How to Clean Your Coffee Maker (and How Often)
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If your coffee has started tasting bitter or off no matter what beans you use, your equipment may be the problem. Coffee oils go rancid and minerals build up over time. Regular cleaning keeps every cup tasting fresh.
Drip coffee makers
Rinse the basket and carafe daily. Every month or so, descale: run a brew cycle with equal parts water and white vinegar, let it sit halfway through for 30 minutes, finish the cycle, then run two full cycles of clean water to rinse.
French press
Disassemble the plunger and wash all the mesh screens after each use — trapped oils are a common cause of bitter, muddy coffee. Deep clean with warm soapy water weekly.
Pour-over and AeroPress
Rinse thoroughly after each use. Occasionally wash the dripper and any reusable filters with soap to remove oil buildup. Replace paper filters every brew.
How often to descale
Monthly is a good rule for daily drinkers, more often with hard water. If you see white mineral scale or brewing slows down, it's time.
Then reward yourself
Clean gear plus fresh beans equals a noticeably better cup. Restock with our freshly roasted coffees.