We all know how important coffee is to most working and early-morning folks.
Start Your Day with a Freshly Cleaned Coffee Maker
We all rely on that first satisfying cup of coffee to kickstart our mornings and help us feel more alert. But have you ever stopped to think about the cleanliness of your coffee maker? If the answer is no, don’t worry – cleaning it is easier than you might think!
Why Should I Use Apple Cider Vinegar?
Cleaning with Apple Cider Vinegar: The Natural Solution
You might wonder why we recommend apple cider vinegar for cleaning your coffee maker instead of the usual distilled white vinegar. Both vinegars contain acetic acid, which is essential for breaking down grime and buildup. The advantage of apple cider vinegar is that it’s a pantry staple for many households, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for cleaning.
- Vinegar is a powerful and natural disinfectant, eliminating up to 90% of harmful germs on surfaces.
- This environmentally friendly cleaner is non-toxic, making it safe for your family and the environment.
- Vinegar is a budget-friendly solution for tackling everyday coffee maker buildup compared to other cleaners on the market.
Your Guide to Cleaning with Apple Cider Vinegar
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Fresh and Clean Coffee Maker
Before you begin the cleaning process, gather everything you’ll need:
- A bottle of apple cider vinegar, large enough to fill half of your coffee maker’s reservoir or carafe.
- Hot, soapy water
- A sponge
- Dry and wet kitchen towels
Step 1: Empty Everything in the Coffee Maker
To ensure thorough cleaning, it’s important to empty your coffee maker. Remove any remaining water from the reservoir and dispose of any coffee grounds that may be present. Remember, water dilutes the cleaning power of vinegar, so a transparent surface is crucial.
Step 2: Make a Mixture of Apple Cider Vinegar and Water
Create your apple cider vinegar cleaning solution by combining equal parts of apple cider vinegar and clean water. Measure the appropriate amount based on your coffee maker’s reservoir or carafe capacity. For example, if your reservoir can hold eight cups of water, use four cups of apple cider vinegar and four cups of water.
You can opt for a 2:1 mixture of vinegar and water for more intense cleaning. However, remember that this may make the cleanup process more challenging.
With these simple steps and the power of apple cider vinegar, you can enjoy a freshly cleaned coffee maker and a better-tasting cup of coffee every morning. Don’t let neglecting to clean your coffee maker hold you back from that perfect brew!
How to Clean Your Coffee Maker with Apple Cider Vinegar
Step 3: Run Through a Half Brew Cycle
Mix the cleaning solution and pour it into the coffee maker to start the cleaning process. Press the brew button and run a half-brew cycle. This step allows the key to be heated by the coffee maker’s heating elements and spread throughout the machine.
After the half-brew cycle, please turn off the coffee maker and let it sit for an hour. This will dissolve any calcified mineral deposits and other dirty spots inside the coffee maker.
Step 4: Run Through a Full Brew Cycle
Once an hour has passed, turn on the coffee maker and run a complete brew cycle. The cleaning solution will move through the machine, removing any calcified spots and other areas that need cleaning.
Collect the cleaning mixture in the carafe during the entire brew cycle.
Step 5: Get Rid of the Vinegar and Water Mixture
Collect the cleaning mixture in the coffee carafe for disposal after the complete brew cycle. Let the mixture sit in the coffee pot to remove mineral deposits or dirty spots.
Dispose of the mixture down the kitchen sink once you’ve finished cleaning.
Step 6: Run 4-5 Hot Water Cycles
To remove all traces of apple cider vinegar, refill the water reservoir with filtered water and run four or five coffee cycles. This will remove any remaining vinegar residue that may leave a strange smell or taste.
Step 7: Clean and Wash Everything
After completing the internal cleaning, it’s time to clean the external components. Wash the reservoir and carafe with hot, soapy water to remove coffee residues and water lines. Be sure to scrub well and remove as much vinegar as possible to eliminate the smell and preserve your next brew’s flavor.
If you have time, letting the reservoir and coffee pot soak for an hour can help eliminate the vinegar smell without excessive scrubbing.
Wipe the external surfaces with a wet kitchen towel and use a dry kitchen towel to prevent water streaks.
Summary
While apple cider vinegar may require more effort to clear out than other vinegar, it is still an effective method for cleaning your coffee maker when in a bind. If you have apple cider vinegar on hand, it can work just as well as any other kind of vinegar to keep your coffee maker clean. Enjoy your freshly brewed coffee pots without lingering vinegar smell or taste.
Happy Caffeinating!
