How to Clean a Coffee Maker – Simple Guide with over 15 Pictures

How to clean a coffee maker might not be the first thing to come to mind when you use your machine daily. There are many good reasons to regularly clean your coffee maker, one is hygiene.

The warm and mosit environment inside the water reservoir is a great breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Another reason is flavor, if your morning coffee starts to taste bitter or funky is because it’s time to give your coffee machine some cleaning.

A simple cleaning done regularly will help maintain freshness, remove hard water spots from the glass or plastic carafe, and prevent coffee staining. With regular cleaning you make sure to remove mineral deposit buildup and clean out the coffee oils and water minerals that get left behind. 

The great news is that it’s very easy to do and you most probably already have everything you need to clean your coffee maker at home. So let’s get started!

How to Clean a Coffee Maker – Step by Step

First off we will start by making sure there is no filter in the coffee basket of the coffee machine. 

You will pour six cups of white vinegar where the water normally goes, where I am pointing in the following picture.

You make sure there are 6 cups by checking on the side and making sure you reach the 6 cup line like in the following picture.

Now make sure the coffee basket of your machine is well placed and close the lid.

Place the glass coffee pot in its place. Make sure the coffee pot is clean with no coffee stains. If you need to clean it you can check our guide on how to clean a glass coffee pot to leave it like new again.

Now that you got your clean coffee pot well place you go ahead and push the start button on your coffee maker.

The white vinegar will start brewing. It will take about 6 minute to completely brew the 6 cups of white vinegar.

You can open the lid like in the next picture while it is brewing and see how hte white vinegar falls into the basket.

The machine is done when it reaches the 6 cup line in the glass coffee pot like in the following picture.

When it reaches the 6 cup line in the coffee pot you go ahead and push the off button to turn it off.

You remove the glass coffee pot and get rid of the white vinegar on your kitchen sink. Clean the coffee pot thoroughly with water and soap to completely remove the white vinegar.

You do the same with the coffee basket, thoroughly clean it with water and soap to remove any white vinegar left.

Go ahead and fill the glass coffee pot with fresh water to the 12 cup line like in the following picture.

Pour the 12 cups of fresh water in the coffee maker like in the following picture.

Once done, check the side of the coffee machine to confirm it is at the 12 cup line. Use the following image as reference.

You can go ahead and push the start button to brew the water through the coffee maker system.

The reason to brew fresh water is to remove white vinegar from the pipes and all the system of the coffee machine. It will take around 3 to 4 rounds to completely get rid of that vinegar and the vinegar taste. So you will have to complete this step, brew 12 cups of fresh water, 3 to 4 times.

Algae in Coffee Maker Water Reservoir

If you notice algae growing in your coffee maker’s water reservoir, it is important to take immediate action to clean and sanitize the machine. Here are some steps you can follow:

1. Unplug the coffee maker: Before you start cleaning, make sure to unplug the coffee maker from the power source to avoid any potential electrical hazards.
2. Empty the water reservoir: Remove any remaining water from the reservoir and dispose of it.
3. Clean the reservoir: Mix a solution of equal parts water and vinegar and pour it into the reservoir. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how severe the algae growth is.
4. Scrub the reservoir: Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to scrub the inside of the reservoir, paying special attention to any areas where algae is growing. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
5. Sanitize the reservoir: Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Pour the solution into the reservoir and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. Rinse the reservoir thoroughly with clean water.
6. Run a brew cycle: Once the reservoir is cleaned and sanitized, run a brew cycle with clean water only to flush out any remaining traces of vinegar or bleach.
7. Repeat if necessary: If the algae growth was severe or if there is still visible residue in the reservoir, you may need to repeat the cleaning and sanitizing process.
8. Maintenance: To prevent future algae growth, make sure to empty and clean the water reservoir regularly, and refill it with fresh water each time you use the coffee maker. If you are still having issues with algae growth, you may need to use a specialized coffee maker cleaning solution or consult with the manufacturer for further assistance.

