How to clean a coffee maker

Lovers of an invigorating drink need to know that the coffee maker requires special care. Regular use of the machine leads to contamination of its main elements: the use of hard water contributes to the formation of scale, and coffee residues eat into the working surfaces.

Scale on the heating element is dangerous because it can block some of the heat coming from it. Over time, this can lead to overheating and damage to the device.

In addition, scale contains calcium and magnesium salts, large amounts of which can negatively affect the health of a coffee drinker, affecting the genitourinary system. True gourmets will find the specific taste of the resulting drink unpleasant, which will also arise from scale or residue from other types of coffee. Therefore, the coffee maker requires periodic cleaning.

Reference! Statistics from repair centers indicate that the most common cause of coffee maker breakdowns is scale.

Coffee Maker Cleaners

Before you begin descaling, you need to prepare the coffee maker by cleaning the accessible elements from coffee residues. Filters, strainers and other contaminated parts are washed with warm water using a sponge or dishcloth.

Sometimes a sponge (cloth) does not allow you to clean the elements efficiently; traces of coffee remain on the strainer or filter holder. Then you can use a special cleaning brush; if you don’t have one, a regular unnecessary toothbrush will do.

It is necessary to carefully rub all surfaces, then rinse them with water. The body of the coffee maker itself should not be exposed to running water to avoid damage; it can be wiped with a slightly damp cloth.

In the fight against scale, special products from the brands De’Longhi, Saeco, Melitta have proven themselves. Coffee companies contract with specialized companies that work on equipment cleaning solutions. The basis of any descaling cleaning liquid is made up of chemically active substances, mainly acid. The cost varies from 300 to 1000 rubles. There are also universal liquids from domestic and foreign manufacturers, which are much cheaper than branded products. The cheapest option would be a simple and universal anti-scale agent used for cleaning irons, kettles and coffee makers.

Manufacturers of coffee makers recommend using special cleaning products that take into account the characteristics of the device of a particular model. This is always specified in the attached instructions. If necessary, you can use improvised (folk) remedies, but first things first.

Special means

Manufacturers advise using special cleaning products in the form of soluble tablets, powders, and liquids. There are compounds that combat settled coffee oils, and there are decalcifying agents (to remove scale).

The choice of cleaning product is influenced by its chemical composition and manufacturer's brand.Often, cleaning chemicals contain substances that are hazardous to health, so after cleaning the coffee maker, it should be thoroughly rinsed with water. Manufacturers guarantee good cleanliness after all procedures.

According to statistics, one of the most popular products are tablets from Bosch. It is very simple to use, just throw it into a tank of water and start the self-cleaning process. The tablet colors the water blue, which is very convenient for visualization when checking for complete cleansing of the system.

Tablets and powders from Saeco are also popular among consumers, especially among owners of coffee machines with cappuccino makers. Cleansing from traces of milk thanks to the tablets is at the highest level. However, a significant drawback of all special means is their price, which is beyond the means of some segments of the population. Therefore, many turn to improvised folk remedies.

Available means

The simplest cleaning agent is vinegar (citric acid). A mixture of vinegar and water is prepared in a ratio of one to two. The process is carried out in the following order:

1. a mixture of vinegar (lemon) and water is poured into the water reservoir of the coffee maker, which is then turned on;
2. the solution is brought to a boil and left for 10–12 hours;
3. the coffee maker is emptied and washed well;
4. Several servings of coffee are prepared to better get rid of the remaining cleaning mixture (you should not drink the prepared coffee!).

Another method involves using baking soda and salt. The procedure is different: the coffee maker reservoir is filled with water mixed with one spoon of soda and salt. After a few hours, the solution is drained and the tank is washed.

To clean the filter, you need to carefully remove it, rinse it under running water (if it is not paper, of course) and place it back. Pour a mixture of water and vinegar in the same proportion into the tank and turn on the coffee maker for 15 minutes. Afterwards, you need to remove the filter, drain the remaining solution, and let the coffee maker cool. Then rinse the flask twice, first with warm, then with cold water.

The use of folk remedies is possible if the coffee maker does not have aluminum parts. Otherwise, they will immediately turn black, which will affect the quality of the resulting drink.

Types of coffee makers depending on cleaning methods

Almost all coffee makers have a whole range of useful functions. One of the main parameters when choosing a model is the presence or absence of an automatic decalcification function.

Self-cleaning devices last longer and do not require constant manual cleaning, therefore saving the owner’s time and nerves. But such models also cost an order of magnitude more. Coffee makers without this feature require additional care.

Experts recommend running water through this model “idle” after each use. However, the price of devices of this type is lower, which allows you to save a lot, or choose a coffee maker with other useful functions at the same price.

Before cleaning your coffee maker, find out what type of appliance it is: a coffee maker with self-cleaning capability, or a model without this feature. Your further actions will depend on the type of device.

Coffee maker with automatic cleaning function

Modern coffee makers are mostly equipped with an automatic cleaning mechanism. The sequence of actions with such models is as follows:

1. After checking the instructions for the coffee maker, a special product in the form of a powder, tablet or liquid is placed in the water tank. Next, water is poured in;
2. coffee is placed in the appropriate compartment;
3. to drive the cleaning mixture through the system, fill 2-3 cups through the tap;
4. then, using a special button on the body of the coffee maker, automatic cleaning is activated;
5. After completing the process, manufacturers recommend rinsing all parts with clean water.

Important! It is better to wash the horn and strainer of the coffee maker with soda, since the smell of the cleaning agent may remain for some time, spoiling the taste of the drink.

Coffee maker without automatic cleaning function

If the coffee maker does not have a cleaning function, then the sequence of actions will be slightly different:

1. the cleaning agent is placed in the container, after which it is filled with the required amount;
2. no coffee is added to the system; instead, cleaning liquid is passed through a hot tap, about 2-3 mugs;
3. the device turns on for just a few minutes;
4. then the entire mixture of water and cleaning agent is driven through the system;
5. the empty container must be filled again with the cleaning mixture, turn on the coffee maker, and after a while, drain all the liquid;
6. then the system is washed with plain water without any product;
7. To completely clean it, all that remains is to brew a few cups of coffee without drinking the resulting drink, after which the remaining liquid is again expelled from the system.

Useful tips

The hardness of your coffee water can tell you how often you will need to clean your coffee maker.

A vinegar cleaning solution can leave behind an odor and taste, so it makes sense to run plain water through the coffee maker several times.Manufacturers prohibit the use of soap for washing because it binds coffee oils and the taste will remain in the resulting drinks forever.

Bleach is great for cleaning glass coffee makers, but should not be mixed with acid. Fumes from a running chemical reaction are hazardous to health! Coffee makers with a cappuccino function require rinsing to remove traces of milk, otherwise the coffee will lose its taste and microorganisms may appear inside the system. It is strictly prohibited to use any abrasive products for cleaning, otherwise damage cannot be avoided.