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How to Maintain a Coffee Maker

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If you are a coffee drinker, a coffee machine is a great appliance and an ideal way to save time and money, but it does require a bit of maintenance. In the hustle of their everyday lives, many people overlook the maintenance of their coffee machine for too long. If a person can maintain regular maintenance, years can be added to the life to a machine. Knowing how to care for and perform even the most routine maintenance could help to revive an older coffee machine. In order to keep your coffee machines working properly and brewing great coffee, follow the simple steps that follow.

Regular Maintenance

Setting up a regular maintenance schedule would be the ideal first step toward keeping your coffee machine working for years. While cleaning the other appliances in your kitchen, remember to clean your coffee machine at the same time. Cleaning the machine once a month is recommended because this simple routine will ensure that your coffee maker produces great-tasting coffee for years to come. Cleaning your machine will not take too long; however the difference that it makes can be significant.

Try these quick steps:

Dusting: This can make a world of difference, and we recommend using canned air, which can be found at most hardware or office supply stores. By using canned air, you can eliminate any dust inside, outside, or even on the heating elements.

Soaking: It is a good idea to soak the baskets or metal filters in a solution of hot water and vinegar. This will help break up any residue or build up that they have accumulated. After soaking, please remember to rinse the baskets or filters thoroughly to rid them of the smell and taste of vinegar, which may remain on them otherwise.

Cleaning: By using a nonabrasive cleaner or a solution of water and vinegar, you should clean the coffee pot and the heating plate (ice, salt, and lemon juice will also work well to clean the inside of the coffee pot, particularly if there is any burnt-on coffee in the bottom.) Alternatively, replace an old coffee pot with a coffee carafe or coffe decanter.

Lime Scale and Water Deposit Removal

A coffee maker should be cleaned on the inside at least once every three months to remove any lime scale or water deposit build up. There is a solution specifically made to clean coffee makers, and this can be purchased at many local retailers. You can also make your own solution of water and vinegar. With either, run the solution through a standard coffee cycle or through several cycles if you are worried about a lot of buildup. Once the cycle has finished, run several cycles of clean water, preferably filtered or distilled, through the coffee maker to remove any remaining deposits or cleaning solution. The machine should be run through enough cycles to make sure that the smell of vinegar or cleaning solution coming out of the machine is removed before brewing another pot of coffee.

Another way to reduce the buildup of lime scale and water deposits is by switching to filtered or distilled water to brew your coffee or purchasing a coffee maker with an in-line water filter. If you opt for the water filter, remember that the filter will need to be changed regularly.

Inspection for Damage or Wear

Inspecting your coffee pot and machine for damage or wear is imperative. By looking for cracks in the pot and burned or a frayed cord may reduce leakage or even risk of fire. Other signs of damage could be discolorations or warping on the plastic components of the coffee maker or water spots and streaks that might indicate a leak. If you notice any of these examples, send your coffee machine in for repair or consider purchasing another machine.

Additional Maintenance As Needed

Remember, not everything that goes wrong with your coffee maker is predictable. Be prepared to perform additional maintenance as it is needed. This may be as basic as replacing a cracked filter basket or cleaning up burnt-on coffee that spilled onto the heating plate, or it may require taking care of such serious problems as a heating element going out or a major leak. Most households and offices use the coffee maker at least once a day, and a little bit of upkeep each day will ensure that the coffee you brew from your machine will be fresh-tasting and just how you like it.