For most people, coffee serves as a rejuvenating drink to wake one up fully from a good night’s sleep. But if the coffee itself tastes terrible, it is often enough to ruin the entire day. Without a good cup of coffee, you will not have a fun time tackling the hassle and nuances of the day.
For your information, the quality of a cup of coffee depends largely on the brewing machine you use to make it. The condition of your brewer, along with how clean it is, plays a vital role in the taste of the drink. An unclean coffee maker can add a bitter aftertaste to your morning drink that can completely spoil the mood.
And with the best coffee maker cleaner, you can protect the fresh aroma that comes from your brewing machine, ensuring you get the complete flavor in every sip.
In this article, we will give you a quick rundown of some of the best cleaners for coffee makers you can find on the market.
What to Look for Before Buying the Best Coffee Maker Cleaner
Waking up and brewing a fresh cup of coffee is a morning routine for most people. But an unclean coffee maker can add a stingy aftertaste to your drink that is enough to ruin your entire mood. Although it might not be toxic, the bitter taste of coffee made from a foul coffee maker is not what you want early in the morning.
When it comes to cleaning solutions for your coffee makers, there is not much you need to understand. There are three types of products you can go with, tablet, powder, or fluid.
The performance across these three variants is quite similar, although the application process might be a bit different. For tablet cleaning products, you need to pour some water in the coffee maker and drop it inside. When it comes to powder, the idea is also pretty much the same.
However, for fluid cleaning solutions, you usually do not need to add water. This might give you a bit of an edge in terms of efficiency.
In addition, you also need to check the compatibility of your coffee machine. Some devices allow only a particular type of cleaning method. If your unit supports it all, then there is nothing to worry about.
Editor’s Recommendation: Top 5 Coffee Maker Cleaner
5 Best Coffee Maker Cleaner Reviews
Now that you have an idea of the selection criteria, we can head into the list of products. Not all cleaning products will perform the same way. If you want to get a unit that gives you a good balance of efficiency and speed, then you need to be careful in choosing your coffee machine cleaner.
In the following section of the article, we will give you our recommendation for the best coffee maker cleaner that will provide you with the best value.
1. Descaler (2 Pack, 2 Uses Per Bottle)
Starting up our list is the Descaler by the brand Impresa Products. If you are looking for a gentle solution that can effectively clean your coffee maker without any inverse consequences, then this is the perfect product. It comes at an extremely reasonable price and gives you great value for your cost.
The best thing about this unit is that one investment will last you at least a year. With your purchase, you get two bottles of solution, each containing 8 ounces of liquid. The manufacturers recommend two uses for each bottle, and since you will be cleaning your coffee maker once every three months, it seems excellent value.
This cleaning solution works well not only for brewing machines but also for other similar appliances like rice cooker, water heaters of filter machines. If you have a couple of these machines nearby, you can get even more use out of this product.
- A highly effective cleaning solution
- Comes at a pack of two
- Excellent value for the price
- Can clean different appliances
- No apparent cons
2. Brew Rite Coffee Maker Cleaner
Next up, we will be looking at the coffee maker cleaner by the brand Brew Rite. We all know how troublesome it is to reach all the corners of a coffee maker. Most of the time, you cannot even reach some parts of the machine resulting in a less than optimal cleaning experience.
With the Brew Rite cleaner, you can drastically improve your brewing time. Because of its non-toxic design, after the cleaning is done, you do not need to worry about any residue. Furthermore, it is fully compatible with all types of espresso and automatic drip coffee machines.
Most cleaners cannot address the mineral residue that occurs if the coffee maker is not cleaned very often. However, with this cleaning product, you can efficiently remove any mineral residue that builds up inside the machine to restore the taste of your morning coffee.
- Low price, high value
- Non-toxic formula
- Can clean mineral residues
- Works with automatic drip and espresso machines
- Not very versatile
3. Urnex Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine Cleaner
Now, the next product on our list is another powder cleaning solution. This unit by the brand Urnex is for coffee lovers who do not want to compromise on their brewing routine and coffee taste. It leaves no unsavory smell once the cleaning is done, allowing you to start brewing again instantly.
