Coffee lovers know that the key to a consistently delicious cup of coffee goes beyond just selecting the right beans. Regularly cleaning your coffee machine is paramount to maintaining its performance and ensuring the freshness of your coffee.
Why does my coffee maker smell bad?
The oils from coffee beans can accumulate inside the coffee machine, especially in areas like the coffee basket, porta-filter, and group head. The warm and moist environment inside t machine provides an ideal breeding ground for mould and bacteria. If the machine is not cleaned regularly, these microorganisms can multiply and cause unpleasant smells.
What can I do if my coffee machine smells bad?
In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the steps to clean your coffee machine effectively, both inside and out, using common household ingredients. So, let’s get started.
Materials Needed
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- Distilled white vinegar
- Clean dishcloths
Step 1: Clean Removable Parts
Start by dismantling your coffee machine, removing all removable parts such as the coffee pot and filter basket. Using a mixture of warm water and a few drops of dish soap, thoroughly clean these components. Ensure you dry them off completely using a clean dishcloth.
Step 2: Clean the Inside
Address the interior of your coffee machine by preparing a cleaning solution consisting of 2 cups of water and 2 cups of distilled white vinegar. Pour this solution into the water reservoir and set the machine to brew. Once the brewing cycle is complete, discard the vinegar-water mixture.
Vinegar serves as an effective odour remover through various mechanisms. Its acidic nature allows it to neutralize alkaline odours, absorb and trap unpleasant smells, and act as a mild disinfectant by eliminating odour-causing microorganisms.
Step 3: Rinse the Inside
To rinse any residual vinegar taste, pour four cups of water into the water reservoir and initiate another brewing cycle. Discard the water after completion.
Step 4: Allow Drying Time
After brewing a pot of coffee, leave the lid to the water reservoir open. Allowing the interior of the coffee machine to air dry is crucial for preventing moisture-related issues such as bacterial and mould build-up.
Cleaning Frequency
To ensure the freshness of your coffee and prevent mineral and mildew build-up, it is recommended to clean the inside of your coffee machine at least once a month.
Regularly cleaning your coffee machine is a small investment of time that pays off with every sip of your favourite brew. By following these simple steps and incorporating them into your routine, you’ll not only enjoy a consistently great-tasting cup of coffee but also extend the lifespan of your beloved coffee machine.
