There is nothing better than a fresh cup of coffee in the morning to start off your day. What if that delicious cup of coffee was full of mold!?! Not so appetizing or appealing. Coffee makers are obviously a very moist environment, which is the perfect conditions for mold and bacteria to grow.
Hot water is not enough to clean out your coffee maker (the classic coffee maker with a basket and carafe). The best way to clean out your coffee maker is with vinegar, which not only sanitizes it but also decalcifies or removes the mineral buildup from tap water.
You should rinse out your coffee maker daily. The carafe, lid and filter basket should be cleaned with warm, sudsy water. If you own a Keurig or a machine that takes K-cups, debris can build up inside of those as well, they should also have a vinegar cleanse every few months. How often you clean your coffee maker depends on how often you use it and how long it remains unused.
Here are the steps for decalcifying a classic coffee maker:
- Fill the coffee maker’s water chamber with equal parts white vinegar and water. Using a paper filter, allow to brew until half the chamber is empty.
- Turn the coffee maker off and let it sit for 30 minutes, then finish brewing.
- Rinse the machine by using a new paper filter to brew a pot of clear water. Do this twice.
- Fill the carafe with warm, sudsy water and some rice as a gentle abrasive. Swirl the mixture in the pot, then use a scrubber sponge to remove any build up. Rinse and dry. (Magic Sponge Erasers also work well.)
- Wipe the outside of the machine with a damp cloth (but remember, this and the previous step should really happen every day).
By following these steps it will not only make for better tasting coffee but also mold & germ free coffee! Overall, a much better and healthier way to start off your morning.