How to Clean Coffee Maker with Vinegar (6 Easy Steps)

You love your coffee in the morning, but your coffee maker might be hiding something dirty. That old taste or strange smell is often from old coffee oils and mineral build-up. I was shocked when I cleaned my coffee maker with vinegar for the first time.

The coffee tasted fresh again like a new machine. It made a big difference. In this article, you will learn exactly how to clean coffee maker with vinegar using simple things at home. This method is cheap, fast, and works really well for beginners.

Gather Everything You Need for the Cleaning

Before you start cleaning your coffee maker with vinegar, it is important to get everything ready. Having all the things in one place makes the cleaning easier and faster. You do not want to go looking for stuff while your machine is full of hot vinegar water. You might already have most of the items at home, and if not, they are very cheap to buy.

The first thing you need is white vinegar. This is the hero of this cleaning process. It is not just used for food but also for cleaning. Vinegar kills germs and breaks down the hard water build-up inside the coffee maker. You should use plain white vinegar, not apple cider vinegar or other types. White vinegar is best for cleaning and does not leave behind any color or smell if rinsed properly.

Next, you need fresh water. You will need this for mixing with vinegar and also for rinsing the coffee maker after the cleaning. Clean, cold tap water is fine.

You also need a soft sponge or cloth to wipe the outside and removable parts of the coffee maker. Do not use a metal scrubber because it can scratch the surface. A soft sponge is perfect for this job.

A dish soap will also help. You only need a small drop to wash the coffee pot and any other parts that can be removed. Choose a mild one that does not leave a strong smell.

You may also want to use an old toothbrush. This helps reach the small parts, like the coffee basket or areas around the lid. A brush can clean these places better than a sponge.

Make sure your coffee maker is unplugged before you start. Safety always comes first.

Put a trash bin or empty sink nearby. You will need to throw away the used vinegar water after the cycle.

A clean towel will also be helpful. You can place it on the counter to rest the parts on while drying. Or use it to wipe up spills.

If your coffee maker has a reusable filter, take it out and clean it too. If it uses paper filters, make sure to remove and throw them away.

• White vinegar (plain, not flavored)
• Cold fresh water
• Soft sponge or clean cloth
• Mild dish soap
• Old toothbrush (optional)
• Trash bin or sink
• Clean towel or drying rack
• Unplugged coffee maker
• Remove any used coffee filters

Now that you have everything ready, it is time to move to the next part and actually clean the machine.

Fill Your Coffee Maker with Vinegar and Water Mix

Now that you have everything ready, it’s time to start the cleaning. First, you need to make a mix of vinegar and water. This mixture will go inside your coffee maker and clean all the hidden dirt inside it.

To make this mix, use half vinegar and half water. That means if your coffee maker holds 12 cups, pour 6 cups of white vinegar and 6 cups of fresh water. Mix it right inside the water tank of your coffee maker. If you do not know how many cups it holds, check the markings on the side or inside the tank.

Make sure you do not add coffee or a filter right now. This is just for cleaning.

Once your vinegar and water mix is in the tank, place the empty coffee pot on the warming plate like you usually do. This will collect the liquid when the machine runs.

Now turn on the coffee maker. Let it start a full brew cycle. Just like you are making coffee, but you are only using vinegar and water. Let it run until half the water has dripped into the pot. Then, turn off the coffee maker and let it sit for 30 to 45 minutes. This break gives the vinegar time to work inside and break down all the hard deposits.

After the waiting time, turn the coffee maker back on and let the rest of the mix run through completely.

When the full cycle is done, your coffee pot will be full of hot vinegar water. Do not drink this. Pour it down the sink carefully.

This mix not only cleans the inside but also removes any smell that builds up over time. If your coffee has started to smell weird or taste bitter, this will fix it.

Once this part is done, you’re ready for the rinsing part. But before that, here’s a short recap of what we just did:

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and water
• Pour the mix into the water tank
• Do not add coffee or filter
• Start the brew cycle and let half run
• Turn off and let sit for 30 to 45 minutes
• Start again and finish the cycle
• Throw away the used vinegar water

Rinse Your Coffee Maker to Remove Vinegar Smell

After using the vinegar and water mix to clean your coffee maker, now it is time to rinse everything out. This step is very important because you do not want your next cup of coffee to taste like vinegar. Vinegar is great for cleaning, but not for drinking.

First, pour clean, fresh water into the water tank. Do not add vinegar this time. You only want water for this part. Fill it to the top just like you did before.

