If you want to keep your coffee maker in top shape, you need to clean it regularly.If you don't have a self-cleaning option for your coffee maker, you should wash the other pieces of the machine with warm, soapy water and dechlorinate the water.Your coffee maker should be kept up to date with proper cleaning and maintenance.
Step 1: Every 3-6 months, calculate your coffee maker.
If you use your coffee maker more than once a day, you may need to clean your water reservoir every month to remove hard water and mineral build ups from the machine.You can wait up to 6 months between cleanings if you use it less frequently.The amount of time you need to clean your machine will depend on your tap water's hardness.If your coffee tastes bitter or otherwise off, it's time to decalcify it.If you have a Clean button on your machine, it will start flashing when it needs to be cleaned.
Step 2: The grounds should be emptied.
If you still have coffee in the carafe, rinse it with water.Coffee grounds and paper filters can be dumped from the machine.
Step 3: The water should be filled with 1 and 2 parts water.
You can fill the reservoir with regular tap water and white vinegar.The carafe can be used to measure and pour solution.The size of your coffee maker will affect the amount of water and vinegar you use.For a standard 12-cup coffee maker, you'll need 8 cups of water and a cup of vinegar.
Step 4: If your coffeemaker has a Clean button, press it.
The On/Off button can be pressed once the Clean light glows.The machine is in clean mode if the clean light shines steadily.The machine should turn off once the cycle is over.The machine will pause between every few cups it makes, so the clean cycle will take more time than usual.
Step 5: If your coffeemaker doesn't have a self- clean function, run a brew cycle manually.
Just like you would make a pot of coffee, turn the machine on to run a cycle once you've filled the reservoir.If you want a deeper clean, turn off the coffee maker mid-way through the brew cycle and let it sit for an hour.After turning the coffee maker on again, let the brew cycle finish.
Step 6: If you can still see the build-up, you should repeat the cycle.
The machine should be cleaned with one cycle of the mixture.If your coffee maker is dirty, you may need to run it again.Once the machine has cooled, inspect the inside of the tank.If there is a build up, let the machine cool down and then run another cycle with a fresh solution of water and vinegar.Turn the machine on again if it has a self-cleaning feature.If the Clean light continues to flash, you should mix a fresh mixture of water and vinegar.
Step 7: To rinse, run a cycle of cold water.
After the brew cycle is over, discard the solution from the pot.If you have a glass pot, allow the coffee maker and the carafe to cool slightly.The water tank should be filled with plain fresh water.You can run a brew cycle with the water.You may want to repeat the water-only cycle two or three times.
Step 8: Remove the coffee maker from the wall.
Allow the machine to cool completely if you used it recently.Most machines will take at least 30 minutes to cool down, but some can take longer.After 30 minutes, lightly touch the back of your hand to the body of the water.It can be dangerous to get the coffee maker wet if it's plugged in.If you try to clean the machine while it's plugged in, you could damage it.
Step 9: The filter basket and carafe need to be removed.
The filter basket can either be lifted or slid from the machine.Remove the grounds or filters from the basket and discard the remaining coffee.Take the basket with you if you have a model with a built-in coffee grinder.Some models have a lid that can be removed.
Step 10: Remove the items from the soapy water and let them dry.
Just like you would wash regular dishes, use a sponge, soap, and warm water to wash the filters in your sink.Steel wool is a harsh cleanser and should not be used.Place the pieces back into the machine after rinsing them thoroughly.If you have serious build-up on any of the pieces, fill your sink with warm, soapy dishwater and soak them for a few minutes before washing.You can wash these items in the top rack of the dishwasher, since they can be difficult to dry with a towel.
Step 11: The coffeemaker's body should be wiped down.
Use a damp dishcloth to clean the rest of the coffee maker, including the area under the filter basket.If you have a built-in grinder, be careful not to splash water on the motor as you clean it.It's best to use a damp dishcloth.Do not immerse the base unit in any liquid.
Step 12: To remove stains from the heating plate, use soap and a damp cloth.
To clean the area where the carafe sits, use a damp cloth and a small amount of dishwashing soap.After removing coffee stains, rinse the dishcloth and wipe the plate with plain water to rinse off the soap.Again, make sure the coffee maker is completely unplugged and cooled before touching the heating plate.
Step 13: The coffee maker needs to be reassembled.
You can put the pieces back together after the machine has been cleaned and dried.Place the carafe back onto the heating plate if you want to replace the filter basket.If your model has a built-in grinder, replace the basket with it.Don't forget to put the carafe lid back as well if you removed it.