6 mistakes when cleaning the coffee machine that spoil the appliance

For many, the morning starts with a cup of coffee. And how tart an Americano or delicate caramel latte will be depends on the condition of the coffee machine. Any such device is a real hotbed of mold and bacteria. If it is not cleaned regularly, the taste of the drink will change, and you may develop health problems. And here it is unlikely to get off with a simple washing of the device under water. Experts told what mistakes in the care of different types of coffee makers are made most often and how to fix them.

1. Cleaning the coffee container only

Barista and creator of the Coffee Semantics website, Jamie Hickey, advises taking your coffee machine apart and cleaning every part of it. To do this, he recommends soaking the components of the device in a warm soapy solution for 15 minutes, and then rinse them thoroughly with water.

2. Insufficient cleaning of the coffee container

It often leaves mineral particles and other traces.

from coffee and water. If cleaning is put off for a long time, they harden, so getting rid of them becomes much more difficult. Therefore, the container must be washed regularly.

Hard-to-remove stains can be removed with regular baking soda. And if it fails, experts advise adding a little vinegar. After processing, it is better to turn the container upside down and leave it on a paper towel until it dries completely.

3. Ignoring scale

Everything coffee makers, including espresso machines and capsule devices, must be regularly cleaned of plaque. The descaling procedure will get rid of excess mineral particles and coffee oil, as well as germs and bacteria that accumulate in the appliance.

In some cases, special cartridges or cleaners may be required. But most often the device can be treated with a mixture of water and vinegar or a suitable descaling powder. The procedure should be carried out at least once a month.

4. Using a metal sponge

Abe Navas, CEO of cleaning company Emily's Maids, notes that metal sponges are commonly used for everything. But in the case of coffee machines, this is definitely not worth doing. They often have plastic elements that are easy to scratch and ruin. Therefore, it is better to choose soft sponges.

5. Neglect to clean filters

According to experts, even if you use paper filters, you need to clean the surfaces with which they come into contact. Water constantly passes through the filter, so that it is covered with coffee oil, limescale and all the same mold. If you do not get rid of them, the coffee machine will cook the drink for much longer, and it will be bitter.

For cleaning, barista Jamie Hickey’s method mentioned above is suitable: dip the filter in a warm soapy solution for 15 minutes, and then rinse with water.

If you have an espresso machine with a portafilter, first wash it with soap and water, then place a towel on the table and give the filter a good tap on the table. The stuck coffee particles will come out and the filter will be as good as new again.

6. Washing removable parts in the dishwasher

Some details can be entrusted to this device, but not all. Therefore, you should carefully study the instructions for the coffee machine before putting any of its parts into dishwasher.

After washing, be sure to let the parts dry completely. If you leave them damp, bacteria will begin to accumulate in the device.