How to Keep your Coffee Machine Clean

If you use your coffee machine on a regular basis like many others, you know how disgusting it can get. However, this is something that people tend to forget. It may be tedious and take a long time depending on the type of machine you use. Despite all this, it is extremely important you take the time to clean your machine for a number of reasons. A clean coffee maker not only makes your coffee better-tasting but it also lasts longer and is easier to maintain in the long run.

In this post, we will show you the effectiveness of keeping your coffee machine clean, how to clean your machine, and overall tips for preventing build-up in the future.

Why you should keep your coffee machine clean:

Benefits-

If you take the time to clean your machine just a little bit everyday and do a regular deep-clean, you will save on power and it will prevent you from needing costly repairs or a full replacement completely.

It can also prevent build-up of pressure which causes your machine to work ineffectively.

What will happen if you don’t clean your machine:

If you, however, don’t choose to clean your machine, it will leave you with undesirable effects. You will start to notice these by how your machine is acting or how bitter your coffee will begin to taste.

If your coffee machine hasn’t been cleaned, it will start to produce a feral smell. This usually means that there is clogging and blockages in your machine that render it unusable in many cases. In addition, build-up of coffee oils and residue can attract bacteria, mold, and other microbes that can cause illness.

How to clean your machine:

Step 1: Disassemble your coffee machine

To start off on the right foot, make sure to clean all the parts separately. Start by unplugging the machine and removing any removable parts like the water reservoir and the dip tray. The dip tray is an important part of the machine to clean but it’s commonly overlooked. If your machine has a built-in grinder, remove the leftover beans from the hopper before proceeding.

Step 2: Clean all the parts

Once you have all the parts removed, it’s time to clean! You can start by wiping down all the surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any residue or build-up. If there is any stubborn grime you can use a more concentrated solution like dish soap or diluted white-vinegar. If you use these products, make sure to thoroughly rinse all of the parts after cleaning them.

As for carafes and thermal mugs, you have to watch for instructions. Some can go in the dishwasher while some can’t get wet. If you have a Keurig, you can use rinse pods for a quick and effective rinse. Pay special attention to cleaning any areas where coffee or water comes into contact with the machine, such as the brewing chamber and water lines. These areas can build up deposits over time that can affect both the taste of your coffee and the performance of your machine.

Step 3: Reassemble your coffee machine

Once all your parts are clean, it’s time to reassemble your machine. Start by putting all of the removable parts back in their right place — make sure everything is securely fastened before plugging your machine in again. Once everything is put back in its place, do a test run to make sure everything is working properly and there are no leaks or issues.

If everything looks good then, you’re done! You now have a clean coffee machine that not only prolongs the life expectancy of your beloved machine but, you will have a better tasting coffee!

Tips for continuing to keep your coffee machine clean:

1. Use Filtered Water

One of the most crucial ways in keeping your coffee machine clean and keeping it clean is using filtered water. Not only will it help to remove impurities that could potentially cause problems but it will also help to improve the taste as well as the quality of your coffee.

2. Clean Your Coffee Machine Regularly

Finally, it’s important to make sure that you clean your coffee machine on a regular basis. This means using a coffee rinse pod every other week if you have a keurig, a deep clean every month, and descaling the machine. By taking these simple steps, it will ensure that your coffee machine lasts for years to come and your coffee will taste great all the time.

The coffee maker is one of the most crucial pieces of equipment you need to make coffee. If you take care of it by keeping it clean, you will be able to enjoy your cup of Joe for longer and with better taste. Taking this small step is highly recommended and will help you in the long run.

Originally published in Booming Brew