How to Clean Your Coffee Maker

Make your coffee maker sparkle with these easy tips.

To complete this How-To you will need:

A drip coffee maker
White vinegar
Ice cubes
Table salt or rock salt
Dishwasher detergent
A dish brush
Baking soda
Alka-Seltzer tablets
Denture tablets
A fresh lemon

Step 1: Clean the machine


Clean the inside of your coffee maker by running a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water though the machine. Do two runs with water afterward to remove the vinegar.

Tip: You can substitute a half dozen Alka-Seltzer or denture tablets, a quarter of a cup of baking soda, or the juice of a fresh lemon for the vinegar.

Step 2: Get ice and salt

To get your carafe looking like new, try this barista trick. Toss a handful of ice cubes and a couple of teaspoons of salt—rock or table—into the carafe.

Step 3: Swish vigorously

Swish vigorously for a minute or two.

Step 4: Rinse thoroughly

Rinse thoroughly.

Tip: If you have a stainless-steel carafe, fill it with boiling water, add a few tablespoonfuls of powdered dishwasher detergent, let it sit overnight, then swish with a dish brush and rinse.

Step 5: Fill with water and baking soda

To get rid of any lingering vinegar smell in the carafe, fill it with warm water, add a teaspoon of baking soda, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse well. You're ready for a delicious cup of coffee!

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