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4 Great Methods for Cleaning a Coffee Maker

Whether it's starting my day or finishing a fantastic evening meal, I love a great-tasting cup of coffee. A coffee maker is one of the most used appliances in the kitchen. This makes it susceptible to a variety of germs, bacteria and mold. Keeping a coffee maker crystal clean not only looks good but keeps the coffee tasting as fresh as possible. While bleach can kill most germs, it can also be corrosive and may damage parts of the machine. I would suggest using methods with more natural ingredients. Here are four ways on how to get your coffee maker incredibly clean.

1. WHITE VINEGAR MIXTURES

According to Goodhousekeeping, a coffee maker should be cleaned once a month with an equal combination of white vinegar and water. I would make sure there is a filter in the basket before starting the brewing process. It's best to only brew the vinegar combination partway, turn the coffee maker off, and then let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes. After finishing the brewing, brew another pot with just water. Adding salt and ice to a cup of vinegar and swirling it around in the coffee pot for about 20 seconds is another way to clean tough stains. Vinegar is the first choice for many people, because it kills over 99 percent of bacteria and isn't harmful if ingested.

2. BAKING SODA

Baking soda is another natural yet effective way to clean a coffee maker. One of the best reasons to use baking soda is that it's a good way to eliminate odors. HealthGuidance suggests adding a quarter cup of the baking soda to the container, then running the coffee maker through a brew cycle. Make sure to use warm water and to stir the mixture together. It's important to make sure the baking soda is dissolved before starting the coffee maker. It is possible that the machine could get clogged if the mixture is in clumps. Baking soda is naturally abrasive yet safer than harsh cleaners. For this reason baking soda can be used to scrub off stains that have built up on the coffee pot, as well as in the machine.

3. LEMON JUICE

Lemon juice is another great alternative to effectively cleaning a coffee maker. The acidity of lemons is about equal to vinegar. Using lemon juice is sometimes preferable to vinegar, since it may not leave such an intense smell behind. The method for cleaning with lemon juice is similar to that of white vinegar. Fill the container with about one-third lemon juice and the rest water. It's recommended to run another brew cycle with just water after cleaning with lemons. But I would suggest making a pot of coffee right after the lemon juice has run through. You may enjoy a cup of coffee with a hint of lemon.

4. DENTURE TABLETS

Finally, a method I would suggest that many people may not have heard of includes using denture tablets. Reader's Digest describes several practical cleaning methods using denture tablets. I would recommend dropping two tablets in the container with water and letting it run through. Next, I would drop a tablet into the actual coffee pot with a cup or two of water. I would clean out both the inside and the outside using a soft toothbrush. This will leave the coffee pot sparkling clean. Denture tablets are effective for cleaning stubborn mineral deposits. It is important to make sure the tablets are completely dissolved before running the mixture through the coffee maker.

Choose whichever method will work best for you. After using any of these methods, make sure to rinse the coffee maker and coffee pot with water before making fresh coffee. Your coffee maker will be running smoothly while providing you with a great tasting cup of coffee!

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