How to Clean a Coffee Maker With Vinegar (and Without)

Here is how to clean a coffee maker: fill the reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water, run half a brew cycle, pause for 30 to 60 minutes, finish the cycle, then run two or three cycles of plain water to rinse. If you prefer to avoid vinegar, a food-grade citric acid solution or a commercial descaler works the same way. Wash the carafe and filter basket after every use, and descale the machine every one to three months depending on how hard your water is.

Before you start, check your coffee maker’s manual. Some manufacturers recommend a specific descaler or cleaning cycle, and following their instructions protects your machine and its warranty.

Why You Need to Clean Your Coffee Maker

Two kinds of buildup affect a drip machine:

• Mineral scale. Hard water leaves calcium and magnesium deposits inside the heating element and tubes. Scale can slow brewing, reduce water temperature and eventually damage the machine.
• Coffee oils and residue. Oils build up in the basket, carafe and spray head and can turn stale and rancid, giving your coffee a bitter, off taste.

A clean machine brews hotter, faster and better-tasting coffee. If your coffee has started tasting harsh, buildup may be one reason; see why does coffee taste bitter for other causes.

How to Clean a Coffee Maker With Vinegar

White distilled vinegar is cheap, easy to find and effective on mineral scale in most drip coffee makers.

What you need

• White distilled vinegar
• Water
• A paper filter (optional, to catch loosened debris)
• Dish soap and a soft sponge

Step by step

1. Empty the machine. Throw away old grounds and filters and rinse the carafe.
2. Mix the solution. Fill the reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water. For a 12-cup machine, that is about 30 oz (900 ml) of each, or simply fill halfway with vinegar and top up with water.
3. Start a brew cycle. Place an empty filter in the basket and the carafe on the warming plate, then start brewing.
4. Pause halfway. When about half the solution has run through, turn the machine off and let it sit for 30 to 60 minutes. This gives the vinegar time to dissolve scale.
5. Finish the cycle. Turn the machine back on and let the rest of the solution brew through. Discard it.
6. Rinse thoroughly. Fill the reservoir with fresh water and run a full cycle. Repeat two or three times until there is no vinegar smell.
7. Wash removable parts. Clean the carafe, lid and filter basket with warm, soapy water and dry them.

If your machine was heavily scaled, you may need to repeat the vinegar cycle a second time.

How to Clean a Coffee Maker Without Vinegar

Some people dislike the smell of vinegar, and some manufacturers recommend against it for their machines. Here are the main alternatives.

Citric acid

Food-grade citric acid powder is odorless and effective on scale. Dissolve it in warm water, following the package directions for descaling, then use the same process as above: brew half, pause, finish, and rinse with two or three cycles of plain water. Citric acid is relatively mild, so you may need an extra rinse or a second round for heavy buildup.

Commercial descaler

Descaling solutions are formulated for coffee makers and are often what manufacturers recommend. Follow the label for dilution, and check whether your machine has a dedicated “clean” or “descale” button.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is acidic and can handle light scale, but it is less predictable in strength than citric acid powder and can leave pulp behind. Strain it well and rinse thoroughly.

Baking soda for odors

Baking soda is not a descaler, but a dissolved spoonful in warm water helps wash stains and odors out of the carafe. Rinse well afterward.

How Often Should You Clean a Coffee Maker?

• After every use: discard grounds, rinse the carafe and basket, and leave the lid open so the reservoir can dry.
• Weekly: wash the carafe, lid and basket with warm, soapy water (or in the dishwasher if the manual allows).
• Every 1–3 months: descale with vinegar, citric acid or a descaler. Do it monthly if you have hard water or brew several pots a day, every few months with soft or filtered water.
• Whenever you notice signs: slower brewing, coffee that is not as hot, white crust around the spray head or a bitter taste.

Using filtered or softened water slows scale buildup and can improve flavor. Learn more in the best water for coffee.

What About Single-Serve and Espresso Machines?

Single-serve pod brewers and espresso machines have narrower water paths and more sensitive parts. Many manufacturers specify their own descaling solution and process, and some warn against vinegar. Always follow the manual for these machines rather than using a generic drip-machine method.

How to Clean a Coffee Maker FAQ

How much vinegar do I use to clean a coffee maker?

Use equal parts white vinegar and water, enough to fill the reservoir. For heavy buildup, some people use a stronger mix, but always rinse with two or three cycles of plain water afterward.

How do I get the vinegar taste out of my coffee maker?

Run several full cycles of fresh water until the smell is gone. Washing the carafe and basket with soap and leaving the lid open to air out also helps.

Can I clean a coffee maker with citric acid instead of vinegar?

Yes. Food-grade citric acid is an odorless alternative that dissolves mineral scale. Follow the package directions for the amount and rinse well with plain water.

Is it safe to run bleach through a coffee maker?

No. Bleach is not designed for appliances that make food and drinks and is hard to rinse out completely. Stick with vinegar, citric acid or a descaler made for coffee makers.

Clean Machine, Better Coffee

A clean coffee maker is the easiest upgrade you can make to your morning cup. Once it is sparkling, fill it with fresh beans: every Feel Espresso order is roasted 1–5 days before delivery. Try our smooth Breakfast Blend, the bold Cowboy Blend, or browse our best sellers. For tips on dialing in strength, see our coffee to water ratio guide.