How to Clean a Coffee Maker Using Bleach

Bleach proves effective for glass coffee pot stains.

Coffee contains tannin, which results in staining. After using your coffee maker for a while, you will likely notice stains on the glass carafe, as well as the exterior housing of the machine. While a coffee maker contains various parts, the only ones you want to clean with bleach are the pot and the exterior. Bleach can effectively remove tannin stains and restore certain parts of your coffee maker to their original appearance.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup of bleach
• Rubber gloves
• Scrubbing pad
• Dish liquid
• Water
• Dish towel
• Container
• 1 quart water
• 1 tsp. bleach
• Clean sponge

Instructions

1. Pour 1 cup of bleach into the glass coffee pot, and gently swirl the bleach around in the pot while holding the handle.

2. Put on a pair of rubber gloves, and scrub the inside of the pot with a scrubbing sponge.

3. Pour the bleach out into the sink, and wash the pot with mild dish soap and water. Dry thoroughly.

4. Pour 1 quart of water and 1 tsp. of bleach into a container. Put on rubber gloves, and dip a clean sponge into the solution.

5. Wipe down the exterior surfaces of the coffeemaker to clean and disinfect.

Tips & Warnings

• Never run bleach through your coffee maker, according to Good Housekeeping. Instead, run a cycle of white household vinegar, followed by several cycles of plain water.

• Only use unscented bleach for this task.

• Bleach can damage clothing and other surfaces. Be careful when using it.

• Bleach can cause chemical burns to your eyes. Avoid splashing it.

References

• Mr. Breakfast: Glass Coffee Pot Cleaners Recipe
• Gevalia Coffee: How to Clean a Coffee Maker
• Good Housekeeping: Heloise Cleaning Tips
• Ohio State University Extension: Chow Line