How to Clean a Coffee Maker Reservoir

A monthly cleaning of your coffee maker reservoir will remove excessive buildup.

There is nothing quite like a good cup of coffee. If your coffee maker reservoir is dirty, it can alter the taste of your coffee. Water deposits and oil residue from the coffee accumulate in the reservoir and can leave your coffee tasting less than perfect. Clean your coffee maker reservoir at least once a month to remove this buildup and help to ensure that each pot of coffee tastes delicious.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar

Instructions

1. Empty the contents of the filter basket and the coffee carafe. Put the coffee carafe into position for brewing coffee.

2. Fill the reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water. Turn on the coffee maker and let the water and vinegar brew until the coffee carafe is about half full. Let the coffee maker sit undisturbed for about one hour.

3. Allow the coffee maker to run the rest of the brew cycle until the all of the water and vinegar are in the coffee carafe. Pour the hot water and vinegar mixture back into the reservoir. Run it through another complete brew cycle.

4. Discard the hot water and vinegar and wash the coffee carafe thoroughly. Fill the reservoir with plain water and run through a complete brew cycle. Run a second brew cycle with clean water to ensure no residue is left in the coffee maker.

References

• Tipnut: How To Clean A Coffee Pot
• Martha Stewart: Kitchen Tip: Cleaning A Coffeemaker