Cleaning your coffee maker doesn’t take much time, and the payoff—a noticeably better-tasting cup of coffee—is well worth it.

So, how often should you clean your coffee maker? Ideally, you should give it a quick rinse and clean after each use and a deep clean at least once a month. 

Why You Should Clean Your Coffee Maker Regularly

You might not notice it, but coffee makers can become breeding grounds for bacteria, yeast, and mold. A 2011 NSF International study even found coffee reservoirs to be one of the germiest spots in the average household. Over time, mineral buildup from tap water and old coffee oils can also leave residue that affects the taste of your coffee, making it bitter or sour. Plus, a clean coffee maker brews more efficiently, ensuring you’re getting the most out of your beans.

What You’ll Need

Before diving into the process, gather the following supplies:

• White vinegar or a coffee maker descaling solution
• Water
• A sponge or soft cloth
• Dish soap
• A clean toothbrush (for scrubbing hard-to-reach areas)
• Baking soda (optional for deep stain cleaning)
• Paper towel or microfiber cloth

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Coffee Maker

Step 1: Clean Removable Parts After Every Use

After every brew, remove the carafe, filter basket, and any other detachable parts. Wash these in warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. If you’re in a rush, these parts are often dishwasher safe (check your coffee maker’s manual). Dry them with a clean towel or allow them to air-dry.

Why it matters: Cleaning these parts daily helps remove coffee residue and oils that can turn rancid over time. You’ll also reduce the risk of mold growing in damp areas.

Step 2: Wipe Down the Exterior

Take a damp cloth and wipe down the exterior of your coffee maker, including the warming plate and buttons. Coffee spills can cause sticky buildup or burn marks, which can be tough to remove later. Use a bit of dish soap for any tough stains, and don’t forget to wipe down the water reservoir.

Pro tip: For stubborn stains or mineral buildup on the warming plate, sprinkle a little baking soda on the area and scrub gently with a damp sponge.

Step 3: Deep Clean with Vinegar (Monthly or Bi-Monthly)

Now for the deep clean! Regular cleaning with vinegar or a descaling solution helps remove calcium deposits and other gunk from the inner workings of your machine.

1. Fill the water reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water. If your coffee maker has a lot of mineral deposits, use a 2:1 ratio of vinegar to water.

2. Start the brewing cycle but stop it halfway through. This allows the vinegar solution to sit in the coffee maker’s tubing and reservoir for 30-60 minutes. This “soak” helps break down mineral deposits.

3. After the waiting period, finish the brewing cycle.

4. Once the cycle is complete, run two more cycles with just water to rinse out the vinegar. If the vinegar smell persists, you might need to run an additional water cycle or two.

Step 4: Clean the Carafe and Filter Basket

While you’re deep cleaning, give the carafe and filter basket some extra attention. If there are stubborn stains or built-up oils in the carafe, fill it with warm water, add a tablespoon of baking soda, and let it soak for 15-20 minutes. Scrub with a sponge and rinse thoroughly.

For the filter basket, scrub it gently with a toothbrush to remove any grounds caught in the mesh or seams. If you use paper filters, make sure to clean the area where the filter sits as well.

Step 5: Descale the Water Reservoir

Mineral deposits from hard water can accumulate inside the water reservoir over time, especially if you live in an area with hard water. Even if you’ve been using filtered water, it’s still a good idea to descale your coffee maker every few months.

If you’re using a descaling solution, follow the instructions on the product. Typically, it involves filling the reservoir with the solution, running a brew cycle, and then rinsing with plain water.

Tip: After cleaning, leave the reservoir lid open to dry completely. This helps prevent any lingering moisture that could lead to mold growth.

Step 6: Clean the Heating Element and Base (As Needed)

Coffee makers with a warming plate can sometimes build up scorched coffee stains. Unplug your machine and, when cool, wipe the heating element with a damp cloth. For tougher stains, use a paste of baking soda and water and gently scrub.

For the base, make sure there are no stray coffee grounds or spills, and wipe it down regularly.

Preventive Care Tips for Keeping Your Coffee Maker Clean

• Use filtered water. This can reduce the buildup of minerals in your machine, leading to less frequent descaling.
• Empty out the grounds immediately. Coffee grounds left in the filter basket can develop mold if left too long.
• Don’t forget to clean your grinder. If you use a built-in or separate grinder, those oils and coffee residues can also affect your brew. Clean it regularly to maintain fresh flavors.
• Leave the lid off after cleaning. Allowing the coffee maker to air dry after use will prevent mold from growing in the damp, dark areas of the machine.