Drip Coffee Cleaning Guide
Stop using vinegar—dedicated coffee cleaners like Urnex Cleancaf safely remove oils and scale from drip brewers for better-tasting coffee.
- Vinegar is ineffective for deep cleaning coffee makers and leaves lingering odors that affect taste
- Urnex Cleancaf removes coffee oils and prevents scale buildup with a simple reservoir cleaning process
- Cafetto Grinder Clean eliminates residue and odors without disassembling your grinder—just run it through
Routine cleanings are the easiest and best way to ensure a long life from your coffee maker or coffee grinder. But what’s the safest and most effective way to do so? Put down the vinegar! We're here to help guide you through the proper maintenance routine with products that won't hurt your machine.
We often hear this question: "Can I use vinegar to clean my coffee maker?” The theory that vinegar works just as well as a dedicated coffee cleaner is simply not correct. It might appear slightly cleaner on the outside, but vinegar isn’t effective internally in the long run. Although if you happen to enjoy the lingering smell and taste of vinegar in coffee, by all means, carry on. For everyone else, a little detergent goes a long way.
Over time, oils and residue from your coffee can gunk up the works and cause foul flavors to come out of your brewer. You may notice your metal shower screen looks less shiny and might even have a few of those stubborn coffee stains spattered about. Products such as Urnex's coffee machine cleaning powder are designed to tackle and remove the residue left behind.
Urnex Cleancaf Coffee Machine Cleaning Powder - $8
Cleancaf is designed to remove coffee oil from automatic coffee brewers. Its dual-action formula also prevents the accumulation of scale deposits, which can cause a myriad of long-term issues. To use, open one of the pre-portioned packets and pour its entire contents into the reservoir. Then fill the reservoir with warm water and stir until the solution dissolves. Run another two more brew cycles with just water, and you’re done!
Cafetto Grinder Clean - $12
Cafetto Grinder Clean is designed to clean coffee and espresso grinders without the hassle of disassembling the entire grinder. To use, adjust your grind a few settings coarser, drop in the pre-packaged dose into your hopper, and run the entire amount through. Made from all-natural and food-safe ingredients, it not only removes old coffee grounds but also absorbs and removes smelly odors.
Additionally, remember to hand-wash your brewing basket and carafe between batches with a small amount of soap and water. Nobody wants to drink yesterday’s coffee. Cheers to clean and tasty brews at home!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vinegar to clean my drip coffee maker?
No, vinegar isn't effective at removing internal coffee oils and scale deposits. While it may clean surface areas, dedicated coffee cleaners like Urnex Cleancaf are formulated specifically to tackle residue buildup and won't leave lingering tastes or odors in your brewer.
How often should I clean my drip coffee maker?
Hand-wash your brewing basket and carafe with soap and water after each use. Deep clean your coffee maker with a dedicated cleaner like Urnex Cleancaf monthly, or more frequently if you brew multiple pots daily, to prevent oil buildup and maintain optimal flavor.
How do I use Urnex Cleancaf to clean my coffee maker?
Pour one pre-portioned Cleancaf packet into your reservoir, fill with warm water, and stir until dissolved. Run a full brew cycle with the solution, then run two additional cycles with just water to rinse thoroughly. This removes coffee oils and prevents scale accumulation.
Can I clean my coffee grinder without taking it apart?
Yes, use Cafetto Grinder Clean for hassle-free maintenance. Adjust your grind setting slightly coarser, add the pre-packaged dose to your hopper, and run it completely through. The all-natural formula absorbs oils, removes old grounds, and eliminates odors without disassembly.