There are a host of regular-use machines around the house that require upkeep and cleaning from time to time. Whether it’s the dishwasher or the filters in your dryer, these tasks are important to maximize the lifespan of your appliances. Your coffee maker is no exception.
If anything, your coffee maker should be top of your maintenance list. Since it’s a device you use daily, grime buildup is an inevitability. The major reason that your coffee maker requires regular cleaning is the buildup of mineral scale that occurs as you use it. This buildup can have a direct effect on the boiling element, preventing the water from reaching an optimal temperature for proper brewing.
Without the proper temperatures, the brewing process fails to extract every flavor from your favorite coffee beans. A serious mineral buildup can also lead to reduced water flow. If left unattended, this can cause your coffee machine to completely fail.
Ready to keep things in like-new shape? Here’s how to clean your coffee maker the right way.
1. Use the Right Descaling Powder on Your Coffee & Espresso Machines
Full Circle Coffee Machine Descaling Powder Packets are a simple and easy way to rid drip coffee makers, single cup coffee makers and manual/automatic espresso coffee machines of mineral buildup, keeping your machine working at its best.
Simply add the powder to your device like you would normally add coffee beans. The cleaner is completely odor-free and doesn’t leave an aftertaste like vinegar might. For the best results, clean your coffee maker once every three months. However, if you live with hard water, more frequent cleanings are advisable.
Related Stories
2. This Cleaning Powder Works Great for French Press Lovers
For those with a French press or drip coffee maker, Full Circle also produces single-use packets for your coffee device. You should clean a French press at least once a month or more frequently if you switch between a variety of coffee beans (for example, oily to dry/regular to decaf).
3. Keep Your Keurig Clean With These Specialized Cleaning Pods
And for all your Keurig owners, these non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning pods are designed to get in deep to offer a more comprehensive and thorough clean. Designed to cut through the muck and get rid of any residual buildup in your coffee maker, each cleaning cup packs roughly three months’ worth of cleaning power, meaning you’ll definitely get your money’s worth. And with six cups per package, you’re set for more than a year and a half.
Simply pop one in, set your Keurig on a large brewing cycle, and then another large cycle with just water, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying tastier, cleaner coffee.
4. Vinegar Is Also a Great Cleaning Agent
Believe it or not, vinegar works wonders for your coffee maker. We chose Lucy’s natural distilled white vinegar option because it’s free of any preservatives and can be used for an endless assortment of cleaning tasks. Simply mix equal parts water and vinegar in your coffee maker’s water cycle for an even and thorough clean. For best results, try adding the vinegar clean AFTER you’ve used one of your descaling packets.
5. Make Your Carafe Shine By Adding Baking Soda to the Mix
Now that you have what you need to keep your coffee maker clean, you’re going to want to go the extra step to make your carafe and mugs looking like new. Believe it or not, one of the best (and most natural) ways to clean your carafe is by adding a little baking soda to the mix. Simply sprinkle a pinch (or two) into your coffee mugs or carafe, add some hot water and start scrubbing. Cleaning with baking soda is a cheap, safe and non-abrasive way to help keep your glass carafe and mugs in excellent shape.
6. Finally: Consider Getting Better Beans
Freshly-ground coffee will extract and filter cleaner, leaving less residue around for you to wipe or clean off. One of our all-time favorites is the Major Dickason’s Blend from Peet’s Coffee. Bold but not too dark, its full-bodied flavor tastes great with a little creamer or half and half. Plus, each bag of beans is grown & sourced responsibility.
Of course, it goes without saying that you should always toss out the coffee grinds and rinse out your coffee maker and filter after every use. The longer you leave the grinds in there, the harder it’ll be to get a good clean. Aside from causing buildup and grime, residual coffee grinds will also adversely affect your brew, making that fresh cup of coffee in the morning, anything but.