how to clean a mr.coffee coffeemaker

Your coffee maker is used daily, but it's an appliance that doesn't get a good cleaning (coffee and water can't make too much of a mess, right?) very often. It's important to clean your coffee maker not only for the health of your machine but also for the taste of your morning brew. Coffee build up can cause your cup to taste bitter, and even worse, there could be yeast and mold hiding in the reservoir, according to this 2011 study by National Science Foundation. And while yeast and mold on a small scale generally don't impact your health, they can cause an allergic reaction for some.

To ensure your morning mug contains no hidden surprises, you'll want to clean your machine on a regular basis. Carolyn Forte, Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Appliances & Cleaning Product Lab, says with a little bit of water, soap and vinegar, you will be good to go.

And if you're wondering how to sanitize a K-cup machine, we've got you covered. Follow these tips for cleaning Keurig coffee makers from the Good Housekeeping Institute, and don't forget about your travel mugs too!

How to Clean a Coffee Maker

1. Wash removable parts with dish soap after every use.

"This is important because it helps remove coffee, grinds, and oil that are left behind," says Forte. "You can hand wash at the sink with warm and soapy water, but usually the pieces are dishwasher-safe. And don't forget to wipe down the outside and the warming plate where spills can burn on." She also recommends leaving the reservoir's lid open so it can dry out completely after each use!

2. Decalcify your machine every month with vinegar.

Over time, hard water minerals can build up in your machine's inner workings, and you may notice that your coffee takes longer to drip. To get things back in tip-top shape, you need to cleanse and decalcify the machine. Forte's trick: good ol' reliable white vinegar.

Fill the reservoir with equal parts vinegar and water, and place a paper filter into the machine's empty basket. Position the pot in place, and "brew" the solution halfway. Turn off the machine, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, turn the coffee maker back on, finish the brewing, and dump the full pot of vinegar and water. Rinse everything out by putting in a new paper filter and brewing a full pot of clean water. Repeat once.

3. Make your carafe sparkle again with rice.

You should always wash your carafe after each use, but if it's looking dingy over time, fill it with warm, sudsy water, and a little rice. Swirl the mixture to loosen any gunk. Use a scrub sponge to remove debris and rinse well.

Lauren Piro Senior Web Editor Overseeing all things home for GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com, Lauren swoons over midcentury design and employs tough-love approach to decluttering (just throw it away, ladies).

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