How to Clean Any Type of Coffee Maker
Which coffee maker do you prefer? Kyorig? Chemex? Droplet maker? Aeropress? Nespresso? French press? Perhaps you prefer a cold brewery? No matter how many types of coffee makers there are, there are ways to clean them. To get the most aroma (and minimum leftover coffee) in every cup of joe, follow the cleaning methods in the video above.
But first, a note on coffee filters. Earlier, we talked about how they are useful for cleaning the entire house. Be sure to empty the used filter in the trash before cleaning the coffee maker, as coffee grounds can clog the sink.
Droplet maker
Calcium deposits build up in coffee makers if not cleaned regularly. Fortunately, white vinegar is ideal for removing them.
Fill a water chamber with equal parts water and white vinegar. Brew half a pot, then stop brewing and let the coffee maker cool for an hour. This will allow the vinegar to process any residue inside the machine. After an hour, brew the rest of the pot, drain the vinegar solution, and fill another pot full with clean water.
To clean the pot itself, you can put it in the dishwasher or use a magic eraser .
Douse
Also known as Chemex, these glass canisters are easy to paint. Just cover with warm water and dissolve two effervescent tablets inside (eg Alka-Seltzer). Then rinse and dry.
Cold brewer
These tall jugs (plastic or glass) can easily turn brown as they need to sit for hours to extract the coffee aroma. For a glass cold brewery, repeat the same method as for pouring. For plastic, add ice, dish soap and rock salt and shake to remove stains. Alternatively, soapy water and rice can be used to achieve the same effect.
Pod brewer
Whether you have Keurig or Nespresso, the process is the same. Remove the pod and fill the water chamber with white vinegar. Continue brewing cups until the chamber is empty. Then fill the chamber with clean water and brew another cup.
French press
It couldn’t be easier. Fill halfway with soapy water and dive up and down. Then just rinse and dry.
Moka pot
Don’t use too much soap or scrub. You want the coffee oils to season the inside of the pot. Allow the pot to cool and empty the grounds after each use. Disassemble the pieces and rinse them with warm water, then wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
This story was originally published on June 26, 2019 and updated on August 6, 2021.