How to Clean a Coffee Maker

6 Staples of Green Cleaning

Baking Soda

White Vinegar

Borax

Lemon Juice

Washing Soda

Castile Soap

When my mom suggested vinegar, I was surprised.

Vinegar? If you've tried one of the other natural cleaning recipes, you know that it's a key ingredient in most of them.

To think of warm vinegar brewing in place of my favorite morning java was a bit much. I (hesitantly) gave it a try and our coffee maker looks brand new!

I sipped my coffee cautiously this morning, half expecting to taste a hint of vinegar. It tasted better than ever; like an expensive cup from the coffee shop around the corner.

How to Clean a Coffee Maker with Vinegar

1. For my 12 cup coffee machine, I used 6 cups vinegar and 6 cups of water. If you have a different size coffee maker, just mix a solution of 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water.

2. Pour into tank and turn on coffee maker. Let the vinegar solution cycle through the machine.

3. After it is brewed, slowly pour the solution back into the tank. Allow the vinegar and water to cycle through the machine again.

4. Turn off the hot plate and let soak for 10-20 minutes.

5. Pour vinegar solution out. (I poured it down a bathroom drain that easily clogs. See homemade drain cleaner to put that extra water to good use.)

6. Wipe coffee pot clean. For tough stains, use soap and warm water.

7. To rinse out any remaining vinegar, add water to the tank. Turn on coffee maker and let cycle through the machine.

8. Repeat step #7 with fresh water.

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