pot is essential for great-tasting coffee. Over time, oils, mineral deposits and leftover grounds build up inside your machine or carafe, affecting both flavour and performance. Thankfully, learning how to clean a coffee pot is quick, easy and only requires a few everyday items.

Whether you use a drip coffee maker, a glass carafe, or a stovetop pot, this guide walks you through the best cleaning methods to keep your coffee tasting fresh.

Why Cleaning Your Coffee Pot Matters

A dirty pot doesn’t just look unappealing — it can impact your brew in several ways:

  • Bitter flavours from old coffee oils

  • Cloudy appearance caused by mineral buildup

  • Slow brewing due to blocked internal components

  • Shorter machine lifespan if not maintained

For help keeping coffee fresh beyond the pot itself, you may like our guide:
How to Store Coffee Beans

How to Clean a Coffee Pot with Vinegar

Vinegar is the most popular and effective method for deep cleaning.

You’ll need:

  • White vinegar

  • Fresh water

Steps:

  1. Empty and rinse the pot
    Pour out old grounds and water.

  2. Fill your reservoir with a 1:1 mix of vinegar and water
    For example, half vinegar and half water.

  3. Run a brewing cycle
    The solution will break down oils and limescale inside the machine.

  4. Leave the solution to sit for 15–20 minutes
    Especially important for heavy buildup.

  5. Run 2–3 cycles with clean water
    This removes any leftover vinegar taste.

  6. Wash the carafe with warm water and washing-up liquid.

How to Clean a Coffee Pot Without Vinegar

If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, here are reliable alternatives:

1. Baking Soda

  • Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to warm water

  • Stir until dissolved

  • Pour into the pot and scrub gently

  • Rinse thoroughly

2. Lemon Juice

Great for natural degreasing.

Mix 1 part lemon juice with 2 parts water, fill the pot, and run a brewing cycle.
Rinse well afterwards.

3. Dishwasher Tablets

For glass carafes only.
Fill with hot water, drop in a tablet and let it dissolve.
Scrub and rinse.

Cleaning the Coffee Pot Carafe (Glass or Thermal)

Coffee stains are stubborn and often cling to the bottom and sides.
To remove them:

For Glass Carafes:

  • Fill with warm water and a teaspoon of baking soda

  • Add a handful of ice

  • Swirl for 2–3 minutes

  • Rinse clean

You can also read our stain-removal guide:
How to Wash Coffee Stains

For Thermal Carafes:

Avoid harsh scrubbing — it can scratch the stainless steel.
Instead:

  • Fill with hot water

  • Add one dishwasher tablet

  • Leave for 1 hour

  • Rinse thoroughly

How Often Should You Clean Your Coffee Pot?

For best results:

  • Daily: Rinse the pot and empty used grounds

  • Weekly: Deep clean the carafe

  • Monthly: Run vinegar or descaling solution through the machine

If you drink strong blends like Italian Blend Coffee or Forte Blend Coffee, oils may build up faster — so cleaning may need to be more frequent.

Extra Tips for Keeping Your Coffee Pot Clean

  • Use filtered water to reduce mineral deposits

  • Avoid leaving coffee sitting in the pot for hours

  • Wash removable parts after every brew

  • Check the machine’s manual for descaling schedules

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to clean a coffee pot ensures better flavour, smoother brewing and a longer-lasting machine. Whether you choose vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice, a few simple steps can make a huge difference to your daily cup.

If you’d like to explore new beans after refreshing your pot, browse our All Products Collection or try favourites like House Blend Coffee for a clean, balanced brew.

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