Cleaning your coffee maker removes mineral buildup and old coffee oils that make brews taste bitter and slow the machine down. A regular descale with vinegar keeps your coffee fresh and the machine running well.
What you'll need
- White vinegar
- Water
- Dish soap
- A soft cloth or sponge
Step by step
- Empty and rinse the partsDiscard any old grounds and used filter, then wash the removable basket and carafe with warm soapy water to clear away residue.
- Mix a vinegar solutionFill the water reservoir with a mix of equal parts white vinegar and water. The acid dissolves the mineral scale that builds up inside.
- Run a half brew cycleStart a brew with no filter or coffee, let it run about halfway through, then turn it off and let it sit for 30 to 60 minutes so the solution can work.
- Finish the cycleSwitch the machine back on and let the rest of the vinegar solution run through into the carafe, then pour it out.
- Rinse with fresh waterFill the reservoir with clean water and run two or three full brew cycles to flush out all the vinegar taste and smell.
- Wipe down the outsideClean the warming plate and exterior with a damp cloth, and dry the carafe and basket before reassembling.
Handy tips
- Descale every one to three months, more often if you have hard water or brew daily.
- Rinse the carafe and basket after each use to slow the buildup of coffee oils.
- If any vinegar smell lingers, run one more cycle of plain water before making coffee.
Heads up
- Check your machine's manual first, as some single-serve makers require a specific descaling solution rather than vinegar.
FAQ
How often should I clean my coffee maker?
Rinse the removable parts after each use, and run a full vinegar descale every one to three months depending on how hard your water is and how often you brew.
Can I use something other than vinegar?
Yes. Commercial descaling solutions or a mix of water and citric acid work well too. They can leave less odor than vinegar.
Why does my coffee taste bitter even after cleaning?
Bitterness can also come from old grounds, water that is too hot, or over-brewing. Use fresh coffee and clean the basket regularly along with descaling.