How to Clean a Coffee Maker

If you are like most Americans, you probably use your coffee maker at least several times per week. Therefore, it is important that you take the time to maintain it properly and keep it clean.

1. First: Make the mixture

   The first step to cleaning a coffee maker is to make a mixture of one-part white vinegar to two-parts water. Then, pour this into the coffee maker. Make sure that you have enough to fill the entire coffee maker. You can use cider vinegar if that is all you have, but white is a better choice.

2. Second: Run it out

   Place a coffee filter in your coffee maker, and turn it on. Allow the mixture to work its way through the machine. Then, allow it to cool for about half an hour before you remove the filter and the pot. You may see some debris in the filter. This is the dirt that the vinegar has loosened from the side of the pot.

3. Third: Repeat

   Repeat the vinegar wash process two more times, fully cooling and reheating it each time. This makes sure that all of the grime is loosened.

4. Fourth: Rinse

   After washing the coffee maker three times with vinegar and water, repeat the process two more times with plain, cold water. This makes sure all of the vinegar is removed and does not end up in your coffee. The last step is to use paper towels to dry out the inside of the maker. Enjoy your fresh, clean homemade brew the next morning.