DIY Cleaning Methods for Coffee maker

How to Clean a Coffee Maker with Baking Soda and Warm Water

• Unplug and cool down: Always unplug your coffee maker and let it cool before cleaning. This isn’t just about avoiding a shocking experience—it also helps prevent cracks in the carafe from sudden temperature changes.

 

• Empty and prep: Dump out any old coffee grounds and rinse the filter basket. If your machine has removable parts (like the carafe and filter basket), take them out for a separate wash.

 

• Mix your solution: In a bowl or measuring cup, combine about 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1 quart of warm water. Stir until the baking soda is mostly dissolved. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive and a deodorizer, which means it helps scrub away residue and neutralize lingering odors.

 

• Pour and run a cycle: Pour the baking soda solution into the water reservoir. Start a brew cycle as if you were making coffee, but without any coffee grounds. Let the solution run through the machine completely.

 

• Pause for stubborn buildup: If your coffee maker is especially grimy, you can pause the brew cycle halfway through and let the solution sit for 30 minutes. This gives the baking soda more time to work on mineral deposits and coffee oils.

 

• Rinse thoroughly: After the cycle finishes, dump out the used solution. Fill the reservoir with clean, warm water and run at least two more brew cycles (no baking soda this time) to flush out any residue. This step is key—nobody wants a cup of coffee that tastes like a science experiment.

 

• Wipe and dry: Wipe down the exterior and removable parts with a damp cloth. Let everything air dry before reassembling and plugging the machine back in.

What does this do?

• Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive: It helps loosen coffee stains and residue without scratching most surfaces.

 

• Warm water helps dissolve buildup: The heat makes it easier for the baking soda to break down oily deposits and mineral scale.

 

• Deodorizes: Baking soda can help neutralize lingering coffee odors, leaving your machine smelling fresher.

How to Clean a Coffee Maker with Hydrogen Peroxide and Water

• Unplug and Empty: Always unplug your coffee maker before cleaning. Remove any leftover coffee grounds and empty the carafe and water reservoir.

 

• Mix Your Solution: Combine one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with two parts water. For most standard coffee makers, this means about 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide to 2 cups of water. This solution helps break down buildup inside the machine.

 

• Pour and Prep: Pour the mixture into the water reservoir, just like you would when making a pot of coffee. Place the empty carafe in its usual spot to catch the liquid as it cycles through.

 

• Run a Brew Cycle: Start a regular brew cycle. Let the solution run all the way through the machine. This helps loosen mineral deposits and coffee oils that can build up over time.

 

• Pause for Soak: If your coffee maker has a pause feature, stop the cycle halfway and let the solution sit for about 15 minutes. This gives the mixture more time to work on stubborn residue.

 

• Finish the Cycle: Resume and complete the brew cycle. Discard the used solution from the carafe and rinse it out.

 

• Rinse Thoroughly: Fill the reservoir with fresh water and run at least two full cycles of plain water through the machine. This step is crucial to remove any lingering hydrogen peroxide and avoid any odd taste in your next brew.

 

• Wipe Down: Use a damp cloth to wipe the exterior, carafe, and any removable parts. Pay attention to the area around the filter basket, where coffee residue can hide.

 

• Let Dry: Leave the lid and reservoir open for a bit to air dry. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to unwanted odors.

• What is Hydrogen Peroxide? It’s a common household liquid (usually 3% strength) that acts as an oxidizer, meaning it helps break down organic stains and residues. It’s often found in the first aid aisle.

 

• Why Use It? Hydrogen peroxide can help dissolve coffee oils and mineral deposits that plain water might leave behind. It’s a practical option for a deeper clean when you want to go beyond your usual rinse.