How you can clean a coffee maker and still keep your coffee's flavor

Ah, that first cup of Joe. It's a morning ritual that some of us just can’t do without. And for many people, coffee is the perfect pick-me-up throughout the day. We take coffee breaks with our coffee mugs at our coffee tables, sipping Espressos, Macchiatos, Lattes, and Cappuccinos lovingly prepared on state-of-the-art coffee makers with more gadgetry than the Starship Enterprise. 

According to the National Coffee Association, 62% of Americans drink coffee every day, with the average coffee drinker enjoying a daily dose of three cups. And with the recent trend toward remote working, that’s an awful lot of home brewing. 

Why clean your coffee maker? 

Like any machine, coffee makers need maintenance. And that means regular cleaning, which is essential for several reasons. 

• Coffee leaves a residue, and the mineral build-up is a haven for bacteria, yeast, and mold.  
• Coffee gunk can make your coffee taste bitter, rendering that Premium Roast undrinkable! 
• Uncleaned, coffee debris will clog your machine and eventually make it unusable.  

Reviewed-approved cleaning recommendations:

Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

Reviewed helps you find the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of home and cleaning experts are always testing new vacuums, detergents and more so you can shop for the best of the best.

1. Editor's Choice dryer balls: Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls
2. A fun and effective microwave cleaner: Angry Mama Microwave Cleaner
3. "Life-changing" Magic Erasers: Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, 6-Pack
4. Earth-friendly dishcloths: For Earth By Us Swedish Dishcloths
5. The best value robot vacuum: Eufy Robovac 11S

How to clean a coffee maker

A traditional way to clean a coffee maker involves flushing it through with a solution of water and vinegar. However, afterward, some feel that makes your first few cups of coffee taste and smell bad. A better, scent-free cleaning option is denture cleaning tablets.  

Denture tablets utilize the antibacterial and alkalizing properties of sodium bicarbonate, the main ingredient in baking soda, a proven household cleaner. The fizziness of the tablets essentially scrubs and cleans on a micro level, getting into the hard-to-reach crevices of your machine. 

Experts suggest cleaning your coffee maker every three to six months, depending on how often you use it. 

So, wake up and smell the coffee, and clean that coffee maker today!  

More problems, solved 

• Laundry hack:Here's how to dry your clothes quicker
• Do-it-yourself dryer balls:How to make cheap, but effective, dryer balls
• Clogged dryer vent: Keep it clean to keep your family safe from house fire
• Refrigerator relief:The best way to clean the inside of your fridge
• Zipper stuck?: Here's how to easily fix it
• The perfect fruit:How to pick the perfect watermelon, cantaloupe or honeydew
• Make groceries last: How to make your groceries last at home
• Suede shoes: How to clean suede shoes them without ruining them 
• Clean toys: How to clean and disinfect them
• Video game controllers:The best way to clean controllers, consoles
• Airpods & earbuds: Most effective cleaning method for your headphones  
• Dust mites:Keep dust mites away naturally to help with allergies
• Gross oven?How to deep clean it using nontoxic items