Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500416
06/24/03

Coffeemaker - Cleaning


Clean after each use to remove coffee oils and
residue which will cause poor flavor in the next pot of
coffee. Wash with warm sudsy water, rinse and dry. On
aluminum percolators, remove hard water deposits with
either a soap-filled steel wool pad, or by perking with
1-2 tablespoons cream of tartar dissolved in water;
rinse thoroughly. Do not use alkalis such as baking soda,
or chlorine bleach on aluminum. On chrome-plated and
stainless steel pots, use commercial coffeepot cleaner to
remove stubborn stains; do not use them on aluminum
unless label recommends it.

For electric drip coffeemakers, if minerals and scale
build up from hard water, periodically run a solution of
half white vinegar and half water through it to dissolve
scale. The heated solution may have to be run through the
unit one or more times if buildup is heavy. Thoroughly
rinse all parts of the unit. Run plain cold water through
a cycle to remove all traces.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus with references from the North Dakota
Extension bulletin Surface vs Stain Care of Kitchens.

Go To Top of File        Michigan State University Extension Home Page        Main Page for this Data Base
This information is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information becomes public property upon publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise a commercial product or company. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08. Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03. For more information about this data base or its contents please contact strausc@msu.edu .