How to Decalcify a Coffee Maker

Water contains minerals and dissolved particles that can build up over time in home appliances. To increase the longevity and improve the taste of your brewed drinks, regular cleaning to remove buildup and deposits is recommended by coffee maker manufacturers. Coffee cleaners are commercially available; vinegar is also recommended for decalcifying or descaling your single-cup or potted coffee brewer.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Water
• Coffee filters

Instructions

1. Replace the water in your reservoir with white vinegar, and if your coffee maker uses filters, insert a paper filter in your coffee basket.

2. Run your coffee maker according to your manufacturer's instructions until all the vinegar has been used. Discard the used vinegar and paper filter (if used).

3. Fill your reservoir with water, insert a filter and run a new brewing cycle until all the water has been used. Discard the used hot water. Repeat the water rinse process at least twice before discarding the paper filter.

4. Wash your coffee maker's water reservoir and clean the coffee basket per the manufacturer's instructions so it's ready to use.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy a large bottle of cheap white vinegar from your wholesaler store. Remember that your coffee maker may require a period to reset between brewing cycles. For single-cup brewers, use a large heat-proof cup or mug and dispense the largest volume during cleaning. If your coffee machine is equipped with a steamer attachment (for frothing), don't forget to run the vinegar and water through this attachment.

• Always use fresh vinegar or water to avoid re-depositing the dissolved particles in your brewing system. Remember that the liquid to be discarded will be hot. For single-cup brewers, do not insert a coffee pod or cup into the brewing basket during cleaning.

References

• Mr. Coffee User Manual
• Keurig Cleaning Instructions

Resources

• Mr. Coffee: Instruction manual directory
• Keurig: Brewer user guides