The cleaning product is quite powerful and can effectively remove oil or limescale inside the coffee machine without affecting the integrity of your appliance. It does not leave any smell or toxic residue behind once it is done cleaning your device. Furthermore, it improves the brewing time of your coffee maker drastically.
With your purchase, you get enough materials to clean your coffee maker three times. This means if you clean your machine once every four months, you should be all set for at least a year before you need to go out and buy another pack. And considering the dirt-cheap price of the unit, one year’s worth of cleaning is an excellent value.
- Odorless and non-toxic formula
- One box allows for three-time use
- Gentle yet effective cleaning performance
- Works with automatic and espresso coffee machines
- It takes some time to finish cleaning properly
4. Durgol Swiss Espresso Descaler and Decalcifier for All Brands of Espresso Machines and Coffee Makers
Next in line is the Durgol cleaning solution, which is one of the best coffee machine cleaners for a couple of good reasons. You do not need to take any extra steps like adding water or anything with this formula. In addition, it is incredibly useful in cleaning limescale and oil residue from coffee machines.
The non-toxic formula of the unit ensures you will be able to restore your coffee machine to its factory condition in no time. Using the solution is very easy. All you have to do is pour one portion in the water tank of your machine and start up the decalcification settings. Within no time, you will watch it taking effect.
This bundle includes two bottles of solution, each containing 4.2 ounces of fluid. If you want more, you can also find this unit in packs of four, six, and ten. However, we feel the pack of two offers excellent value and performance.
- A highly effective cleaning solution
- Easy to use
- Great value bundle
- Leaves no residue or aftertaste
- No apparent cons
5. De’Longhi EcoDecalk Descaler
If you want long term solutions for cleaning your coffee maker, the De’Longhi might be an excellent investment. It does cost a bit extra; however, you get an ample amount of solution for catering to the integrity of your machine for an extended period.
It is a fluid-based formula that comes at a 17-ounce bottle, which can last you at least a year or two. The formula itself is eco-friendly and will not harm your machine in any way. Even when it comes to the packaging, the manufacturers used recycled plastic.
The formula is made using lactic acid, which, as you know, one of the fastest cleaning elements that are quite efficient at its job. It also does not leave any aftertaste or odor after you finish cleaning your machine.
All in all, it is an excellent little cleaning solution to protect the quality of your brewing device and extend its lifetime.
- Works fast and efficiently
- Comes with 17 ounces of fluid
- Eco-friendly formula
- Extends the lifetime of the brewing machine
- A bit expensive
5 Best Coffee Maker Cleaner Comparison Table
Title | Item Volume | Unit Count | Brand | Item Weight | Rating |
Descaler | 8 Fluid Ounces | 16.00 Fl Oz | Impresa Products | 1.2 Pounds | |
Brew Rite Coffee Maker Cleaner | 240 Milliliters | 8 Ounce | Brew Rite | 0.5 Pounds | |
Urnex Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine Cleaner | 300 Milliliters | 6 Ounce | Urnex | 0.95 ounces | |
Durgol Swiss Espresso Descaler | 250 Milliliters | 10 Ounce | Durgol | 12 ounces | |
De’Longhi EcoDecalk Descaler | 500 Milliliters | 9 Ounce | De'Longhi | 16.09 Ounces |
Other Methods to Clean Your Coffee Maker
For those who do not want to buy the best cleaner for a coffee maker, there are some other ways to address the issue. These homebrew solutions are great to clean your machine in a jiffy; however, using these methods constantly might not be the best decision.
Basic home products such as vinegar or baking soda can come in handy when you want to clean your coffee maker without running to the store for a cleaning product.
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How to Clean Your Coffee Maker with Vinegar
The first step is to dilute the vinegar with water. Fill up the reservoir of the maker with a solution of fifty percent vinegar and fifty percent water. However, if your coffee maker is severely scaled, you might want to increase the ratio of vinegar as it can help dissolve mineral residue inside the machine.
