How to Clean a Coffee Maker With Lemon Juice

If coffee is an integral part of your daily routine, your coffeemaker is relied upon day after day, month after month. They are trustworthy, inexpensive appliances and yet often overlooked when it comes to cleaning. The coffeepot gets cleaned, but it's also important to clean the coffeemaker itself. As sediment builds up in the coffeemaker, the coffee can take on a bitter flavor. Lemon juice is an excellent and inexpensive cleaner for coffeemakers, as the acid clears away the buildup.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Concentrated lemon juice
• Water
• Dish detergent
• Sponge

1. Make sure the coffeemaker's basket is empty, and then run a pot of plain, cold water through the coffeemaker.

2. Discard the water and turn the coffeemaker to "Off."

3. Refill the pot with 1/2 water and 1/2 concentrated lemon juice. Pour the mixture into the coffeemaker, but do not turn the coffeemaker on. Allow the liquid to sit in the coffeemaker's well for 15 minutes.

4. Turn the coffeemaker on and run the lemon and water through.

5. Turn the coffeemaker off and allow the water to remain in the coffeepot for 15 minutes.

6. Wait for the lemon juice and water to cool. Turn the coffeemaker back on and then run the mixture through again.

7. Discard the lemon and water after the second run-through. Fill the pot with plain, cold water and run it through the coffeemaker to rinse it. Do this twice, with fresh, cold water each time.

8. Place the coffeepot and the filter basket in a sink with hot, soapy water. Let them soak for 30 minutes.

9. Dip a sponge in lemon juice and wash the inside of the coffeepot and the basket. Rinse well.

Tips & Warnings

• Coffeemakers should be cleaned monthly if they are used regularly.
• Never pour hot liquid into the well of the coffeemaker, as this can damage the elements. Make sure liquid that goes into the well is either lukewarm or cold.

Resources

• Using lemon around the house