You can listen to a short version of the article. If it's more convenient for you, turn on the podcast.
For many, the morning begins with a cup of coffee. And how tart the American or delicate caramel latte will be depends directly on the condition of the coffee machine. Any such device is a real breeding ground for mold and bacteria. If it is not cleaned regularly, the taste of the drink will change, and you may have health problems. And here it is unlikely to be possible to get rid of a simple flushing of the device under water. Experts told us what mistakes are made most often in the care of coffee makers of different types and how to fix them.
The first tip is to disassemble the coffee machine and clean every part of it. To do this, it is recommended to soak the components of the device in a warm soapy solution for 15 minutes, and then rinse them thoroughly with water.
Mineral particles and other traces of coffee and water often remain on it. If cleaning is postponed for a long time, they harden, so it becomes much more difficult to get rid of them. Therefore, the container must be washed regularly.
Ordinary soda will help to wipe off hard-to-remove stains. And if she fails, experts advise adding a little vinegar. After processing, it is better to turn the container over and leave it on a paper towel until it dries completely.
Absolutely all coffee makers, including espresso machines and capsule devices, must be regularly cleaned of plaque. The descaling procedure will get rid of excess mineral particles and coffee oil, as well as microbes and bacteria that accumulate in the device.
In some cases, special cartridges or cleaning products may be needed. But most often, the device can be treated with a mixture of water with vinegar or a suitable descaling powder. The procedure should be performed at least once a month.
Metal sponges are usually used for everything in the world, but in the case of coffee machines, this is definitely not worth doing. They often have plastic elements that are easy to scratch and spoil. Therefore, it is better to choose soft sponges.
According to experts, even if you use paper filters, you need to clean the surfaces they come into contact with. Water constantly passes through the filter, so that it is covered with coffee oil, lime coating and the same mold. If you do not get rid of them, the coffee machine will cook the drink much longer, and it will be bitter.
The above method is suitable for cleaning: dip the filter in a warm soapy solution for 15 minutes, and then rinse with water.
If you have an espresso machine with a portafilter, first wash it with soap, and then put a towel on the table and tap the filter well on the table. The stuck coffee particles will come out, and the filter will be as good as new again.
Some details can be trusted with this device, but not all. Therefore, you should carefully read the instructions for the coffee machine before putting any parts of it in the dishwasher.
After washing, be sure to let the parts dry completely. If you leave them wet, bacteria will begin to accumulate in the device.