How to Clean a Coffee Maker With Apple Cider Vinegar

Are you a coffee lover who enjoys a strong cup of joe every morning? If so, you know the importance of keeping your coffee maker clean to ensure a great-tasting cup every time.

Keeping your coffee maker clean is essential for maintaining the quality of your brew and the longevity of your machine. Over time, coffee makers can build up mineral deposits, oils, and even mold, affecting the taste and hygiene of your coffee. Apple cider vinegar is an effective, natural cleaning agent that can help you easily clean and disinfect your coffee maker.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps on how to clean a coffee maker with apple cider vinegar. Not only is this method affordable and eco-friendly, but it also utilizes an ingredient you likely already have in your kitchen.

What Will You Need?

Before we dive into the cleaning process, make sure you have the following items on hand:

• Apple cider vinegar
• Water
• Dish soap
• A clean sponge or cloth
• A coffee filter (optional)

You may also want some paper towels nearby to catch any spills. Once you have everything ready, let’s get started!

10 Easy Steps on How to Clean a Coffee Maker With Apple Cider Vinegar

Step 1: Prepare the Vinegar Solution

Start by creating a cleaning solution that eliminates any buildup in your coffee maker. To do this, mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a measuring cup. The amount you need will depend on the size of your coffee maker, but generally, using about one cup of vinegar mixed with one cup of water should be sufficient for most standard machines.

This diluted vinegar solution is gentle yet powerful enough to break down the mineral deposits and oils that can accumulate over time in your coffee maker. If your machine is heavily stained or hasn’t been cleaned in a while, consider using slightly more vinegar to increase its cleaning potency. Stir the mixture to ensure the solution is well-blended before proceeding to the next cleaning step.

Step 2: Mix the Solution

Pour the vinegar and water mixture into the water reservoir of your coffee maker. This is where you would typically add water to brew your coffee. It’s essential to ensure that the entire solution goes into the reservoir to clean the coffee maker’s internal components thoroughly.

As the solution passes through the machine during the brewing process, it will work to dislodge any mineral deposits and residual coffee oils. Ensure the carafe is in place to catch the solution as it cycles through the coffee maker. In addition to cleaning the interior, this process will help disinfect the carafe.

Step 3: Run a Cleaning Cycle

Once the vinegar and water solution are in the reservoir, start the brew cycle on your coffee maker. Select the regular brewing option, just as you would if you were making a pot of coffee. Allow the machine to run through an entire brew cycle. This step is crucial as it enables the acetic acid in the apple cider vinegar to break down and loosen any grime, mineral buildup, or coffee oils from the internal components.

When the brewing cycle is complete, let the solution sit in the carafe for about 15 minutes, allowing the vinegar to disinfect further and removing any lingering residues. Be sure not to drink this solution, as the purpose here is solely for cleaning tasks.

Step 4: Rinse the Coffee Maker

After the cleaning cycle with the vinegar solution is complete and the solution has sat in the carafe for around 15 minutes, it’s time to rinse your coffee maker thoroughly. Pour the vinegar solution from the carafe and fill the water reservoir with clean, fresh water.

Run another brew cycle using just the water to rinse out any remaining traces of the vinegar solution. This process may need to be repeated one or two more times to ensure your coffee maker is free of any vinegar, taste, or smell. It’s essential to ensure all components are rinsed well to avoid unwanted flavors in your next brew.

Step 5: Clean the Carafe and Other Removable Parts

While the final rinse cycle is running, take this opportunity to thoroughly clean the carafe and any other removable parts of your coffee maker. Begin by emptying the carafe of any remaining water. Then, add a dish soap drop to the carafe and a little warm water.

Use a clean sponge or cloth to gently scrub the inside, paying particular attention to any areas with visible stains or build-up. The dish soap will help to remove any remaining coffee oils and residues that the vinegar solution may not have fully addressed.

