by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: February 06, 2009   Last Updated: May 04, 2009

Everyone wants great tasting coffee and that means it needs to be brewed in a clean and fresh coffee maker. Oils build up quickly and it simply can't be ignored without changing the taste of the coffee.

It seems like such a simple concept. When one purchases a coffee maker it comes with an owners manual. One of the features in the manual is how to clean the coffee maker. They are not all made the same and they do not all have the same requires. So first, if the manual is still available, dig it out and read it. Do whatever they suggest.

If that is gone the best bet would probably something that is friendly with the environment and easy to use. It is the wonder cleaner, white vinegar. Most automatic drip coffee makers get some hard water residue build up. They also have traces of coffee and oils that don't seem to remove as easily as they used to do.

For the guts of the machine a good strong vinegar rinse is recommended. One part white distilled vinegar to two parts water. Put the mixture in the reservoir and let sit for ten minutes. If there are any deposits in that portion of the reservoir this gives it time to dissolve some.

Start the brewing process and when the carafe is half full turn off the machine and wait 30 minutes. This gives the heating elements time to shed deposits. Finish the brewing cycle. Dump the water in vinegar mixture down the drain. (This will be a good deodorizer and it passes through the drain.)

Allow the coffee maker to cool for 10 minutes and begin the entire process again. This time take the water and vinegar mixture to the toilet and let it sit there for 5 or 10 minutes and work on deposits there.

Now the guts of the machine should be clean and in need of rinsing. Run three cycles of fresh water through the brewing system. The water will have some vinegar residue so don't use it to water plants. A better choice would be to use the water to wipe down the inside of a stove or refrigerator.

Unplug the machine and allow it to cool. Wipe down the hot plate with a damp cloth and wipe it dry. Wash the filter basket with a mild soap.

It is a good idea to give the carafe a good overnight soak with some mild soap overnight. The can help remove any coffee stains that may be present and ensure a better tasting coffee.

Most manufactures suggest that monthly cleaning extends the life of the automatic coffee maker by two to three years. It seems like a small price to pay for two more years of great coffee. Be careful to let all the coffee drinkers in the house know that the machine is in cleaning mode. Vinegar does not enhance the taste of a cup of coffee. If you need a first hand review there is a family member that can provide it. (Seems like the smell would have given him the clue.)

Enjoy a fresh cup, from a clean machine.

Learn more about this author, Trenna Sue Hiler.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.