How to Clean Your Coffee Machine

Daily Maintenance

After each use, discard used grounds and rinse the carafe with warm soapy water. Remove and wash the filter basket. Wipe the warming plate with a damp cloth to remove coffee drips. Leave the lid open to air dry and prevent mold growth.

Weekly Deep Clean

1. Disassemble: Remove carafe, filter basket, and any removable parts. Wash in warm soapy water.
2. Clean exterior: Wipe exterior surfaces with a damp cloth. Clean control panel carefully without getting water in buttons.
3. Clean brew basket area: Use a soft brush to remove coffee residue from the brew basket holder and surrounding areas.
4. Reassemble: Dry all parts thoroughly before reassembling.

Monthly Descaling (Critical for Performance)

Mineral buildup (limescale) from water clogs internal components and affects coffee taste. Descale monthly if you use hard water, every 2-3 months with soft water:

1. Prepare solution: Fill reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water (or follow descaling solution instructions).
2. Run brew cycle: Start a brew cycle without coffee grounds. Halfway through, pause for 30 minutes to let solution work, then complete the cycle.
3. Rinse thoroughly: Run 2-3 full cycles with fresh water only to remove all vinegar residue and smell.
4. Clean water reservoir: Wash reservoir with soapy water and rinse well.

Single-Serve (Keurig-style)

Clean needle with a paperclip to remove coffee grounds. Descale every 3-6 months. Remove water reservoir and wash weekly. Run vinegar solution through without a pod, then rinse cycles.

Espresso Machines

Backflush weekly with cleaning tablets. Clean group head daily. Descale every 2-3 months. Purge steam wand after each use. Clean portafilter and basket daily.

French Press

Disassemble completely. Wash plunger and filter screen in warm soapy water. Soak in baking soda solution monthly to remove oils. Ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembling.

Can I use vinegar instead of descaling solution?

Yes, white vinegar (diluted 1:1 with water) works well for most machines and costs less. However, some manufacturers recommend their descaling solution and using vinegar may void warranty. Always rinse thoroughly afterward to remove vinegar smell.

How do I know when my coffee machine needs descaling?

Signs include slower brewing, unusual noises, coffee tasting off, or reduced water temperature. Some machines have indicator lights. Hard water areas require more frequent descaling (monthly vs. quarterly for soft water).

Why does my coffee taste like vinegar after cleaning?

You didn't rinse thoroughly enough. Run at least 2-3 full cycles with fresh water only. For persistent vinegar taste, run one cycle with a tablespoon of baking soda dissolved in water, then rinse twice more with plain water.