How to Clean a Coffee Maker

Updated April 2026Coffee guide

Deep Clean Your Coffee Maker

Coffee makers get gross fast: oils, mineral deposits, mold. Clean monthly for best-tasting coffee.

What You Need

  • White vinegar
  • Water
  • Dish soap
  • Soft brush or sponge

Drip Coffee Maker Cleaning

1. Wash Removable Parts: Carafe, filter basket, lid in hot soapy water. Rinse well.

2. Run Vinegar Cycle: Fill reservoir with 50/50 vinegar and water. Run full brew cycle. Let sit in carafe 15-30 min.

3. Rinse Cycles: Run 2-3 full brew cycles with fresh water only. Discard each time.

4. Wipe Exterior: Clean exterior and warming plate with damp cloth.

Espresso Machine Cleaning

Daily: Backflush with water, wipe group head, purge steam wand, empty drip tray.

Weekly: Backflush with cleaning powder, soak portafilter in cleaner, descale steam wand.

Monthly: Deep descale with descaling solution (see next guide).

Warning Signs

  • Coffee tastes off or bitter
  • Slower brewing than normal
  • Visible mold or residue
  • Machine smells musty

Keep Going

Use these next pages to compare products, solve related problems, or keep narrowing your setup.

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