Quick Tips to Get Your Coffee Machine Sparkling Clean
It’s a necessary evil of everyday life. Cleaning is something no one likes to do, but everyone has to do it. We despise cleaning because it brings back memories of Mom saying you can’t play outside until your room is clean. Chores are the essential speed bumps in life on the road to fun.
But as we all know, the benefits of cleanliness far outweigh the annoyance of filth. Take for example a coffee machine. A coffee machine has many different, complicated parts that come in contact not just with coffee, but with germs too. If not properly taken care of and sanitized, your investment will go right down the drain. And don’t forget, just because your coffee machine is a little simpler than a restaurant-quality espresso machine doesn’t mean that it doesn’t need to be cleaned either! Clean and sanitized coffee equipment, no matter what type it may be, yields better tasting coffee. Mmm hmm!
How to Clean Your Home Coffee Machine
Wash ALL removable parts after every use
This is important because it helps remove coffee, grinds and oil that are left behind. You can hand wash at the sink with warm and soapy water, but usually the pieces are dishwasher-safe. And don’t forget to wipe down the outside and the warming plate where spills can burn on. It is also a good idea to leave the reservoir’s lid open use so it can dry out completely after each use (germs love moisture, so try not give it to them!)
Decalcify your machine every month
Over time, hard water minerals can build up in your machine’s inner workings, and you may notice that your coffee takes longer to drip. To get things back in tip-top shape, you need to cleanse and decalcify the machine. This can typically be done by using a tablet or capsule from the machine’s manufacturer, but if you’re on a tight budget or can’t find the manufacturers decalcifying products, white vinegar is here to save the day!
If that’s the route you’ve opted for: Fill the reservoir with equal parts vinegar and water, and place a paper filter into the machine’s empty basket. Position the pot in place, and “brew” the solution halfway. Turn off the machine, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, turn the coffee maker back on, finish the brewing and dump the full pot of vinegar and water. Rinse everything out by putting in a new paper filter and brewing a full pot of clean water. Repeat once.
Make your milk carafe sparkle and shine
You should always wash your carafe after each use, but if it’s looking dingy over time, fill it with warm, sudsy water and a little rice. Swirl the mixture to loosen any gunk. Use a scrub sponge to remove debris and rinse well.
Don’t forget the basics; wipe-downs and rinses – every day!
Taking it back to the basics, we might overlook wiping down the outside of the machine for more in-depth cleaning methods, but nothing spoils a fresh Espresso more than a bit of crusted milk dropping into the cup. Allowing rinses between cups will also flush out the previous cups’ taste, and make way for the aromas of the newest cup. Sometimes the easiest solutions are the best.
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Cover Image Credit: Mulmar