subject: Know About Decalcifying Your Coffee Maker [print this page] A dirty coffee maker can prevent you from enjoying a cup of healthy coffee. So, it is always better to have your coffee machine decalcified before reusing it. There are different ways by which a coffee maker may get stained like minerals in the water building up in the inner part of the maker. Molds too get accumulated in the filter basket and the piping.
Cleaning a coffee maker is no tough job and there are many ways by which a coffee maker can be cleaned. Various coffee maker cleaning products are available in the market but it is better to use vinegar which is natural and is free of toxic residues as a decalcifier than using any other acid. Vinegar is a very good cleaning agent because of its acidic properties that helps to clean any oil residues, lime scale and even mineral build ups from brewing coffee beans. These build ups taint the taste of the coffee as well as have the capacity to even break up the maker.
Here are steps to guide you with the cleaning of a coffee maker:
-First, remove the parts of the maker that are removable and wash them in hot soapy water. Most of the coffee makers include the pot and the filter basket. While, some will have in-built filters that should also be washed. Never leave the old filter and the grinds in the filter basket as molds grow in a very short time.
-It is better to use a damp sponge to wipe the surfaces. Also wipe down the top where dust accumulates as well as the front, the back, the sides and the heating element. Use vinegar to wipe off any burnt coffee on the heating element.
-Then, you need to run acid through the coffee pot. Use vinegar for this purpose as it is natural. Fill the pot with vinegar and water and pour it in the water tank of the coffee maker. Make sure you have the filter basket back in place and put the pot below to get the water acid solution. It is essential to clean the coffee pot at least once a month but for excellent taste, it is advisable to clean once a week even.
-Rinse it thoroughly. For absolutely an clean coffee maker, brew some cold water with the pot and the filter basket in place. Repeat this procedure one or two times and you will have a clean coffee maker.
Cleaning products for coffee makers
There are many coffee cleaning products available at the market, but you must be sure what you are paying for when you are buying a commercial product. They are nothing but acids. That is why it is better to use vinegar or lemon juice which are natural and quite a better option.
If you still want to go for commercial products, then do some research before buying. If you dont do research, you may end up buying some ordinary solvent or any descaler wrapped in a package. Also, never use soaps or detergents as they end up leaving residues that can damage the taste of your coffee.
