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Monday Motivation: Clean out your coffee maker

If you don't drink a morning cup of coffee feel free to skip this Monday Motivation and pick something else to do.  If you do make coffee in the morning, you might want to pay attention because something yucky could be "brewing" (ha ha) in your coffee maker. 

Over time minerals and impurities from the water you use can leave deposits in the machine.  If you have hard water, like I do, those deposits accumulate quicker than dust bunnies under the bed.  A regular routine of cleaning your coffee pot will keep it working better and prevent your coffee from tasting funny.

For a drip coffee maker:
1.  Fill the water reservoir with even amounts of water/vinegar or a product like CLR (use the directions on the bottle)

2.  Place a clean and empty filter in the basket.

3.  Turn the machine on like you are making a pot of coffee.  Turn it off when it is half way done.

4.  Let it sit for 20 minutes and turn it back on to finish the cycle.

5.  Run a brewing cycle 2 more times using plain water with no vinegar or cleaner.

6.  Throw the filter away.

7.  Wash out the carafe and any other removable parts with dish washing detergent and hot water.  Rinse well.

For an electric percolator:
1.  Fill the pot with water and 1/4 cup of Cream of Tartar (found on the spice isle)

2.  Run it through an entire percolating cycle.  Unplug the percolator.

3.  Wash well with hot, soapy water and rinse with clean water.

For an electric kettle:
1.  Fill kettle with even amounts of water and vinegar.  Let sit for 20 minutes.

2.  Turn kettle on and bring water/vinegar to a boil.  Unplug kettle.

3.  Empty out water/vinegar and rinse with clean water.


This process can be done about once a month with good results.  I usually do it when I'm waiting for something in the kitchen to finish baking.  It only takes a few minutes of hands-on time.
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Comments

  1. Flannel Jammies FarmMay 25, 2010 at 9:52 AM

    I smiled when I read your post... I don't drink coffee, but just this weekend I smelled vinegar wafting through the air and knew that my husband was cleaning his coffee maker!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AlexiaMay 25, 2010 at 12:44 PM

    I just filled my coffee pot full up with vinegar...I like your way better.

    ReplyDelete

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