We all love a steaming cup of coffee especially in the morning or when it is cold. But, have you thought about how dirty your coffee machine can be if it is not well cleaned? Being one of the most frequently used appliances in the kitchen, the coffee machine can get real dirty. Failure to thoroughly clean this appliance can lead to the growth of mold and yeast as a result of the presence of moisture and the coffee residue. Here are steps on how to give your coffee machine some TLC:
- Fill the water chamber of your coffee maker with water and white vinegar in equal parts.
- Using a paper filter let the coffee machine brew until half the chamber is empty.
- Turn off the coffee machine and allow the vinegar and water to sit for about 30 minutes or one hour.
- Turn on the machine and allow it to complete the brew cycle.
- Rinse the coffee maker using a new paper filter to brew a pot of clear water. Repeat this process for the second time to ensure that it is clean.
- Fill the carafe with warm water and turn the coffee machine on for a full brew cycle. This will remove all the vinegar.
- Swirl the mixture in the pot and then use a scrubber sponge to get rid of any gunk. Then rinse it and let it dry.
- Carefully wipe the exterior part of the machine with a damp non-lint cloth.
Here are tips on how to keep your coffee machine germ free and clean
Wash the removable parts after every use
To remove coffee, grinds, and oil that is usually left behind after using the coffee maker, it is important to clean the removable parts each time you use it. Since the removable parts are dishwasher-safe, you can use your normal dishwasher to clean them. However, you can also clean them using warm, soapy water. Remember to wipe the outside part and the warming plate of the machine with a damp piece of cloth.
Decalcify your coffee machine each month
Since we tend to use hard water to make coffee, over time the minerals can build up and prevent the machine from working properly. To ensure that it works normally, it is important to cleanse and decalcify it using white vinegar and water. You can use the above steps to decalcify the machine and keep it clean and germ-free.
Keep your carafe sparkling
To keep your carafe clean and always sparkling you should wash it after using it. You can also use warm water and a little rice to clean it. All you have to do is to swirl the mixture to make the gunk to loosen. Scrub it with a scrub sponge and rinse it.
If your cup of hot coffee is not as satisfying as the one you enjoyed at your local coffee shop, then your coffee machine could be having a little problem.
