Keeping a Coffee Maker Clean
There is a population of coffee lovers who believe that you should never clean a coffee mug — that the slow build up of residue from previous cups only adds to the flavor of the next serving. Luckily, the same philosophy rarely applies to actual coffee machines. By following a few simple steps, it’s easy to keep any machine clean.
The most important habit to cultivate is to always rinse the carafe thoroughly after each use. This means each individual brew, not each day’s or event’s use. It’s also important to dispose of the coffee grounds and filter as soon as the they cool down. For permanent filters, a quick rinse after dumping the grounds is another good habit. One remaining habit is to wipe the outside of the carafe and the machine on a regular basis, to prevent build up of dust and other particles.
A regular schedule should be set for doing a complete cleaning of all coffee makers . If there are stubborn stains or gunk, special cleaning solutions and sponges can be used, but in most cases a regular sponge or cleaning cloth with mild dishwashing soap and water should be sufficient. The most important thing is to consult the cleaning instructions that can with the machine to make sure that no damage is done to essential components.