How To Clean A Coffee Maker Without Vinegar (2024)

If you are a regular coffee drinker, you need a warm cup of your favorite java in your hand to get your day off to a great start. Many people simply let their coffee machine automatically turn off after a few hours, and they place the pot in the dishwasher. While running the coffee pot and other removable components in the dishwasher is an effective way to sanitize them, there are other parts of the machine that require attention as well. Deep cleaning the coffee maker with vinegar periodically is one way to do this, but it may not be the best option available.

• Why You Need to Clean Your Coffee Maker Regularly

As the coffee filters through your machine each day, it leaves behind a residue that accumulates dramatically over time. Most of this residue is a natural oil from the coffee beans. When this residue is not removed regularly through deep cleaning, it will make your coffee taste increasingly bitter.

More than that, the typical coffee maker may be home to dozens of different strains of bacteria as well as yeast and mold. These elements are ingested by you with each sip of coffee. Some can make you sick, and others may find a home in your colon. Cleaning your coffee maker at least every month is essential for optimal health benefits and to keep your coffee tasting great. Find out how having a clean home is essential for health.

• The Problem with Vinegar as a Coffee Maker Cleaner

A common cleaning method for coffee makers is to run white vinegar through the system several times before rinsing it with water. Vinegar is comprised of acetic acid, which can remove buildup. It will also kill bacteria and mold. This cleaning method is effective and affordable. However, it can be difficult to completely rinse all of the vinegar out of the coffee maker, so your next few pots will likely have a strange taste. In addition, the acidic nature of vinegar can be hard on your body. Many people also dislike the strong smell of vinegar that permeates throughout their house during this process. Other coffee maker cleaning methods may be preferable.

• Cleaning with Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is acidic and has the same properties as white vinegar. However, the lemon juice has a pleasant aroma and is also affordable. You can get other natural cleaning supplies from Amazon.

1. Run straight lemon juice or slightly diluted juice through the coffee pot just as you would do if you were deep cleaning with white vinegar.
2. Run clean water through the system for several cycles to flush the lemon juice out.

• Using Liquid Dish Soap

If you are comfortable disassembling your coffee maker, you can use liquid dish soap to clean the components.

1. Disassemble all housing and functional components.
2. Wash these components by hand using liquid dish soap and water.
3. Rinse them thoroughly before reassembling the coffee maker.
4. After the coffee maker is reassembled, cycle fresh water through the system again to ensure that all of the soap has been removed.

• Removing Grime with Salt and Ice Water

Ice and saltwater are a great combination to use for descaling the buildup in the carafe and in other removable components.

1. Combine crushed ice and table salt in the carafe.
2. Use a cloth or a large spoon to rub the ice and salt against interior of the carafe.
3. Rinse and wash the carafe and other parts in the dishwasher as usual.

• Cleaning with Baking Soda

Baking soda is affordable and non-toxic cleaning product, and its alkaline properties make it an effective cleaning product as well.

1. Mix a cup of warm water with a quarter-cup of baking soda.
2. Run this formula through one cycle in the coffee maker.
3. Flush the system with fresh water at least once or twice.

• Sanitizing with Borax

Borax is a multipurpose cleaner that can be used on washing machines, fridges and even your coffee maker.

1. Combine a few tablespoons of borax with a few cups of warm water.
2. Cycle this mixture through a normal or heavy brewing cycle.
3. Rinse the system thoroughly by running fresh water through a cycle.

• Cleaning with Hydrogen Peroxide

The disinfecting properties of hydrogen peroxide can also be used to generate wonderful results.

1. Combine two cups of water with one cup of hydrogen peroxide.
2. Run the concoction through your coffee maker’s normal brewing cycle.
3. After this cycle has brewed, flush the equipment by brewing fresh water through a cycle or two.

• Using Alcohol

The unique properties in hard alcohol can be useful when cleaning your coffee maker as well.

1. Pour hard alcohol straight into the water reservoir. Vodka works particularly well, but other hard liquors can also be effective.
2. Add fresh water to the reservoir so that the container is filled with 25 percent alcohol.
3. Run the alcohol and water through a brewing cycle.
4. Flush the equipment with fresh water at least twice after cleaning the coffee maker with alcohol.

• Conclusion

These cleaning methods each have unique benefits, and they all are effective at cleaning your coffee maker in different ways. With so many great options to consider, you no longer need to fill your home with the strong smell of vinegar in order to enjoy the benefits of a clean coffee maker.

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