How to Clean a Coffee Maker for a Better-tasting Cuppa Joe

Your taste buds will thank you for cleaning your coffee machine at least once a month. Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock

A clean coffee maker is essential for a fresh and flavorful cup of coffee. Over time, coffee residue and mineral buildup can affect the taste of your brew and reduce the efficiency of your coffee machine. Luckily, learning how to clean a coffee maker is simple and doesn't take much time.

Whether you use paper filters or a permanent filter, regular cleaning helps prevent hard water deposits and keeps your coffee pot in top shape. Follow these easy steps to give your coffee maker a deep clean and keep your morning brew tasting great.

Contents

Step 1: Empty and Rinse the Coffee Maker
Step 2: Prepare a Vinegar Solution
Step 3: Run a Brew Cycle
Step 4: Complete the Cycle and Rinse
Step 5: Scrub the Filter Basket and Carafe
Step 6: Wipe Down the Exterior of the Coffee Maker
How Often Should You Clean Your Coffee Maker?

Step 1: Empty and Rinse the Coffee Maker

Start by removing any leftover coffee and coffee grounds from the coffee carafe and filter basket. Run both components under warm water to get rid of any loose debris. If you notice visible buildup, a quick scrub with dish soap can help remove it.

Step 2: Prepare a Vinegar Solution

To break down mineral buildup, mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and warm water. Pour the vinegar mixture into the coffee maker’s water reservoir, filling it about halfway. This helps dissolve or descale any lingering residue and mineral deposits.

Mild, food-safe acids like lemon juice are also a suitable alternative to white vinegar.

Step 3: Run a Brew Cycle

Place the coffee pot back onto the warming plate and start a regular brew cycle. Allow the vinegar solution to run halfway through, then pause the coffee machine for about 30 minutes. This gives the white distilled vinegar time to break down tough buildup inside the machine.

Step 4: Complete the Cycle and Rinse

Resume the brew cycle and let the remaining solution run through. Discard the liquid from the coffee carafe and rinse it thoroughly.

To remove any lingering vinegar taste, run a second cycle with just hot water. This additional cycle should eliminate any residue or vinegar left in the tubes of the coffee maker.

Discard any remaining water before moving onto the next cleaning steps.

Step 5: Scrub the Filter Basket and Carafe

For a deep clean, wash the filter basket, other removable parts and coffee pot with warm water and dish soap. If there are stubborn stains, sprinkle some baking soda onto a sponge and scrub gently. Rinse everything thoroughly before placing the components back into the coffee maker.

Step 6: Wipe Down the Exterior of the Coffee Maker

Use a damp cloth to wipe down the outside of your coffee maker, including buttons and surfaces. This step removes dust, fingerprints and any stray coffee residue. Keeping the exterior clean ensures your coffee maker looks as good as it performs.

How Often Should You Clean Your Coffee Maker?

For the best-tasting coffee, clean your coffee maker at least once a month, or more often if you use it daily. Thoroughly rinsing the pot and internal components after every use will also help prevent any contaminants from ending up in your drink.

If you notice flakey brown residue (or a change in flavor) it's time for a deep clean. Regularly washing the coffee carafe and filter basket — as well as using white distilled vinegar for descaling — will keep your machine running smoothly and your coffee tasting great.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.