How to Avoid a Calcium Build-up in Your Coffee Maker

If your coffee maker is taking longer than usual to brew coffee it's time to clean it. The cause of this malfunction most of the time isthe calcium deposits that block the small water pipes inside the coffee maker. This is as a result of hard water, in other words, the calcium salts that are present in the tap water. You can eliminate this calcium build-up by periodically decalcifying your coffee maker.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Cold water

1. Pour cold water in the carafe and add 2 tablespoons of vinegar to it. Stir with a spoon.

2. Pour this solution into the water reservoir of your coffee maker and close the lid.

3. Place the carafe securely on the warming plate and hit the brew button.

4. When brewing is finished, empty the carafe and rinse it with cold water.

5. Refill the water reservoir with cold water only and run another cycle of brewing to remove any remaining residue.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not notice an improvement, repeat the process one more time with vinegar.

• If your coffee maker frequently needs decalcification its time to check the brine tank of your water softener. Be sure it has enough salt pellets in it.