How to Clean a Coffee Grinder

Most coffee enthusiasts will agree that the perfect cup starts with freshly grounded roasted coffee beans. Grinding the beans at home will provide the most flavor, however it will leave behind oils and grounds that need to be cleaned. An electric grinder will often come in one of two ways, with a blade or flat serrated disks known as a burr grinder. Whatever the type may be, it should be cleaned out to prevent any oil build-up which can spoil the flavor of your coffee.

If you’re using your grinder every day, it’s best to clean out your grinder weekly.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 Microfiber towel
• 1 Sink or large bowl
• 1 Stiff-bristled bottle brush
• 1 Non-abrasive sponge
• 1/4 cup Uncooked rice
• 1 Dishwashing liquid
• 1 Coffee grinder cleaning tablets (optional)

How to Clean a Blade Coffee Grinder:

1. Pour one-fourth cup of dry, uncooked rice or the recommended amount of the grinder cleaning tablets into the hopper of the blade grinder.
2. Turn on the grinder and run it until all of the rice or tablets are reduced to a fine powder.
3. Once the rice is pulverized, turn off the grinder and unplug it from the wall outlet.
4. Dump the pulverized rice into a trash can. Give the grinder a few taps on the side of the can to help loosen any rice powder that is trapped in the hopper.
5. Dampen a lint-free microfiber towel and wipe down the interior of the hopper. Take extra care around the blades. Dampen the towel to remove any fingerprints or grime from the exterior of the grinder.

How to Clean a Burr Coffee Grinder:

1. Since most burr grinders have a large hopper to store coffee beans, cleaning should be done when the hopper is empty. Remove the hopper and wash it, the lid, and any removable sealing gaskets by hand in a sink of hot, soapy water. Rinse well with hot water and dry with a microfiber cloth.
2. If possible, turn on the grinder and let it run for a few seconds to pulverize any remaining bits of beans caught in the burr blades. Immediately unplug the grinder.
3. Following the owner’s manual, remove any parts (except the burr) that come in contact with the coffee beans like the bin that catches the coffee grounds. Hand wash the components in a sink of hot, soapy water using a non-abrasive sponge, rinse with hot water, and dry with a microfiber towel.
4. Remove the flat burr disks or the conical burr. This may require a screwdriver. Use a stiff bottle brush to loosen and remove the coffee grounds that are stuck to the burr surfaces. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe down the burrs and absorb any oils.
5. Once every component is clean and thoroughly dry, reassemble the coffee grinder and it is ready to use.

Source: The Spruce