For anyone who owns a coffee machine, it might dawn on you just how hard maintenance can be. Cleaning a coffee machine is something that many people put off making a decision on. Many times, they’ll do what they can to simply avoid cleaning the machine. Do this for long enough, though, and you will find that the hardware no longer operates to the correct and satisfied level.
If you would like to get over this issue, then we recommend that you read our quick guide on coffee machine maintenance. The sooner you can get to grips with how to go about cleaning it, the sooner you can enjoy using your machine again. A poorly kept coffee machine will often produce lower efficiency, less quality coffee and far less impressive aromas and scents.
So, if you would like to keep the quality of your coffee as high as possible, clean the machine. How do you go about doing this in a manner that benefits both your machine and your limited time?
How Do I Clean A Coffee Maker
It really does depend on the coffee machine, unfortunately. If you buy a coffee machine, then it should come with extensive data and information about how to best care for it and clean it accordingly. If you ever sit down with a coffee maker and try to clean it, you will find there is a particular methodology to it.
Every coffee maker comes with its own system and platform. It takes a huge amount of work to get the coffee just right, so it’s important that you clean the system as you are described. A failure to do so will leave you with a very uninspiring looking coffee machine, and will often make it hard to use.
In terms of knowing how to clean each machine, though, there’s always guides online that show you how to clean each model. With so many parts to consider cleaning and parts of the machine that have to be dealt with, you might not be sure where to start.
We recommend that you always start with the outer shell, though. You can get inside all of the components and systems as time goes on, but keeping the outer shell clean matters. Start there, and move on.
What, though, should one use to clean a coffee maker?
How Often Do You Need To Clean A Coffee Maker
We really recommend that you clean it out at least once per month. If you fail to clean it out on a regular basis, then you can be left with a machine that is harder to use. Over time, the debris from all of those beans and the hard water will create a build-up. The end result? Coffee that tastes nowhere near as fresh as it should!
So, make space for one day per month to clean out your machine. We recommend once every 2 weeks if you drink lots of coffee, but once per month is adequate.
Can You Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Clean A Coffee Maker
Yes, you could use apple cider vinegar if you wish. It’s quite a popular method to use, as it works quite well for getting into those nooks and crannies and cleaning it out. Cleaning it with apple cider vinegar is very easy, too.
All you need to do is make up a two parts water, one part vinegar solution. Then put this into the coffee machine as you would when you make a normal coffee blend. Obviously, make sure that you don’t use any coffee products when you carry this method out!
Can You Use Lemon Juice To Clean A Coffee Maker
Lemon juice is a pretty good cleaner, and it would be a good choice for many people. A half-cup of lemon juice and a half-cup of water will work well in tandem together. This should make it much easier for you to get the coffee cleaned out and washed out thoroughly.
Simply spend as much time as you can by using lemon juice, pouring it into the water reservoir and letting it sit for around 15-20 minutes. This will help it to break down oils and excess garbage that has built up, reducing the extent of build-up allowed.
Can You Use Baking Soda To Clean A Coffee Maker
Baking soda, though, might just be the ideal choice for you. it’s the same as the others above – you simply fill the coffee with the liquid in the water tank, and let it run. We recommend that you use a quarter cup of baking soda and the rest of the cup as water. Be sure to use warm water, though, as baking soda dissolves poorly in a colder climate.
If you do this, then you can remove odours and help to clean out the entirety of your coffee maker. Done right, it can be among your most powerful cleaning companions.
Why Is It Important To Clean The Coffee Bean Hopper
If you fail to clean out the bean hopper, then it can become filled with mold and mess. It will begin to smell, it will affect the taste of the coffee and it will hamper the overall quality provided. If you are looking for a part of the hardware to concentrate your cleaning efforts on, then the coffee bean hopper is among the most important pieces.
Take care of that first and you’ll be left with a much more fragrant, enjoyable coffee machine. Do this right, and it can make sure your coffee tastes fantastic for the rest of the month.
Coffee Machine Cleaning Procedure
We recommend that you do this every day with your coffee solution after usage. This will stop the build-up being so excessive in future:
- Remove all of the handles and brewing heads etc. whilst emptying it of all product.
- Scrub away any coffee grounds that you can see lying around the heads.
- Clean down each handle by removing the filter and inserting a new, blank filter when needed.
- Remove the drip tray and clean it in your sink cleaning and wiping thoroughly.
- Clean out the drain and then re-equip the drip tray.
- Leave the filter handles to dry overnight, and re-attach in the morning.
Coffee Machine Cleaning Checklist
- Be sure to run the coffee machine after using any cleaning residue inside – this helps to get rid of any excess and makes it good for the days’ use.
- Make sure you clean the steaming wand, wiping it with a damp cloth, after each use.
- Clean out all shower heads and seals after every usage.
- Clean the milk wand with a milk cleaner.
- Empty out the drip tray using soap water and let it dry overnight.
- Clean the grinder hopper with a damp cloth, ensuring its empty. Use alcohol-based cleaners.
- Clean the shower plate and the seals on a weekly basis.
What Is The Best Way To Clean A Coffee Maker
Really, there is no ‘best’ way as it is determined entirely for obvious reasons. The machine you use, the present state of cleanliness and various other factors will all play a leading role in determining how good/bad your system works. If you want to keep it in top condition, though, be sure to follow the above procedures.
Trying out each recommended cleaning companion is a good starting place. In time, though, you’ll learn how to best clean your system whilst appreciating the added value of cleaning it out with such thorough accomplishment.
If you want to have a high quality coffee every time, take the art of cleaning it out very seriously!
Paul Mason
coffee blogger
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We’ll be more than happy to take a look at any comments, requests or queries that you may have. Thanks for your time, and we hope that your next cup of coffee that you enjoy is the best one that you’ve had, every time!
