How to Remove Calcium Buildup from a Coffee Pot

Remove calcium buildup with vinegar.

Calcium buildup accumulates as water sediment in a coffeepot. When you brew a pot of coffee, you may notice flakes of residue that settle to the bottom of the coffeepot. The settlement is actually calcium buildup caused by the mineral content in your water supply. To get rid of the calcium and to keep your coffeepot running properly, clean it with a non-chemical solution.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar

Instructions

1. Brew a full coffeepot using only equal parts of water and white vinegar. The vinegar naturally breaks up and removes calcium without harming the coffeepot.

2. Pour the water-white vinegar solution from the coffeepot.

3. Refill the coffeepot with plain water.

4. Brew the water through the coffeepot.

5. Repeat the procedure, running about three pots of water through the unit to flush leftover sediment and/or the water-white vinegar solution.

Tips & Warnings

• Completing this routine about once per month or as needed helps to prevent calcium from accumulating.

References

• University of Wisconsin-Madison, Food Safety and Health: Cleaning Your Kitchen on a Budget
• Coffee Makers 411: Want a Clean Coffee Maker? Vinegar is the Solution