Put the empty coffee pot back in place. Then start the coffee maker and let the full cycle run. The water will go through all the parts of the machine, removing the vinegar from inside.

After this cycle is done, pour the water out. You might still smell a little vinegar. That’s normal.

To be sure all the vinegar is gone, you should rinse your coffee maker at least two times. So fill the tank again with clean water and run a second full brew cycle. If your coffee maker is very old or hasn’t been cleaned in a long time, you can even do a third cycle.

After the last rinse cycle, let your coffee maker cool down a bit. Then open the top lid and remove the brew basket. If your machine has a reusable filter, take that out too.

Wash these parts in the sink with warm water and dish soap. Rinse well to remove any vinegar or soap smell. Use your sponge or toothbrush to scrub corners and small holes.

Wipe the outside of the coffee maker too. Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the buttons, handle, and water tank area.

Once everything is clean and rinsed, leave the lid and water tank open for a few hours. This lets the inside air out. You can also dry it with a towel if you need it right away.

By doing this step, you make sure your next coffee tastes perfect.

• Fill tank with clean water only
• Run a full brew cycle
• Empty pot and repeat the cycle at least twice
• Wash removable parts with soap and rinse
• Wipe outside of machine
• Let everything air dry before next use

Wash and Scrub Removable Parts

Cleaning the inside is important, but don’t forget the removable parts of your coffee maker. These parts touch the coffee every day and can hold leftover coffee oils, stains, and even mold if not cleaned well.

Start by unplugging the coffee maker again if it is not already. Take out all parts that can be removed. This usually includes the coffee pot (carafe), brew basket, and any reusable filter.

Take these parts to your sink. Fill the sink with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Place the parts in the soapy water and let them soak for about 10 to 15 minutes.

While soaking, the warm water and soap will loosen old coffee stains and any greasy feeling. After soaking, use your sponge to gently scrub each part. If there are stubborn stains, you can use an old toothbrush to get in the small spaces.

Pay extra attention to corners, the lid of the carafe, and the handle. These places can hold old coffee oil and get sticky over time.

If your pot has hard water stains or cloudy spots, you can dip your sponge in some vinegar and scrub them off. It will make the glass shine again.

After scrubbing, rinse each part under clean water until all the soap is gone. Soap left behind can give a bad taste to your next coffee, so rinse well.

Use a clean towel to dry each piece or place them on a drying rack to air dry. Make sure everything is completely dry before you put them back into the coffee maker.

This simple washing helps stop the spread of bacteria and keeps your coffee fresh.

• Unplug the machine and remove all loose parts
• Soak parts in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes
• Scrub with sponge or toothbrush
• Use vinegar to remove stains if needed
• Rinse very well to remove all soap
• Dry with towel or air dry fully

Clean the Outside and Hidden Areas

Now that the inside and parts are clean, it is time to clean the outside. Many people forget this part, but the outside gets dirty too. Dust, coffee spills, fingerprints, and more can stick to it. Cleaning the outside makes the machine look nice and helps it last longer.

Use a soft damp cloth. Do not use a very wet cloth or pour water directly on the coffee maker. That can damage the machine or cause electric problems.

Wipe down all areas. Start with the top and lid. Open it and clean around the edges and the place where you pour water. This area can get dusty or sticky from spills.

Then, wipe the front and sides of the machine. Be gentle around buttons or screen if your machine has them. A little dish soap on the cloth can help remove sticky spots. After that, wipe again with a clean cloth to remove any soap.

Check under the machine too. You might find coffee grounds or dust under there. Lift it carefully and wipe the bottom if needed.

The warming plate also needs a quick clean. Make sure it is cool first. Use your damp cloth to wipe it gently. If there are burnt coffee marks, dip your cloth in a little vinegar to help remove them.

If your machine has small holes or vents, use a dry toothbrush to brush out the dust. Do not use water on these parts.

Keep everything dry to stop mold and rust from forming.

• Use a damp cloth, not wet
• Wipe top, lid, water tank area
• Clean front, buttons, and sides
• Gently clean the warming plate
• Use toothbrush for vents and small holes
• Wipe under the machine if needed
• Keep everything dry

Put It All Back Together and Brew Test Water

After all the parts are clean and dry, it is time to put everything back. This part is easy but very important. Make sure you do it right so the machine works well and stays clean.

Start by placing the brew basket back inside. Then, put in the reusable filter if you use one. If you use paper filters, keep it empty for now.

Place the clean coffee pot on the warming plate. Check that the lid is closed and everything fits well.

