Whether you use a French press, programmable coffee maker or an electric percolator, coffee lovers all have the same goal – to brew the most delicious cup of coffee. Mastering the art of a perfect cup coffee though, is just as important as cleaning and maintaining your coffee machine. Here’s a guide to help you keep your coffee machines in pristine condition.
French Press
Pour any leftover coffee down the drain and then, scoop the grinds into your compost bin. Hand wash each element of the French press with warm, soapy water and then, let them drip dry. To make the cleaning process easier, you can also place the basin and mesh sieve of your French price into the dishwasher to be cleaned.
Deep Clean: Make a paste by mixing baking soda and water into a bowl. Using a clean microfibre cloth, dip the cloth into the paste and scrub the interior, exterior and mesh sieve of your French press. Rinse thoroughly, and dry carefully, using a dry microfibre cloth.
Electric Percolator:
Unplug the percolator, and let the elements cool down before washing. Pour out any leftover coffee and place any remaining coffee grounds into your compost bin. Using warm, soapy water, hand wash the elements of your electric percolator. Dry elements using a microfibre cloth.
Deep Clean: Fill the water basin with an equal mix of white vinegar and water. Let the mixture run through the percolator for a five-minute cycle, then turn-off the machine. Let the element cool before emptying its contents. Rinse your percolator thoroughly with water, then using warm, soapy water, rewash the interior of the percolator to ensure that the white vinegar solution has been removed. Let the percolator air dry thoroughly before putting it away. This will prevent mold and mildew from forming inside the basin.
Drip Coffee Maker:
If you have a drip coffee maker, remove the paper filter, or dump the grinds from your permanent filter into the compost. Wash the coffee pot with warm, soapy water. With a damp microfibre cloth, wipe down the exterior of your coffee maker, pot, and warming plate, once they have cooled down. You can also place the coffee pot, and removable basket into the dishwasher to be cleaned.
Deep Clean:
Fill the water basin with equal parts white vinegar and water. Run the coffee maker until it is halfway through the brewing process. Turn the machine off and let the solution sit for approximately 30 minutes then resume the brewing cycle. Once the cycle is finished, rinse the coffee machine by running it through two more cycles, this time, using fresh water only.
