The Perfect Cup of Coffee: Cleaning

When the coffee you brew starts to taste bitter and funky it’s time to give your coffee machine some attention. A simple cleaning will help maintain freshness, remove hard water spots from the carafe, and prevent staining. It will also remove mineral buildup and clean out the coffee oils that get left behind and turn rancid. It’s easy to do and you probably have everything needed to clean your machine at home.

1. Empty the filter basket of leftover grounds.
2. Dump out any remaining coffee from the carafe.
3. Mix up half water and half white vinegar.
4. Start a brew cycle. When it gets halfway through the cycle, shut your coffee pot off and let the whole thing sit for an hour.
5. After it sits for an hour turn your coffee pot back on and allow the brew cycle to finish. Discard the water and vinegar solution.
6. Fill the chamber of your coffee pot with water (no vinegar this time) and run a full brew cycle.
7. Pour out the water solution and repeat this process two more times, allowing your coffee maker to cool off a bit between brews.
8. Using hot soapy water, wash the carafe of your coffee pot and then dry completely.
9. Wash out the filter, too. Dry off completely before reassembling.
10. Using a damp rag, wipe down the outside of your coffee maker and any extra areas that need attention.
11. Reassemble your clean coffee pot.
12. Now brew a great cup of coffee and Enjoy!