Coffee makers have a challenging work – summoning other work zombies back to life by serving several cups. However, the person who cleans the maker has a more challenging job. So here we are with a new article on how to clean a coffee maker with bleach.
Note however that bleach has several hazardous effects on machines. This article is a general awareness more than a recommendation.
Why do you need to clean these devices?
There are so many days when you use the device more than once. But have you thought of cleansing the device at least once a day? If you think why it is important, then here is statistical data for you:
In 2011, according to a study by NSF international, yeast and molds were found growing in more than half of all brewing machines. They also stated that the germs’ growth is more than what is present on your toilet seat and bathroom door handle.
Can You Cleanse the Devices with the Help of Bleach?
Bleach has a hazardous effect on a device, but there are certain places where you can use bleach to cleanse it. You can clean the coffee maker with bleach but only the outer body of the machine and the carafe. You must wear gloves and a mask while working with this harmful reagent.
Since ingesting bleach can cause serious health issues, keep it away from the maker’s inner areas.
How to Do This?
Though bleach has a sanitizing property, cleaning a coffee maker with bleach is not safe. Rinse your hands properly after using it.
Here are few instructions on how to clean a coffee maker with bleach:
- Step 1: Never directly apply bleach on a machine. Mix two spoons of the reagent into one cup of water and only then apply.
- Step 2: Don’t allow the mix to rest in the pot for long. Wait for the solution to cool down before touching it.
- Step 3: Rinse the device with clear water at least 5 times after applying the compound.
- Step 4: Let the wet parts of the machine dry off before you reuse it.
Safer Alternatives for Cleaning
Since bleach is not the recommended method, here are some safe and effective alternatives for cleansing devices and the stepwise methods of them:
How to Clean a Brewing Machine with Vinegar?
White vinegar is a natural cleaner and safer than bleach in a coffee maker. Vinegar cleanses the device and breaks down the sediment and calcium buildup on the walls of the maker.
- Step 1: Take equal proportions of water and vinegar.
- Step 2: Fill the reservoir with the entire solution and let it rest.
- Step 3: Now rinse the entire machine with clear water.
- Step 4: Continue washing the instrument till the smell of vinegar is gone.
How to Clean Them with Lemon?
Lemon is another safer alternative than cleaning a coffee pot with bleach. Lemon has an acidic property that helps in cleaning.
- Step 1: Squeeze out the lemon juice and add a little salt to it.
- Step 2: Apply the mixture to the specific parts of the machine.
- Step 3: Wash those areas and then wipe them off to dry.
How to Clean a Coffee Maker with Baking Soda?
Baking soda is an easily available reagent. It also acts as a cleansing agent. Effective and cheaper than any other reagent.
- Step 1: Mix one cup of water with one-quarter cup of baking soda and add it into the reservoir.
- Step 2: Run a full brewing cycle to allow the breaking down of the mineral deposits.
- Step 3: Rinse the brewing cycle with plain water to remove the baking soda.
Some Other Options:
In addition to how to clean a coffee pot with bleach, baking soda, lemon, and vinegar, here are some popular coffee maker cleaner:
- Affresh Coffee Maker Cleaner: They are in tablet form. Drop them into the reservoir along with water.
- Brew Rite Coffee Maker Cleaner: Non-acidic cleaners are among the top-rated brands for cleaning the toughest coffee stains and residue inside the maker.
- Urnex Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine Cleaner: It is a safe and effective cleaner against tough coffee stains, and it does not have any after taste or smell.
Things to Keep Your Coffee Maker in a Good Condition
The cleaning of your device depends on how often you use it throughout the day. Besides the fact about how to clean a coffee maker with bleach, here are some more tips for your device:
- After every use: Throw out the used filter paper, dump the residue, and let the machine to dry after washing.
- Every day: Wash all the detachable components with warm water and using liquid. Dry the wipe the parts after washing.
- Every month: Clean and decalcify thoroughly every intricate component using natural agents or cleaners. Wash and let them dry.
Conclusion
By the end of this article, we hope you have more understanding of how to clean a coffee maker with bleach and its hazardous effects. We generally don’t recommend using bleach, but then there is no major harm in it if you can carefully use it. Let us know how it went for you in the comments!