Most of all use coffee makers daily. This fact alone means you need to know how to clean your coffee pods machine. As you very well know, a coffee maker is the source of motivation and smiles for most people in the morning.
Unfortunately, most people don’t clean them as much as they should. The removable pieces, especially the coffee pots, will be in better condition if you wash them daily. Furthermore, there’s a need to wash the rest of the machine at least once a month.
This is a great tip for maintaining coffee pods machines. Besides, this avoids and stops the build-up of hard water minerals and calcium concentrations. These build-ups can cause your coffee machine to work poorly.
If you have a typical coffee maker, you typically wash the coffee pot. On the other hand, do you wash the reservoir as well? Most likely while creating your morning drink; you probably use a coffee filter. However, you do need to periodically clean it.
Regardless of where you buy your coffee pods, if you don’t clean your coffee machine, you are only short-changing yourself. The truth is you’ll never be able to get full enjoyment from your cup of coffee. Over the course of this blog, we will take a lot at how to clean your coffee pods maker.
Why Cleaning your Coffee Pods Machine is Important
It may have been a while since you thought of cleaning your coffee pods machine. Most likely, because a lot of individuals believe that it doesn't make a huge difference.
In reality, a dirty machine adds contaminants to your coffee. It results in the build-up of oils that leave a bad taste. Furthermore, washing your coffee machine prolongs its lifespan. It also assures the consistency of the coffee you make.
For delicious coffee and the machine's durability, keeping your beloved machine clean is extremely critical! The contrast in taste between a clean and dirty machine is mind-blowing.
Interestingly, it’s good to know how to maintain your coffee pods machine. This is because a clean coffee machine brews reliably superior tasting coffee. Therefore, you will be ensuring the smooth consistency of every coffee brew.
Mineral and limescale build-up can prove harmful to your coffee machine. However, daily cleaning and descaling often increase the life of your capsule machine. Ultimately, this prevents failure or breakdown.
The Effect of Water on your Coffee Pods Machine
Water plays a vital role in cleaning your coffee pod machine. It is responsible for its ultimate lifespan. Rainwater droplets are “soft”; however, it absorbs minerals as it finds its way into the earth.
As it flows through our rivers, it absorbs chalk, limestone, and calcium on its way. In essence, this turns this soft water into "hard" water. Therefore, it's a fact that our beloved coffee machine is no ally to these rough water minerals!
Look inside a kettle after 6-12 months of usage. You’ll see a rough chalky deposit where hard water has evaporated. Ultimately, this is a mineral/limescale build-up.
Accumulating limescale building layers inside your machine will prohibit the movement of water. Eventually, this can contribute to pressure loss, temperature rises, blockages and leakages. This can negatively affect the performance of the coffee pod machine. It also decreases the appliance's efficacy and longevity.
The degree of water hardness depends on a few factors. It can whether you treat your water or whether you have a private source of water. Therefore, it is important to monitor your coffee pods machine and take care of it accordingly.
Descaling is an important part of maintaining your coffee pod machine. The whole process isn’t too different from repairing your vehicle. The method of extracting this mineral deposition from your coffee maker's internal mechanics is referred to as descaling.
Related article: How to Save Money on Coffee with Coffee Pods?
Why you Need to Descale your Coffee Pods Machine Frequently
To ensure the ease of cleaning your coffee pods machine, descaling is important. Many manufacturers now provide notices on the packaging. They announce in the manuals the importance of descaling. In fact, the warranty that comes with the item can become void if descaling is not conducted regularly.
Scaling may affect the efficiency of coffee machines, especially if you use hard water. To measure the water, some coffee machines come with water hardness indicators. Hence, issues that may signify descaling is needed are:
- Decreased flow of water
- Dripping from the spout excessively
- Unusual sounds
- The flow of water completely ceases
- Failure to adequately heat the machine
- Leakages
Some devices will encourage you to descale with vinegar. Alternatively, others recommend that you use a commercially accessible descaler. Some will only suggest an approved product for descaling. Please refer to the manual in both situations for full guidance.
Over time, coffee machines store up reserves of calcium and lime. Knowing how to clean your coffee pods machine properly will prolong your machine. However, you can eliminate these buildups by periodically descaling them.
Excess water in your drip tray can also be handled by a strong descale. Ultimately, enabling maximum pump strength, and thus quality coffee and cream. Keep in mind that the strength of the pump bar ranges from machine to machine.
