How to Clean a Coffee Maker with Citric Acid
Keep your coffee tasting fresh and your machine running smoothly with this simple, odor-free citric acid method. Faster and cleaner than vinegar, it’s the smart way to descale.
Servings: 1 coffee maker
Cost: $0.25 per deep clean
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons citric acid powder
- Water enough to fill coffee maker for a full brew cycle
Instructions
- Remove the brew basket, carafe, and any detachable water reservoir. Rinse with hot water and replace in the machine.
- Pour water into the reservoir as if brewing a full pot of coffee.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of citric acid until dissolved. Start the clean cycle, or use the longest brew cycle if your machine lacks a “clean” option.
- Allow the machine to complete the clean cycle.
- Empty the carafe, refill the reservoir with fresh water, and run one cycle to rinse. For good measure, run a second water-only cycle.
- Dump the water, rinse removable parts under hot water, wipe down the exterior with a soft cloth, and your coffee maker is ready to brew the freshest coffee possible.
Notes
- Clean monthly for optimal performance; more often if using hard water or brewing multiple pots daily.
- Citric acid is odor-free, natural, and inexpensive compared to commercial descaling solutions.
- Avoid submerging the coffee maker in water; spills should be wiped immediately.
- Use soft cloths only to prevent scratches and maintain the machine’s appearance.
