Written By:
If you drink coffee frequently, you probably need to know how to clean a coffee maker with apple cider vinegar or citric acid for optimal coffee machine upkeep. Although you may wash your coffee pot frequently, minerals in your water leave a residue inside the water compartment and coffee carafe each time you brew a cup.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Depending on the “hardness” of your water, you occasionally descale your coffee maker to remove the aforementioned mineral deposits and coffee residues. This process should occur every three to six months for even the best coffee maker. If you dislike the smell of vinegar, which is used for its acetic acid, you may use citric acid to clean a coffee maker.
You should rinse your coffee machine with soapy water regularly, but deep cleaning is recommended every three to six months in areas with water that isn’t hard. If you don’t have hard water in your city, you could descale your coffee machine up to once a month, depending on how often you make coffee at home.
While you perform this deep clean, you may want to use the break while the vinegar’s acidic properties work on the buildup for washing the exterior of your machine or for other maintenance. For example, you could find out why the coffee machine’s steam wand is not working.
Insider Tip
If you can’t afford the expensive descaler created by brands, use a vinegar and water solution instead.
F.A.Q.S
Why do I pause the brewing cycle when I’m cleaning my coffee maker with apple cider vinegar?
When you pause the brewing, you help your coffee pot descale by letting the acidic content in the apple cider vinegar solution eat into the mineral deposits. Remember, the primary goal of this process is to keep your coffee maker clean.
Do I need to scrub the inside of my coffee pot when I clean it using apple cider vinegar?
You do not have to, but it may help remove the buildup. However, you should wear gloves to protect your hands if you do so.
How do you remove calcium deposits from a coffee maker?
Removing calcium deposits from a carafe occurs when you descale your coffee maker as described above. You may use a variety of descaling solutions including white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or citric acid. These mixtures also eliminate the buildup of magnesium and limestone.
STAT: The limescale can start to block the holes in your coffee pot—that’s what triggers the indicator light to turn on, if your machine has one. (source)
REFERENCES:
Warning
The smell or taste of vinegar may linger in your coffee maker, so run a few brew cycles to wash it out.