Now you need to do a final water-only brew cycle. This last step makes sure there is no soap or vinegar left anywhere. It is like a test run to check that everything is clean and ready.

Fill the water tank with fresh water. Start the machine and let it run the full brew cycle. When it’s done, pour the water out.

Smell the coffee pot and machine. It should smell clean with no vinegar or soap left. If you still smell something odd, run one more cycle with clean water.

After this, your coffee maker is fully cleaned and ready for use.

Do not forget to do this cleaning once a month. If you use the machine daily or have hard water, do it every two weeks.

• Put all dry parts back in place
• Run one last full water cycle
• Pour out water and check smell
• Run again if needed
• Clean monthly or every two weeks

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your coffee maker with vinegar is simple and makes a big difference. I remember the first time I did it — my coffee tasted fresh and smooth again. You only need vinegar, water, and a little time to bring your machine back to life. Do it once a month to enjoy better coffee and keep your machine working longer. Now you know the full process, from start to finish, even if you’re a beginner. Your morning coffee will taste so much better now.

Task	What You Need	How Often	Time Needed	Special Tip
Vinegar Mix Brew	White vinegar + water	Monthly	45-60 minutes	Let sit halfway to clean deeper
Rinse Cycle	Fresh water	Every clean	30 minutes	Run 2-3 times to remove vinegar smell
Wash Parts	Dish soap, sponge	Weekly	15 minutes	Soak first for easier scrubbing
Wipe Outside	Damp cloth	Weekly	10 minutes	Use toothbrush for tiny spots
Drying Time	Clean towel or air	Every clean	1-2 hours	Leave lid open to air dry
Final Test Brew	Water only	After full clean	10 minutes	Checks for leftover smell

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to clean a coffee maker with vinegar?

Yes, it is very safe to clean a coffee maker with vinegar. White vinegar is natural and does not harm your machine. It removes hard water deposits, kills germs, and clears coffee oil build-up inside. If you rinse the machine well after cleaning, there will be no vinegar smell or taste left. Many people use vinegar because it works well and is cheaper than special cleaning products. Just follow the steps and do a test brew with clean water after cleaning.

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?

You can use apple cider vinegar, but it is not the best choice. Apple cider vinegar has a strong smell and color. It may leave a taste or smell behind, even after rinsing. White vinegar is colorless and works better for cleaning. It is also cheaper and easier to rinse out. If you only have apple cider vinegar, use it with more water and rinse your machine extra well afterward.

Do I need to clean my coffee maker often?

Yes, you should clean your coffee maker regularly. If you use it every day, clean it at least once a month with vinegar. If you have hard water or make coffee many times a day, clean it every two weeks. Daily or weekly, wash the coffee pot and removable parts with soapy water. Cleaning helps your machine last longer and keeps your coffee tasting fresh.

Is it okay to run vinegar through the machine more than once?

Yes, running vinegar through the machine more than once is okay, especially if your machine is very dirty. Some coffee makers that have never been cleaned may need two vinegar cycles to fully clean inside. Just make sure to rinse well with plain water afterward. If the machine still smells bad, it means another round of vinegar cleaning might be needed.

Can I mix lemon juice with vinegar for cleaning?

It is possible, but not needed. Vinegar alone is strong enough to clean your coffee maker. Lemon juice also has acid and a fresh smell, but it might clog or make cleaning harder if not filtered well. If you want a fresh smell, you can rinse with lemon water after the vinegar clean. But for most people, vinegar and water are the best and easiest method.

Do I need to use a filter during cleaning?

No, do not use a coffee filter when cleaning with vinegar. The filter is not needed because there is no coffee. Leave the basket empty so the vinegar and water can flow through freely. After cleaning, wash the basket and put your filter back before making coffee again. This helps the cleaning go smoother and reach all parts.

Is it better to use store-bought cleaner or vinegar?

Vinegar is better for most people because it is cheap, easy to find, and works well. Store-bought cleaners can work too, but they cost more and may have strong chemicals. If you rinse properly, vinegar is just as effective and safer. Many coffee brands even recommend vinegar for cleaning in their manuals. So unless your machine requires special cleaner, vinegar is a great choice.

Can I use vinegar to clean other parts of the coffee station?

Yes, you can use vinegar to clean other coffee tools like grinders, spoons, and containers. Just mix vinegar and water, soak the item, then rinse well. But do not pour vinegar into electric grinders or machines not meant for liquids. Always read the product manual first. Vinegar is good for removing smells and stains from many kitchen tools, not just coffee makers.