There's nothing like a delicious cup of coffee to start the day. To keep your coffee maker in good shape, cleaning it properly is crucial, especially if you use it every day. Skip cleaning your coffee maker and you’ll risk dealing with build up on your machine, including its carafe, basket, and even internal tubes. Your coffee might even taste bitter, too. What’s more, if you overlook cleaning it for too long, yeast and mold could take over its reservoir.
Ready to add cleaning your coffee maker to your to-do list? Take a look below for instructions on how to clean a standard drip coffee maker.
Wondering how to deep-clean a K-Cup machine? We've got you covered: Follow our guide to cleaning Keurig coffee makers.
How to Clean a Coffee Maker
Believe it or not, it’s not difficult to clean this countertop appliance. A bit of water, soap, and vinegar can easily get the job done. Just be sure to check the cleaning instructions from your coffee maker's manufacturer, as all machines are slightly different. Follow its guidelines or these simple steps to get started:
What You'll Need
Step 1: Wash removable parts with dish soap after every use.
“Regular cleaning is key because coffee oils, drips, and grounds can accumulate quickly on your machine and can impact both the taste of your coffee and performance of your machine,” says Eva Bleyer, Kitchen & Cooking Lab reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “Most parts can be washed by hand or sometimes in the dishwasher, but it’s also important to clean the exterior and warming plate regularly, where coffee residue can burn on.” She also recommends leaving the reservoir's lid open so it can dry out completely after each use.
Step 2: Decalcify your machine with vinegar every three months.
Over time, hard water minerals can build up inside the machine, and you may notice that your pot of coffee takes longer to brew. To get things flowing, you need to cleanse and decalcify the machine. Most coffee makers have an indicator light that illuminates when it's in need of a deep cleaning.
Bleyer recommends not waiting for the light to go on. By then, it could take several cleaning cycles to clear it. Instead, set a reminder to do it at least every three months, or four times per year. Of course, there's no harm in doing it more often. Here's how to decalcify a drip coffee maker:
- Remove the charcoal water filter from the reservoir, if there is one.
- Fill the reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water.
- Place a paper filter into the machine's empty basket.
- Position the pot in place, and "brew" the solution until the "add water" light illuminates.
- Pour out the full pot of vinegar and water, and let the machine sit for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Empty, wash, rinse, and replace the water reservoir, and fill it with clear water. If not removable, simply fill it with clear water.
- Put in a new paper filter and brew a full pot of clean water until the "add water" light illuminates again.
- If necessary, add more water and brew another cup or two until no trace or scent of vinegar remains.
- Replace the charcoal filter with a new one you've soaked in water and rinsed, per directions.
Step 3: Make your carafe sparkle again using rice.
You should always wash your carafe after each use, but if it's looking dingy over time, fill it with warm, sudsy water and a little uncooked rice. Swirl the mixture to loosen any gunk. Use a scrub sponge, dipped in a little baking soda, to remove any remaining debris, and rinse well.
Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
