| Cleaning a coffee maker isn't a "maybe" task, but | | | | machine once and following it up with a plain pot of |
| rather an absolute must. To get great tasting java, | | | | pure water. |
| you should clean your machine on a regular basis. | | | | Then, once every few months or once a year, |
| Your coffee drinking guests will appreciate this as | | | | depending on how hard your water is, get rid of |
| well. To learn how, keep reading. | | | | mineral deposits using a coffee machine descaler or |
| Clean It Every Time | | | | decalcification solution. |
| While you don't need to clean out the entire machine | | | | Replace the Water Filter |
| every time you make a pot of brew, you definitely | | | | If your machine has a built-in water filter, be sure to |
| need to clean out the pot and the filter holder. If you | | | | replace it as needed. A dirty water filter can taint |
| use a reusable metal or mesh filter, it should be | | | | every pot of coffee and deposit dangerous molds or |
| thoroughly washed before being used again. | | | | bacteria that have built up inside the filter unit. This |
| Otherwise, leftover residue from staleness will be | | | | caution is no different from the changes you would |
| noticeable in the next brew. | | | | make on any other water filter - for instance, in your |
| Easy Soap, But Soap | | | | refrigerator. |
| Don't simply rinse your pot out with water. Coffee | | | | Replace Your Filter |
| contains strong oils that can only be washed away | | | | If you use a reusable metal or mesh filter, consider |
| with mild soap. Refrain, however, from using too | | | | replacing it about once a year. While metal or screen |
| much and make sure you rinse it out thoroughly to | | | | filters are designed to be washed and reused, fine |
| avoid a soapy taste on your next pot. | | | | grounds of residue can get stuck inside. This not only |
| Remember, even if you're dumping out one pot and | | | | clogs the filter, but can also affect the overall taste |
| simply throwing on another, the leftover oils from the | | | | of your java. |
| previous brew can taint the next and negatively | | | | If the flavor of your drink is important and you don't |
| affect the taste. So, wash your pot with gentle soap | | | | want it to taste like it was made by a local auto |
| after every use. | | | | shop, then some level of reasonable and minimal care |
| Clean the Machine Every Few Uses | | | | must be given to your coffee maker. |
| You should give your coffee machine a thorough | | | | Keeping a clean machine benefits you two ways - it |
| cleaning at least periodically. Doing so will prevent the | | | | will last much longer and your coffee will taste great |
| build-up of calcification, lime or other mineral deposits | | | | pot after pot. Remember, wash it after every use, |
| and keep the machine running at peak capacity. | | | | use gentle soap, rinse well, decalcify the machine |
| Do a basic weekly cleaning by running a pot of water | | | | regularly, and replace the water filter and your |
| and vinegar or water and lemon juice through the | | | | grounds filter on a systematic basis. |