How to Clean a Coffee Maker

In this guide, we will show you how to clean an automatic coffee maker in a few easy steps with household items. Although it is obvious to consistently wipe down the outside of the appliance and wash the coffee pot itself, many people forget about cleaning the inside of the coffee maker machine. The moist environment of a coffee maker can be conducive to mold, plus the inner reservoir often has buildup from mineral deposits in the water over time.

Check the manufacturer instructions for specifics on how often you should clean your coffee maker, but a good rule of thumb is once per month in hard water areas or two to three months in soft water areas. See our step-by-step guide below for a sparkling clean coffee maker and a morning cup of coffee that tastes just right.

What You Will Need:

• White vinegar
• Tap water
• Cleaning cloth
• Measuring cup or pitcher

Instructions

• ​Empty out your coffee carafe and filter, then rinse out any coffee or grounds.
• Fill the water reservoir halfway with water and then the remaining half with white vinegar.
• Turn on the coffee maker to the clean cycle, or start a regular brewing style.
• Halfway through the brewing cycle, turn 

off the coffee maker and let it sit for 15 minutes so the water-vinegar solution can soak up any mineral deposits or residue.
5  Restart the coffee maker, and when it finishes that cycle, pour out all the liquid from the coffee pot.
6  Fill up the reservoir one more time with only water.
7  Run the coffee maker on a standard brew cycle again (or clean cycle) to rinse.
8  Once the coffee maker finishes that cycle, pour out all the liquid.
9  Clean the coffee pot carafe and lid with warm soapy water.
10 Start your next brew!

Note: Exact instructions may vary depending on coffee maker size and manufacturer. If you have a Keurig coffee maker, see our detailed guide on How to Clean a Keurig. 

Cleaning Other Coffee Makers

French Press
Some French presses are dishwasher safe, so check the manufacturer information.

• The first step when cleaning a French press is removing the old grounds. It is best to throw them away in the trash rather than down the sink.
• Soak the French press and the mesh plunger in ​hot water.
• Then, clean with warm water and baking soda or regular dish soap.
• Once clean, lay all of the separate pieces out flat to air dry.

Percolaters
The process of cleaning the basket of a percolator is similar to that of the carafe of a standard drip coffee maker.

First, give the percolator a quick rinse and wash after each use with regular dish soap. For a deeper clean, soak the percolator basket in a solution of hot water, baking soda, and white vinegar to remove any buildup. Then clean with a small brush and regular dish soap.

Pour-Over Coffee Maker
Depending on your pour-over maker of choice, it may be one of many that can be put in the dishwasher for cleaning. Make sure to remove any non-washable parts, such as a wood handle or bracket. Make sure to rinse the pour-over cone and basket with hot water after every use. For more thorough cleaning, wash with dish soap using a small brush.

Keurig Coffee Make r
See our How to Clean a Keurig guide for step-by-step instructions.   

Tip!

Coffee makers should be deep-cleaned every few weeks or month to prevent any buildup from mineral deposits in the water, which can change the taste and quality of your coffee.