Why is My Coffee Maker Making Watery Coffee

There are several reasons why your coffee maker may be producing watery coffee. Here are a few possible causes:

1. Incorrect coffee-to-water ratio: If you are not using enough coffee grounds or using too much water, the resulting coffee may be weak and watery. Try adjusting the ratio of coffee to water and see if this improves the strength of your coffee.
2. Grind size: The grind size of your coffee can also affect the strength of the brew. If the coffee grounds are too coarse, the water may flow through too quickly, resulting in a weak coffee. If the grounds are too fine, the water may not be able to flow through, resulting in a bitter or over-extracted coffee. Try adjusting the grind size to see if this improves the flavor of your coffee.
3. Water temperature: If the water temperature is too low, the coffee may not extract properly, resulting in a weak coffee. Make sure the water is heated to the proper temperature, which is typically between 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit (90-96 °C) for optimal coffee extraction.
4. Brewing time: If the coffee is not brewing for long enough, the resulting coffee may be weak and watery. Try increasing the brewing time to see if this improves the flavor of your coffee.
5. Clogged filter: A clogged filter can also cause water to pass through too quickly, resulting in a weak coffee. Make sure to regularly clean or replace the coffee filter to ensure proper extraction.

If none of these solutions improve the strength of your coffee, there may be an issue with the coffee maker itself. In this case, it may be necessary to contact the manufacturer for assistance or consider replacing the machine.

What Kind of Coffee Maker for Airbnb Works Best

When selecting a coffee maker for an Airbnb, there are several factors to consider. Here are some options to consider:

1. Drip coffee maker: A drip coffee maker is a classic option that is easy to use and can brew coffee in large quantities. Look for a model with a programmable timer, so guests can set it up the night before and wake up to freshly brewed coffee. Make sure to choose a model with a thermal carafe, which will keep the coffee hot without relying on a heating plate, which can be a potential safety hazard.
2. Single-serve coffee maker: A single-serve coffee maker is a good option if you want to offer guests a variety of coffee choices, as they can use individual coffee pods to brew their preferred flavor. Look for a model that is compatible with a variety of coffee pod brands to give guests more options.
3. French press: A French press is a manual coffee maker that can brew coffee with a strong and bold flavor. It requires a little more effort from guests, but it can be a fun and interactive way to make coffee. Look for a model with a durable and heat-resistant glass carafe and a sturdy plunger for optimal brewing.
4. Pour-over coffee maker: A pour-over coffee maker is another manual option that can produce a high-quality cup of coffee. It requires guests to pour hot water over coffee grounds manually, but it can be a great option for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the art and craft of making coffee. Look for a model with a durable and easy-to-clean glass carafe and a cone-shaped filter.

Ultimately, the best coffee maker for your Airbnb will depend on your specific needs and preferences, as well as the preferences of your guests. Consider factors like ease of use, brewing time, coffee quality, and safety when selecting a coffee maker for your Airbnb.

Is Aluminum Coffee Maker Safe to Use

Aluminum coffee makers have been used for many years and are generally considered safe for use. However, there are some potential concerns associated with aluminum coffee makers that you should be aware of.

One concern is that acidic liquids, such as coffee, can react with the aluminum and cause it to leach into the coffee. This can potentially cause health risks if ingested in large quantities over time. However, many modern aluminum coffee makers are coated with a non-reactive material, such as stainless steel, to prevent this from happening.

Another concern is that aluminum coffee makers can be more difficult to clean than other materials. If not cleaned properly, residues and oils can build up over time, which can potentially affect the taste of the coffee and even lead to bacterial growth.

Overall, while aluminum coffee makers are generally considered safe for use, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal safety and coffee quality. If you have any concerns, you may want to consider using a coffee maker made from alternative materials, such as stainless steel or glass.

How to Clean a Coffee Maker for Specific Brands

Maybe you or a friend/family member own a coffee maker from a certain brand and want to know how to clean and/or maintain it, please follow our specific guide for each brand:

• Black and Decker
• Braun
• Breville
• Bunn
• Cuisinart
• Hamilton Beach
• Keurig
• Mr. Coffee
• Ninja
• OXO

Tips and Tricks

Clean Once a Month

Clean and descale your Coffee Maker at least once a month to remove any mineral build-up, coffee stains, and any mold or bacteria that could be growing in your machine.

Clean Removable Parts Once a Week

If you use your coffee maker every day, take the removable parts out at least once a week to wash them. You will need to soak the parts in hot soapy water for 1-2 hours before rinsing the parts. Leave them on a counter to air dry.

This will remove any coffee oil residue, mold and bacteria that may be building up in your machine.

Clean Carafe with Clearly Coffee cleaning solution

If you have a dirty carafe with burnt coffee and/or coffee stains that you’re not able to clean by washing in hot soapy water, try using Clearly Coffee solution to clean it.

Please follow our full guide on cleaning a dirty carafe here.

FAQs on How to Clean a Coffee Maker

Final Thoughts

Cleaning and descaling your coffee maker regularly is important to maintain its optimal performance and enjoy a long time of great-tasting coffee. You can easily clean and descale your machine at home with just a few supplies and following our simple step by step guide!