In addition to the carafe, it’s important to also clean other removable components such as the filter basket and any reusable coffee filters. Soak these parts in warm soapy water for a few minutes before scrubbing them clean. If your coffee maker has a removable drip tray or similar parts, make sure these are also cleaned thoroughly. After washing, rinse all parts thoroughly with clean water to remove any soapy residue.

Step 6: Wipe Down the Exterior

Now that your coffee maker’s interior and removable components are clean, it’s time to give attention to the exterior. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the machine’s outside, focusing on frequently touched areas, such as the buttons or lid. A little dish soap on the cloth can help remove any stubborn coffee stains or fingerprints.

If you notice any hard-to-reach areas, a cotton swab can be a handy tool to get into those crevices. Once the exterior is cleaned, use a dry cloth to polish it, ensuring no moisture remains that could lead to streaking or water marks. Keeping the outside of your coffee maker clean maintains its appearance and reduces the build-up of dust and grime that can affect its performance over time.

Step 7: Reassemble and Prepare for Brewing

With all components clean and dry, it’s time to reassemble your coffee maker. Start by placing the clean and dry filter basket back into its compartment, ensuring it’s securely in place. Once the filter basket is set, insert any reusable coffee filter if you use one. Next, position the carafe back on the warming plate.

Before preparing your next pot of coffee, running a single plain water brew cycle is beneficial to ensure everything is working correctly and that no vinegar taste or residue remains. After this final rinse, you’ll be ready to enjoy a perfectly brewed cup of coffee from your refreshed and sparkling-clean coffee maker.

Step 8: Regular Maintenance

It’s important to perform regular maintenance to keep your coffee maker functioning optimally and ensure delicious coffee every morning. Set a schedule to clean your machine using the deep cleaning steps outlined above approximately every three months. Additionally, aim to do a quick cleaning of the removable parts, like the filter basket and carafe, after each use. This can be as simple as rinsing them with hot water to remove leftover coffee grounds or oils.

Step 9: Addressing Coffee Maker Errors

Even with regular maintenance, sometimes your coffee maker might display error codes or not function as expected. To troubleshoot common issues, consult your coffee maker’s user manual for error codes or specific troubleshooting steps. Often, errors can be resolved by resetting the machine.

Unplug the coffee maker from the power outlet, wait for a few minutes, and then plug it back in to see if this clears the error. Suppose the coffee maker has a digital display that shows error codes. In that case, these can often be related to simple issues such as the carafe not being in the correct position or the water reservoir being empty. In such cases, ensure all components are correctly placed and filled. If errors persist, contact the manufacturer’s customer service for further assistance.

Step 10: Descaling Your Coffee Maker

Over time, hard water mineral deposits can build up inside your coffee maker, affecting its performance and the taste of your coffee. Descaling is an essential maintenance step that helps remove these deposits. To descale, you’ll need a commercial descaling product or a homemade solution of equal parts water and white vinegar.

Start by filling the water reservoir with the descaling solution. Run a brew cycle as you normally would but without any coffee grounds. Once the cycle is complete, let the solution sit in the carafe for about 15 minutes before discarding. It’s important to rinse the coffee maker afterward thoroughly. Fill the reservoir with clean water and run two to three additional brew cycles to ensure no descaling solution is left in the machine.

Conclusion

How to clean a coffee maker with apple cider vinegar as an alternative cleaning agent can be an effective and natural solution. The process is similar to white vinegar but has a slightly different aroma.

Begin by mixing equal parts apple cider vinegar and water. Start a brew cycle, allowing the vinegar solution to work through the machine’s internal components, breaking down residues and mineral deposits. Once the cycle is complete, let the solution sit in the carafe for a few minutes before discarding it. Follow this with two or three rinse cycles using only water to eliminate all traces of vinegar, as residual apple cider vinegar can leave a pungent taste.

Integrating this natural cleaning method into your routine allows you to maintain a clean coffee maker and enjoy great-tasting coffee without harsh chemicals.