Cleaning a Drip Coffee Maker

Cleaning a Drip Coffee Maker

Cleaning a coffee maker is quick and easy; it will remove built up mineral deposits in the machine and result in a faster brewing, better tasting cup of joe. Clean your coffee maker once a month for optimal performance.

To clean your coffee maker, all you'll need is white vinegar and water.

Fill the coffee carafe with a two to one solution of water to vinegar. Pour the water-vinegar solution into the coffee maker's reservoir and place the carafe on the burner.

Turn on the machine and let the water-vinegar mixture drip through the coffee maker. After the solution has run through the entire system, turn off the coffee maker and let the mixture cool in the carafe for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat the process again with fresh water and vinegar. If the coffee maker has not been cleaned in several months (or years) repeat this process another two or three times.

Dump the water-vinegar solution out of the carafe and fill the reservoir with fresh water. Let the water drip through the coffee maker back into the carafe. Turn off the machine and discard the water in the carafe. Repeat if necessary.

Wash the carafe and filter basket in hot, soapy water, then rinse and dry. Wipe down the exterior of the coffee maker with a cloth or paper towel moistened with cleanser but don't spray the coffee maker directly with cleanser.