How to Clean Every Type of Coffee Maker
What kind of coffee maker do you prefer? Keurig? Chemex? Drip maker? Aeropress? Nespresso? French press? Perhaps you prefer a cold brewer? As many types of coffee makers as there are, there are also ways to clean them. To get the most flavor (and least amount of old coffee residue) in each cup of joe, follow the cleaning methods outlined in the video above.
But first, a note about coffee filters. We’ve previously covered how they are useful for cleaning all over your home. Just be sure to always empty the used filter in the trash before cleaning the coffee maker, as coffee grounds can clog a sink.
Drip maker
Calcium deposits build up in drip coffee makers if not cleaned regularly. Luckily, white vinegar is ideal for clearing them out.
Fill the water chamber with equal parts water and white vinegar. Brew half a pot, then stop the brewing and let the maker cool down for an hour. This allows the vinegar to get to work on any remnants inside the machine. After an hour, brew the rest of the pot, discard the vinegar solution, and brew another full pot with clean water.
For cleaning the pot itself, you can put it in the dishwasher, or use a magic eraser.
Pour-over
Also known by the brand name, Chemex, these glass canisters stain easily. Just fill with warm water and dissolve two effervescent tablets (like Alka-Seltzer) inside. Then rinse and dry.
Cold brewer
Because they need to sit for several hours to extract coffee flavor, these tall pitchers (whether plastic or glass) can turn brown easily. For a glass cold brewer, repeat the same method as for the pour-over. For plastic, pour in ice, dish soap, and rock salt and shake to remove stains. Alternatively, you could use soapy water and rice for the same effect.
Pod brewer
Whether you have a Keurig or Nespresso, the process is the same. Remove the pod and fill the water chamber with white vinegar. Keep brewing cups until the chamber is empty. Then fill the chamber with clean water and brew another cup.
French Press
This one couldn’t be easier. Fill halfway with soapy water and plunge up and down. Then just rinse and dry.
Moka Pot
Don’t use soap or scrub too hard. You want the coffee’s oils to season the inside of the pot. After each use, allow the pot to cool and empty the coffee grounds. Take apart the pieces and run them under warm water, then dry with a microfiber cloth.
This story was originally published on June 26, 2019 and was updated on August 6, 2021.