How to Clean an Electric Coffee Maker

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Things You'll Need

  • Vinegar

  • Bowl

  • Soap

  • Sponge

Cleaning your coffee maker is crucial to preserve the quality of the coffee it produces. A mineral buildup gradually accumulates, especially when you use tap water. This buildup affects the flavor profile of the coffee in undesirable ways, leading to bitter cups. Cleaning your coffee machine takes about 20 minutes and should be done once every 2 months. It should be done more often if you use your coffee machine more than once per day.

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Step 1

Measure and mix one part vinegar to three parts water in a bowl.

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Step 2

Put the mixture in the coffee machine. Make sure the reservoir is filled to the top with the mixture.

Step 3

Turn on the coffee machine. Let the vinegar and water mixture go through it.

Step 4

Fill the reservoir with water. Turn on the coffee machine and let the water go through the machine. Repeat this step at least one more time to remove the vinegar odor.

Step 5

Wash the coffee carafe with soap and water after the last water-rinse cycle. Scrub with a soft sponge so you don't scratch the glass.

Tip

If you don't want to make your own cleaning solution, you can buy coffee machine cleaning solutions.

Warning

Make sure the vinegar residue is completely rinsed out with water. Leftover vinegar in your coffee machine will make your coffee taste even worse than before you cleaned it.

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