How to Clean a New Coffee Maker

Cleaning your coffee maker takes only a few minutes.

You should always clean a new coffee maker before using it for the first time. There's a good chance the coffee maker is dusty from sitting on a store shelf, even if it has been in a box. Cleaning the coffee maker will remove the dust and anything else that may be lurking inside. The process involves running the coffee maker with water and white vinegar. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Water
• Dish soap
• Damp cloth

Instructions

1. Fill the coffee pot with a mixture of one part white vinegar and two parts water.

2. Turn on the coffee maker and allow it to run through a cycle.

3. Empty the coffee pot and fill it with water. Turn on the coffee maker and allow it to run through another cycle so that it is thoroughly rinsed.

4. Remove the filter basket from the coffee maker. Wash the filter basket and the carafe in warm soapy water and allow them to dry completely.

5. Unplug the coffee maker and clean the exterior with a damp cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Always unplug the coffee maker when you wipe it down to avoid turning it on by accident. Never submerge the coffee maker in water.

References

• University of Georgia: Cleaning on a Shoestring
• Cuisinart: Cuisinart Classic Instruction Booklet