Everyone loves to have a delicious cup of coffee in the morning, but when is the last time you cleaned your coffee maker?

The coffee maker often gets overlooking during cleaning, but a 2011 study by NSF found that many coffee makers had mold and yeast growing in their reservoirs. In fact, coffee makers had higher germ counts than some areas in the bathroom, having said that, if you haven’t cleaned your coffee maker recently, it’s time to give it some attention.

Follow these simple steps to keep your coffee maker clean and germ free.

Clean Your Traditional Coffee Maker Daily

This doesn’t have to be a deep clean, but you should wash your coffee pot, lid, and filter basket every day to remove oil, grinds, and coffee. Warm, sudsy water and a clean sponge will do the trick. Germs love moisture, so after you’re done cleaning, leave the reservoir lid open to dry it out.

Clean Your Coffee Maker With Vinegar Once a Month

Have you noticed that your coffee is taking longer and longer to drip? Hard water minerals can build up over time and have a negative impact on the inside of your coffee machine, and you will begin to notice the results. To take care of the problem, you will need decalcify your machine. The magic ingredient? White vinegar.

• Fill your coffee machine’s reservoir with equal parts vinegar and water, and put a paper filter in the basket.
• Brew until half of the chamber is empty.
• Turn off your coffee maker and let it sit for 30 minutes.
• Finish brewing.
• Rinse your machine using a pot of clear water and a new paper filter. Repeat.

Cleaning Your Pod-Based Machine

Pod-based machines like Keurigs can get just as dirty and germ-filled as traditional coffee makers. Debris can find its way into all of the nooks and crannies, potentially clogging the system and causing your machine to stop working.

After unplugging your machine, wash any removable parts in warm, soapy water. Wipe down your machine and return dry, clean parts. The same water and vinegar solution can be used for pod coffee systems.

To help reduce buildup in a pod-based machine, use bottled water instead of tap water,

Find Your Perfect Office Coffee

Looking for delicious coffee options for your office break room? Contact Coffee Mill today or explore our break room services.