You can use your machine regularly and guarantee that it still delivers the best taste. You can descale once every three months. This will preserve the integrity of the internal systems of your coffee pods machine.
Additionally, a detailed monthly cleaning may be provided to the brewing chamber. Also, ensure to wash the milk systems regularly. This will prevent the production of bacteria from spoiled milk.
Maintaining your Coffee Pods Machine: What You Need To Do
Another important guide to cleaning your coffee pod machine depends on the type. There are various types of coffee pods machines with unique brewing methods. Each machine requires a slightly different cleaning approach.
This will help you decide on how to clean your coffee pods machine. We will discuss the three main types of coffee machines and how to clean them. The three main coffee machine types are:
- Bean to Cup coffee machines
- Capsule coffee machines
- Traditional espresso machines
How to Clean Bean to Cup Coffee Machines
Bean-to-cup coffee machines process coffee beans on demand and deliver the freshest coffee. These large, pricey coffee machines, though, are perhaps the most time-consuming to look after. Fortunately, most of them come with several indicator lights and signs. This helps you through everyday cleaning, by informing you when it's time to descale.
However, you will need to clean the coffee pods machine's internal sections that brew the espresso. Any used ground coffee can get stuck in the inner workings of the inside. There is usually clarity on the removal of the used coffee grounds in your manual. For this job, some devices come with a brush.
A steam pipe that froths the milk for a latte will come with most bean-to-cup types. However, you have to clean the steam pipe afterwards frequently. Failure to do so will lead to a blockage that will cease the generation of steam.
Often the steam pipe can begin to drip. Regardless, it's very quick to avoid this occurring. Make sure you scrub the exterior of the steam pipe with a wet cloth. Next, pass steam into it for a couple of seconds to flush out the inside. If there are some removable bits, as seen in the instruction manual, take them off and clean them.
Cleaning a Pods/Capsule Coffee Machine
Probably the easiest machines to clean are capsule machines. They're also the most hassle-free way to make a cup of coffee. They are ideal for beginners who are trying to learn how to maintain their coffee pods machines.
You need to use water to periodically flush the capsule machine. This is to ensure that the internal components remain clean. This process also makes descaling easier. A separate milk-frothing accessory can come with capsule machines. An example of this is the milk cartridge which attaches to the machine. These will require more cleaning because, in the internal parts, hardened milk can build up.
Milk deposits can affect the quality of your coffee pods. Furthermore, it can affect the flow of coffee and weaken the integrity of the machine. Ultimately ensure that you wash it thoroughly after each use.
How to Maintain a Traditional Espresso Machine
Traditional espresso machines use ground coffee, which you will apply to the filter basket. This connects to a holder and often has a handle known as the portafilter. To create espresso, you lock the portafilter into the coffee machine.
Traditional espresso machines have a head for the brew. This is where hot water, under pressure, goes into the coffee. You will need to clean and flush this regularly. The filter baskets will also need to be clear for functionality.
This is the spot where you place the coffee on the machine. They can clog up if you use a really fine coffee grind and this occurs frequently. Occasionally, you will even need to unclog the portafilter with a needle or something similar.
It is worth inspecting that both the filter and the portafilter are clear and debris free. Especially if you use a fine ground coffee. For this reason, some coffee machines are supplied with pins. Alternatively, these pins may help to unblock the steam tube.
Any long pin will do the job of helping to clean your coffee pods machine. However, it is also worth noting that there should be no over-tamping of ground coffee. This implies you must not push it too far through the filter basket.
This can impede the flow of water through the filter. Eventually, this can also create a pressure build-up. Ultimately forcing the portafilter to leak water while it is connected to the brew head. You can also clean the machine's steam pipe after use similar to the bean-to-cup types.
Further Steps to Take in Maintaining your Coffee Pods Machine
For most people, they use their coffee machine several times a day. If this is the case, it will wear out quite easily due to the extent of its use. However, it is important to know how to provide adequate maintenance to prevent this from happening.
Besides, a high-quality drink is ensured by a well-maintained coffee machine. In light of that, here are additional tips for maintaining your coffee pods machine. These basic steps may seem simple but can be effective in the long run.
