How to Clean Coffee Maker with Apple Cider Vinegar

As a coffee lover, I know the importance of a clean coffee maker. Not only does it affect the taste of your morning brew, but it also ensures the longevity of your appliance. Over time, mineral buildup and oils from coffee beans can clog the inner workings of your coffee maker, leading to a less efficient machine and a lackluster cup of coffee. But don’t worry, I’ve got a simple solution for you: cleaning your coffee maker with apple cider vinegar.

In this article, I’ll show you step-by-step how to effectively clean your coffee maker with this household ingredient. Say goodbye to mineral buildup and hello to a freshly brewed cup of coffee!

If you’re feeling a bit guilty right now, don’t fret! Cleaning your coffee machine or coffee brewer is a breeze and you don’t need any fancy cleaners to do it.

Vinegar is a common cleaning agent for coffee makers, with distilled white vinegar being the top choice. But if you’re in a bind, don’t worry, my dear. Apple cider vinegar works just as well and won’t break the bank!

Why Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Clean Your Coffee Maker?

Apple cider vinegar is a natural and effective way to clean your coffee maker as it can effectively remove built-up mineral deposits and other residues that can affect the taste and quality of your coffee. Not only is it safe to use and free of harsh chemicals, but it also leaves no aftertaste or odor in your coffee maker. It’s also a budget-friendly option compared to store-bought cleaning solutions.

Ah, vinegar, the multitasking wonder of the cleaning world! Every type of vinegar is made up of acetic acid, which gives it that characteristic sour taste and strong scent. This acid content also makes vinegar a powerful cleaning agent, often used as a disinfectant and descaler in household cleaners.

The acetic acid in vinegar can dissolve grease, grime, mineral buildup, and many other kitchen messes, making it an ideal cleaning solution. Let me share some interesting facts about using vinegar for cleaning:

• Vinegar can act as a natural disinfectant, killing up to 90% of harmful germs on surfaces.
• Vinegar is safe and non-toxic, making it a great choice for households.
• Vinegar is also more cost effective than traditional detergents and cleaners, especially when it comes to removing mineral buildup from coffee makers.

However, not everyone has distilled white vinegar on hand, but not to worry! Apple cider vinegar, which is often found in many kitchens for cooking, can also be used for cleaning.

So, if you have a bottle of apple cider vinegar at home, you’re ready to give your coffee maker a good scrub!

Step-by-Step Guide to clean coffee maker with apple cider vinegar

Ahoy, coffee lovers! Cleaning your coffee maker with apple cider vinegar is a different journey compared to using distilled white vinegar. But don’t fret, just make sure to follow these steps and you’ll be sipping on a fresh pot in no time!

Preparation

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need to give your coffee maker a good clean:

• A bottle of apple cider vinegar big enough to fill half of the coffee maker’s reservoir or carafe
• Hot soapy water
• A sponge
• Dry and wet kitchen towels

Step 1: Empty the Coffee Maker

Empty out all the contents of the coffee maker, including the water from the reservoir and any coffee grounds. It’s important to remove the water so that it doesn’t dilute the apple cider vinegar, making it less effective in cleaning.

If necessary, wipe out the reservoir and any other wet parts of the coffee maker.

Step 2: Make the Vinegar Solution

Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and clean water or a 2:1 mixture of vinegar and water if you want a deeper clean. The amount of solution you make will depend on the capacity of your coffee maker’s reservoir or carafe.

Step 3: Run a Half Brew Cycle

Pour the vinegar solution into the coffee maker, start a half brew cycle, and let it run. This will allow the cleaning solution to be heated and spread throughout the coffee maker. After the half brew cycle is complete, turn off the coffee maker and let it sit for an hour.

Step 4: Run a Full Brew Cycle

After an hour has passed, turn the coffee maker back on and run a full brew cycle. The full cycle will move the cleaning solution through the coffee maker, dissolving and removing any calcified mineral deposits and dirty spots. Collect the cleaning mixture in the carafe for disposal.

Step 5: Dispose of the Vinegar Solution

Dispose of the cleaning mixture in the coffee carafe by letting it sit for a while to remove any mineral deposits or dirty spots. Once you’re ready, safely dispose of the mixture down the kitchen sink.

Step 6: Run Hot Water Cycles

To get rid of any residual apple cider vinegar and its smell, add filtered water to the reservoir and run several coffee cycles. You may need to refill the water reservoir and run cycles four or five times to make sure all the vinegar is cleared out.

Step 7: Clean and Wash

With the inside of the coffee maker fresh and clean, it’s time to clean the external components. Wash the reservoir and carafe with hot soapy water, getting rid of coffee residues and water lines. Use the wet kitchen towel to wipe down the external surfaces and follow up with the dry kitchen towel to prevent water streaks. Soaking the reservoir and carafe for an hour can help eliminate the vinegar smell before you wash. Scrub well to get rid of the vinegar smell and avoid ruining the taste of your next coffee brew.

Summary

If you’re in a bind and need to clean your coffee maker but don’t have the usual supplies, don’t worry! Apple cider vinegar, though not the easiest to work with, is still a reliable solution for cleaning your coffee maker.

So, if you’re looking for an option with what you already have at home, give apple cider vinegar a try! You’ll be able to brew fresh, delicious coffee once again.

Savor Every Sip!