How To Clean A Coffeemaker With Vinegar
Does your coffee suddenly have a funny taste? It might be time to clean your coffeemaker. Not just wipe it down clean, but deep clean it. From the inside out.
Over time, mineral deposits and oils from coffee can build up and affect the taste of your brew. Fortunately, cleaning your coffeemaker with vinegar is a simple and effective solution.
If you're looking for more cleaning hacks - learn how to clean in half the time, discover the best way to clean your cast iron cookware, and set yourself up for success by using these cleaning products.
Follow these easy steps to get your machine sparkling clean and your coffee tasting fresh.
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How To Clean Your Coffeemaker With Vinegar
1. Gather Your Supplies
Important: Before you begin, check your coffeemaker's manual to ensure you can clean it with vinegar.
You will need the following:
white vinegar
water
a clean cloth
a measuring cup
a sink or bucket nearby to dispose of the dirty water
Once you have everything you need, you're ready to start cleaning!
2. Remove All Parts and Clean with Soap
Make sure your coffee maker is unplugged and cool before you begin.
Empty your coffee maker.
Remove any used coffee grounds or filters from the coffee maker.
Empty the water reservoir and discard any remaining water or liquid.
Wash the carafe, brew basket, and filter with hot soapy water.
3. Mix Equal Parts Vinegar and Water
Fill your coffeemaker's water reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water.
Place a paper filter (if using) in the brew basket.
4. Run Half of a Drip Cycle
You're going to run half of a drip cycle and then stop. This will allow the vinegar mixture to sit in the reservoir and water channel to break down mineral deposits or residue.
Let it sit for 30 minutes.
Resume the brew cycle.
Discard the mixture from the carafe and replace the paper filter (if using).
If there is stubborn limescale or residue, repeat the vinegar cycle.
5. Run Two Cycles with Clean Water
Fill the water chamber with clean water and run a full brew cycle.
Discard the water.
Replace the filter (if using).
Rerun a complete cycle.
If there's still a strong vinegar smell, run a clean water cycle one last time.
6. Clean the Carafe and Brew Basket
Remove all parts again, give it one last wash, and wipe with hot soapy water.
Change the filter and wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.
Done!
Your coffee maker has now gone through its very own spa day, courtesy of vinegar. It's refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to serve you delicious cups of joe once again.
The Bottom Line
Vinegar is a cheap, safe, and eco-friendly way to clean your coffeemaker. Set some time apart once every few months and give your coffeemaker a good clean. Cheers to a clean coffee maker!