Making Correct Use of the Coffee Machine
Coffee machines wear and deteriorate quite easily. Therefore, it is necessary to operate it properly. Using the correct quantity of water and coffee pods each time is a prime example.
It is safer to overfill the water tank. This is because the pump can pull air into the device and utilize the excess water. Similarly, you may not have added enough coffee to the machine. This can lead to it spinning in a vacuum and serving you a thin beverage.
Ensure to make cleaning your coffee pods machine a habit. A regular check-up significantly reduces the chances of deposits gathering in the machine. Hence, the machine lasts longer.
Examine the Coffee Machine
Another important tip for maintaining your coffee pods machine is to read the user’s manual. You can also take the time to think about the best location to mount your coffee machine. Some people place theirs next to a stove. But certain elements of coffee machines may be affected by the heat from the stove.
When Not in Service, Turn your Machine Off
After a few minutes of inactivity, some coffee machines turn off automatically. Not only does this feature save energy, but it lengthens the lifespan of the device. This lowers the device's extent of usage. Ultimately helping it to operate as though it had just come out of the factory.
Not all coffee machines have this function. Regardless, it is important to manually switch it off while not in operation. Your machine will use less energy when doing this and will remain new for longer.
Ensure you Empty Your Coffee Pot Regularly
Some people leave coffee leftovers in their coffee pot for too long. However, this is unhygienic. It encourages the accumulation of black spots at the bottom of the jug. Eventually, this leaves a grim coating that becomes very impossible to clean.
Always make sure that you clean your coffee pods machine pot after each use. No amount of dirt is too little to ignore. Tiny spots and dirt can lead to bigger problems.
Cleaning via QR Codes
We are living in the 21st century and cleaning your coffee pods machine is easier. Technology has made things more convenient. Therefore, you can try scanning the QR codes on the coffee machine.
This enables you to obtain cleaning guides from your mobile or tablet. This technique is common in workplaces. Thereby, step-by-step screenshot directions on cleaning your coffee machine are available in these guides.
How to Clean Your Traditional Coffee Machine with Vinegar and Water
Usually, whenever you buy coffee pods machines in Canada, it may come with descaler fluid. In case, you do not find descaler liquid around, there is a DIY approach. This DIY approach is not a hundred percent effective. However, in the absence of a descaler liquid, it’s a handy substitute.
Perhaps your coffee maker isn't as clean as you think. Some of the obvious warning signs of a dirty coffee maker are:
- Grimy sludge and mineral accumulation form in your coffee maker and pot eventually
- Producing stains on the pot
- Sticking up of the brewing head
- Production of a bitter-tasting coffee
But there might be even bigger problems when cleaning your coffee machine. You may have to deal with the germs and bacteria you can't see. According to some studies, coffee makers are the fourth most germ-filled place in your house.
Moreover, half of the reservoirs contain bacteria and mould under examination. These microbes can cause allergic reactions or even infections. Therefore your coffee maker may make you sick without adequate cleaning.
The good news is in just a few easy steps, you can learn how to clean a coffee pot to look sparkling and almost) new. Here's how to use just vinegar and water to clean your classic drip-style coffee maker.
What You Need
- Coffee Maker
- Distilled white vinegar
- Water
- Coffee Filter
Stage 1: Mix water and Vinegar
Begin by filling the reservoir with a combination of half white distilled vinegar and half water. Your coffee maker may have an especially nasty case of accumulation. If this is the case, you can increase the ratio of vinegar to the water. The vinegar sanitizes the coffee maker and pot. Besides, it will dissolve any other mineral deposits as well.
Stage 2: The Brew and Soak
In the basket, position a filter and turn the brewer on. Turn the coffee maker off about halfway through brewing. Next, allow the remaining vinegar solution to soak for about 45 minutes. The time may vary depending on how much clogging you need to clear away from the pot
Stage 3: Complete and Clean Cycle
Turn the coffee maker back on and allow the brewing cycle to finish. If there is one, simply remove the paper filter, and pour the vinegar solution out.
You can now flush away the scent and taste of vinegar from the coffee maker. Fill the reservoir with fresh water and place a filter in the basket. Furthermore, turn on the coffee maker and allow the brewing cycle to complete. Remove the filter, pour the water out and repeat for a second cycle with clean water. Use a clean cloth to wipe down your coffee maker and coffee pot.
