How to clean a coffee maker

Fans of an invigorating drink need to know that the coffee maker requires special care. Regular operation of the machine leads to contamination of its main elements: the use of hard water contributes to the formation of scale, the remains of coffee are eaten into work surfaces.

Scale on the heating element is dangerous in that it can block part of the heat coming from it. Over time, this can lead to overheating and damage to the device.

In addition, the scale contains calcium and magnesium salts, a large amount of which can negatively affect the health of the coffee lover, affecting the genitourinary system. True gourmets will be unpleasant with the specific taste of the resulting drink, which will also occur due to scale or coffee residues of other varieties. Therefore, the coffee maker needs periodic cleaning.

Reference! Statistics of repair centers suggests that the most common cause of breakdown of coffee makers lies in the scum.

Coffee Maker Cleaners

Before undertaking descaling, the coffee maker must be prepared by cleaning the available items from coffee residues. Filters, a strainer and other contaminated parts are washed with warm water with a sponge or dishcloth.

Sometimes a sponge (cloth) does not allow you to clean the elements efficiently, traces of coffee remain on the strainer or filter holder. Then you can use a special cleaning brush, if it is absent, a normal unnecessary toothbrush will do.

It is necessary to gently rub all surfaces, then rinse them with water. The body of the coffee maker itself should not be placed under a stream of water in order to avoid breakage, it can be wiped with a slightly damp cloth.

In the fight against scum, special products from the brands De'Longhi, Saeco, Melitta have proven themselves. Coffee companies conclude agreements with specialized enterprises that work on equipment cleaning products. The basis of any cleaning fluid from scale is chemically active substances, mainly acid. The cost varies from 300 to 1000 rubles. There are universal fluids of domestic and foreign manufacturers, which are much cheaper than branded products. The cheapest option would be a simple and versatile descaling agent used to clean irons, kettles and coffee makers.

Manufacturers of coffee makers recommend the use of special cleaning products that take into account the features of the device of a particular model. In the attached instructions, this is always specified. If necessary, you can use improvised (folk) means, but first things first.

Special tools

Manufacturers advise using special cleaning products in the form of soluble tablets, powders, and liquids. There are compounds that fight against settled coffee oils, there are decalcifying agents (for descaling).

The choice of cleaning agent is affected by its chemical composition, brand of the manufacturer. Often, cleaning chemicals contain substances hazardous to health, so after processing the coffee maker, it should be thoroughly rinsed with water. Manufacturers guarantee good cleanliness after all procedures.

According to statistics, one of the most popular products is tablets from Bosch. Using it is very simple, just throw it into the water tank and start the self-cleaning process. The tablet colors the water blue, which is very convenient in terms of visualization when checking for complete cleaning of the system.

Saeco tablets and powders are also popular with consumers, especially with owners of cappuccino coffee machines. Purification from traces of milk thanks to the tablets is at the highest level. However, a significant drawback of all special tools is their price, which can afford some segments of the population. Therefore, many turn to improvised folk remedies.

Tools at hand

The simplest cleaning agent is vinegar (citric acid). A mixture of vinegar and water is prepared in a proportion of one to two. The process is carried out in the following order:

1. a mixture of vinegar (lemons) and water is poured into the water tank of the coffee maker, which is then turned on;
2. the solution is brought to a boil, left for 10-12 hours;
3. the coffee maker is empty and rinsed well;
4. preparing several servings of coffee to better get rid of the remnants of the cleaning mixture (you should not drink the prepared coffee!).

Another method involves the use of baking soda and salt. The order of work is different: the tank of the coffee maker is filled with water mixed with one spoon of soda and salt. After a few hours, the solution drains, the tank is washed.

To clean the filter, it must be carefully released, washed under running water (unless it is paper, of course) and put back. Pour the mixture of water and vinegar in the same proportion into the tank and turn on the coffee maker for 15 minutes. Then you need to remove the filter, drain the remaining solution, let the coffee machine cool. Then rinse the flask twice, first with warm, then with cold water.

The use of folk remedies is possible if the coffee maker does not have aluminum parts. Otherwise, they will immediately turn black, which will affect the quality of the drink.

Types of coffee makers depending on cleaning methods

Almost all coffee makers have a whole range of useful functions. One of the main parameters when choosing a model is the presence or absence of the automatic decalcification function.

Self-cleaning devices last longer and do not require constant manual cleaning, therefore, save time and nerves of the owner. But such models are much more expensive. Coffee makers without this function require additional care.

Experts recommend free-running water through this model after each use. However, the price of devices of this type is lower, which can significantly save money, or choose a coffee maker with other useful functions at the same price.

Before you clean the coffee maker, find out what type of appliances it belongs to: a coffee maker with the ability to self-clean, or a model without this function. Your further actions will depend on the type of device.

Automatic cleaning coffee maker

Modern coffee makers are for the most part equipped with an automatic cleaning mechanism. The sequence of actions with such models is as follows:

1. Referring to the instructions for the coffee maker, a special tool is placed in the water tank in the form of a powder, tablet or liquid. Next, water is poured;
2. coffee is placed in the appropriate compartment;
3. to drive the cleaning mixture through the system, 2-3 cups are filled through the tap;
4. then, using a special button on the coffee maker’s body, automatic cleaning is activated;
5. after the process is complete, manufacturers recommend rinsing all parts with clean water.

Important! It is better to rinse the horn and the coffee maker with soda, as the smell of the cleaning agent may remain for some time, spoiling the taste of the drink.

Coffee maker without automatic cleaning function

If the coffee maker does not have a cleaning function, the sequence of actions will be slightly different:

1. the cleaning agent is placed in a container, after which it is filled with the required amount;
2. no coffee is poured into the system; instead, a cleaning fluid is run through a hot faucet, about 2-3 cups;
3. the device turns on just a few minutes;
4. then the entire mixture of water and cleaning agent is driven through the system;
5. the empty tank must again be filled with a cleaning mixture, turn on the coffee maker, and after a while drain all the liquid;
6. then the system is washed with plain water without a means;
7. for complete cleaning, it remains to brew several cups of coffee without using the resulting drink, after which the remaining liquid is again driven out of the system.

Useful Tips

The hardness of the coffee water can tell you how often the coffee machine needs to be cleaned.

Acetic solution for cleaning can leave behind a smell and taste, so it makes sense several times to drive ordinary water through the coffee maker. Manufacturers prohibit the use of soap for washing for the reason that it binds coffee oils and the taste will remain with the resulting drinks forever.

Bleaches are great for cleaning glass coffee makers, but you should not mix them with acid. Vapors from a triggered chemical reaction are hazardous to health! Coffee makers with the function of making cappuccino require rinsing from traces of milk, otherwise coffee loses its taste and microorganisms may appear inside the system. It is strictly forbidden to use any means with an abrasive for cleaning, otherwise damage cannot be avoided.