How to clean and descale a coffee maker (and how often)
Old coffee oils and mineral scale make coffee taste bitter and flat, and can slow your machine down. Here's a simple routine. Always check your manufacturer's manual first; some brands specify their own descaler.
After every use
- Discard the grounds and filter.
- Rinse the brew basket and carafe with warm water.
- Leave the lid open so the reservoir can dry.
Weekly
- Wash the carafe, basket and any removable parts with warm soapy water (or the dishwasher, if the manual says they're safe).
- Wipe the showerhead area and the warming plate.
Descaling every 1–3 months
How often depends on how hard your water is and how much you brew. Signs it's time: slower brewing, louder gurgling, or white crust inside.
- Fill the reservoir with a commercial descaling solution mixed to the label's directions, or a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water if your manufacturer allows it.
- Start a brew cycle with no coffee. Halfway through, pause for 30–60 minutes if your machine allows.
- Finish the cycle and discard the solution.
- Run two or three cycles of fresh water to rinse thoroughly.
Tip: using filtered water slows scale buildup and often improves flavor too.
French press and pour-over
Disassemble a French press plunger regularly to clean grounds trapped in the mesh. Rinse pour-over drippers after each use, and occasionally soak them in a coffee-equipment cleaner to remove oils.