This procedure can help maintain the quality of your coffee machine. However, it is important to note that not all coffee machines are built the same. Some particularly popular coffee machine brands require a slightly different cleaning style.
How to Clean Your Branded Coffee Pods Machine with Vinegar and Water
That was a useful tip for maintaining your coffee machine. However, your coffee machine may be a branded capsule coffee brewer. These popular brands utilize coffee machines with varying pots and pods. Therefore, your manner of cleaning may be different.
Don't worry; it's not anymore complex to clean your branded coffee maker than a conventional drip-pot version. Just as with a generic coffee maker, your go-to cleaning solution is distilled white vinegar and water.
What You Need
- Branded Coffee Maker
- Washing liquid
- Towel
- Distilled white vinegar
- Water
- Empty mug
Stage 1: Wash the outer surface
This will help maintain the cleanliness of your coffee pods machine. Firstly, give the exterior a good scrub before you begin unclogging or unblocking your coffee machine. Wash the reservoir, drip tray, and the holder and funnel in the dishwasher. Do not put the reservoir lid in the dishwasher.
However, place them in a sink filled with hot water. Further, add some dishwashing liquid detergent. Let them soak for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and dry with towels.
Stage 2: Clean the Interior
Take a clean toothbrush and kindly brush out some stuck coffee grinds in the cupholder. Alternatively, the removable components are washing or soaking.
Next, use a damp cloth while you're in there to remove any accumulation. Complete the job by wiping the exterior and a damp cloth. Soak part of your cloth in white vinegar.
Furthermore, apply it to the affected area and leave it to soak for a few minutes. At this point, you may notice some limescale deposits or white crusty accumulation. Wipe again and before your eyes, the white markings should vanish. Complete the process by re-assembling the branded coffee maker.
Stage 3: Run through Vinegar Solution
Make sure it has no pods in it before you clean the branded coffee maker. Place on the tray a large empty mug. Then, you empty all water from the tank and if you have one and remove the water filter.
Fill the tank with a solution of distilled vinegar and water at a ratio of 1:1. This can be done to the optimum line. Also, turn on your machine and choose the largest cup setting. Allow the vinegar solution to run as many times as it takes through the machine. After each brew, dump the hot liquid from the mug into a sink.
Stage 4: Let the Reservoir Sit and Rinse
For at least 30 minutes, let the branded coffee maker sit. Take the reservoir out and rinse it with water when time is up. This will get rid of any remnants. You may need to rinse it a few times.
Stage 5: Run on Water
To rinse out the vinegar from the device, repeat Stage 1 but with plain water. Again, place on the drip tray an empty mug. Pour water up to the highest fill line into the reservoir.
Use the largest cup setting and allow the water to run. Further, repeat this as many times as it takes for it to empty through the machine. Now you've got a clean machine ready for your next brew in the morning!
Ensure to buy coffee pods machines in Canada with marks of quality. Quality coffee makers will not wear out when you clean them frequently. Now you know how to use water and vinegar to clean your branded coffee maker as well.
However, bear in mind that mineral accumulation can be strong in your coffee maker. Alternatively, the coffee flavour may worsen. If this is the case, replicate the procedure with a descaling solution licensed by the manufacturer. We recommended descaling every 3-6 months for the best outcomes.
FAQs about Cleaning your Coffee Pods Machine
Here are some answers to some commoner questions:
Can I use vinegar to descale my coffee machine?
Vinegar can offer a temporal and swift remedy to descaling your coffee machine. However, it is best to use a descaling solution for the best results.
How can I know if I use hard water or soft water in my home?
Hard water can contribute heavily to scale build-up. However, you can purchase indicator strips to test the hardness of your water.
How often will I have to descale my coffee machine?
You can descale as often as every three months. Moreover, adequate cleaning of your coffee machine after each use minimizes the frequency of descaling
Conclusion
Your coffee machine is an important member of your household. Ensure to treat it right by cleaning it regularly. They can be breeding grounds for bacteria and mould. Ultimately, this can be dangerous to your health if not taken seriously.
Hence, before you buy coffee pods machines in Canada, ensure to have the right cleaning agents. These cleaning agents will prove useful in ensuring the longevity of your coffee machine.
With a clean machine, you should have the best coffee pods. Here at Invigo Coffee, we offer different types of coffee pods in different flavours. Check out our online store today!
Related article: How to Save the Planet When You Recycle Coffee Pods?
