How to Clean a Coffee Maker

Use our tips on how to clean a coffee maker to keep brewing the perfect cup of coffee.

Waking up to the smell of freshly-brewed coffee is the best way to get your day started. When you look at your coffee maker, you’re only focused on what it’s making: coffee. Whatever kind of coffee maker you buy, you need to clean it. Mold and bacteria can grow in the water reservoir of your coffee maker. Think about it; a wet and enclosed environment. It’s the perfect breeding ground for nasty bacteria and mold. Learn how to clean a coffee maker so you can keep enjoying a delicious cup of coffee.

How to Clean a Coffee Maker: Automatic Drip

1. Fill the water reservoir with equal parts water and vinegar. Brew half of the water/vinegar combination. Use a paper filter as if you’re making a regular pot of coffee.
2. Turn off your coffee maker. Let the water and vinegar sit for half an hour and then finish the brewing cycle.
3. Rinse out the vinegar by brewing a pot of plain water. Use a new filter and repeat this step twice.
4. Fill your coffee pot with warm, soapy water. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Use a scrubber sponge to get rid of any residue. Rinse out the coffee pot and hand dry with a towel.
5. Wipe off the outside of your coffee maker. It’s a good idea to clean the outside of your coffee and the inside of your coffee pot every day.

How to Clean a Coffee Maker: Single Serve

You can clean a single serve coffee maker the same way you would clean an automatic drip coffee maker.

1. Fill the water reservoir with equal parts water and vinegar. Brew the water as if you’re brewing a cup of coffee. Repeat the process until you empty the water reservoir. Run the brewing cycles without any coffee pods.
2. Use a toothbrush to clean off any coffee grounds built up in the coffee pod holder.
3. Clean the outside of the coffee maker with hot, soapy water and a rag.

How to Clean a Coffee Maker: French Press

1. Start cleaning your French press by dumping out any coffee grounds. Don’t dump the coffee grounds down your sink drain. Place a piece of paper towel in a small strainer, and pour the coffee grounds and water over it. The paper towel will catch the coffee grounds, which can then be thrown in the trash.
2. Fill the French press with equal parts white vinegar and boiling water.
3. Put the top of the French press back on and press like you’re making coffee. Allow the water and vinegar mixture to sit for 10 minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly with plain water. Let the French press air dry completely.