Things To Avoid While Cleaning Your Coffee Maker
Coffee can be the most important part of getting your day started. One way to ensure your coffee machine is performing at its best is to regularly and correctly clean it. Oils left behind after a brewing session require attention, and the more often you use it, the more you’ll need to put it through a cleaning cycle. It’ll make a huge difference in the quality of your drinks. Here are things to definitely avoid when cleaning your coffee machine.
- Don’t Wait. Your machine can be used daily or several times a day depending on how frequently you’re reaching for a cup. A good rule to follow is to clean the exterior, brew basket, and carafe once a week regardless of how often you are brewing. Once a month at minimum, run a full-scale cleaning cycle with a food-safe solution.
- Avoid Vinegar. Vinegar is the most commonly recommended cleaning agent for coffee makers because it’s inexpensive, efficient and convenient. However, most coffee machines have plastic and rubber tubing, and those porous materials can retain the vinegar’s flavor long after you run a cleaning cycle. Try using a food-safe citric acid powder instead. It’ll pick up those coffee oils more effectively and it’s odorless and tasteless.
- Don’t Use Dish Soap. Don’t give into the temptation of using soap for coffee oils. It’ll leave you with a bubbly mess and almost impossible to rinse clean.
- Don’t Forget to Descale. At least once a quarter, clean the machine with more of a soaking step. It’s a great way to make sure the water-dispensing and holding parts of your machine are clean. If you have a removable water reservoir, soak it in a sink or bucket filled with a citric acid and hot water solution. If you can’t remove it, pour the solution in and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes before turning on the machine to run a cleaning cycle. Run a second cycle with fresh water to rinse everything out.
Source: the Kitchn