Then you can turn on the brewer after positioning the filter. After around ten minutes of brewing, you can turn off your device. At this point, the vinegar solution will start soaking the interior of your coffee maker. If you have a very nasty case of scaling, it might take up to 60 minutes to clear away.
Now that the descaling is complete, you can turn on the coffee maker to finish the cycle. Once done, pour out the vinegar and rinse your coffee maker to get rid of any residue.
One main issue with using vinegar is the residual scent and aftertaste. You can fill up the reservoir with water and start another brewing cycle to get rid of it. However, you might have to repeat the water brewing cycle a couple of times to eliminate the smell.
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How to Clean Your Coffee Maker with Salt
Table salt is another efficient cleaning product that you can use to clean your coffee maker. Although it takes a bit more elbow grease, you do not have to worry as much about the after taste. The coffee might feel a bit salty, but you can water cycle your machine a couple of times to get rid of it.
It only requires some elbow grease on your part to execute the job simply. First, you have to disassemble your machine completely. Take a solution of salt and water and soak each component of the coffee maker inside it.
Give it some time and pick out each component and scrub it with a cloth or sponge. A sponge is usually the better choice as it will not scratch any of the components. After you are done scrubbing, you can simply rinse it with warm water. Wait for the parts to dry before you put it back together.
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How to Clean Your Coffee Maker with Baking Soda
Another effective way to clean the coffee maker is to use baking soda. The best thing about this is not only is its easy availability but also that it does not leave any odors. In fact, if your coffee starts to develop foul odors because of the machine, baking soda will eliminate it.
You should start by taking a quarter cup of baking soda and mix it with warm water. Pour the solution in the reservoir and stir it gently with a spoon. Make sure the soda is dissolved entirely before you start the brew cycle. Otherwise, it might clog up your machine.
The rest of the process is quite similar to our vinegar cleaning method. Although baking soda is an abrasive element, it is usually safer than any harsh cleaners that you will find on the market. As a result, it will give you a good performance even when there is mineral residue inside the machine.
After cleaning is done, make sure you rinse the machine well and also get it through one or two water cycle. That way, you will get the best possible performance.
Apart from the three methods mentioned above, there are a few other materials you can use to clean your coffee maker. The steps are usually pretty much the same across all other materials.
Some of the other popular cleaning products to help clean your coffee maker are bleach, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and citric acid.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often do I need to clean my coffee maker?
It typically depends on how often you use your coffee maker. Some people prefer to clean their coffee makers once every week, while others might want to do it once every two months. For coffee pots on the shop that is constantly in use, it is necessary to clean it after every two or three days.
As a home user, if you go through three or four cups of coffee a day, you might have to clean your coffee maker a bit more frequently. However, most users who take around two cups a day can usually get away with cleaning their coffee maker once every three to four months.
- What are the benefits of cleaning my coffee maker?
Regularly cleaning your coffee maker is a good idea if you are a heavy coffee drinker. The major benefits of cleaning your brewing machine are:
- Better lifespan for your machine
- The coffee tastes good
- You do not need to buy new machines
- No bitter or foul taste in your coffee
- Ensures optimal performance from your brewing machine
- Is descaling the same as cleaning a coffee maker?
People often confuse descaling with cleaning when it comes to coffee maker maintenance. However, the two processes are entirely different. Cleaning a coffee maker merely means cleaning it out of old coffee and giving it a fresh look. Descaling, on the other hand, is a more profound process.
As you keep using your coffee maker, oil and minerals start depositing inside it. Descaling involves removing these minerals and restoring the quality of the machine to its factory standard. With regular descaling, the lifespan of your device increases drastically.
Final Words
If you love your coffee fresh and tasty, make sure to treat your coffee maker right. As long as your brewing machine is healthy, you can wake up to a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee each morning to start the day like a champ.
With our best coffee maker cleaner reviews, you should have a decent idea of which cleaning solution will get the job done correctly. Additionally, our tips and guidelines on keeping your unit clean can come in handy if you run out of cleaning solutions.