How to Clean a Coffee Machine: Step-by-Step Guide

There's nothing quite like that first cup of coffee in the morning. But if your coffee has started tasting a little bitter, your machine smells musty or you're noticing white mineral deposits around the water tank, it might be time for a clean.

Knowing how to clean a coffee machine properly helps remove coffee oils, leftover grounds and mineral buildup that can affect flavour and performance. The good news is that regular maintenance doesn't need to be complicated.

Whether you use a filter coffee maker, a pod machine or an espresso machine, this guide explains how to clean a coffee machine at home using gentle methods, with one important rule: always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model.

Why Should You Clean Your Coffee Machine?

Coffee machines deal with water, heat and coffee residue every day. Over time, coffee oils can collect around the brewing components, grounds can become trapped in removable parts and minerals from hard water can accumulate inside the machine.

Without regular cleaning, this buildup may affect the taste and smell of your coffee, restrict water flow and make your machine work less efficiently.

Cleaning removes everyday residue, while descaling tackles mineral deposits inside the water system. Both are important, but they aren't the same job.

What You Need to Clean a Coffee Machine Naturally

You probably already have most of the essentials at home:

• Warm water
• A soft, reusable cotton cleaning cloth
• A soft-bristled brush
• A little mild dish wash for suitable removable parts
• A manufacturer-approved coffee machine cleaning solution or descaler, when required

For removable parts that are safe to wash with dish wash, use a gentle option such as MadeKind Natural Dish Wash, following the product label and your machine's care instructions.

Avoid assuming that a general household cleaner is suitable for a coffee machine. Anything that comes into contact with coffee or drinking water must be appropriate for that component and rinsed as directed.

How Often Should You Clean a Coffee Machine?

The ideal cleaning schedule depends on your machine, how often you use it and the hardness of your water.

If you make several coffees every day, you'll probably need to clean removable parts more frequently than someone who uses their machine occasionally. Hard water can also mean more frequent descaling.

How to Clean a Coffee Machine Step by Step

1. Turn Off and Unplug the Machine

Switch off the machine and unplug it before cleaning any accessible components. Allow hot parts to cool completely. For machines that require a powered cleaning or descaling cycle, follow the manufacturer's specific procedure.

2. Empty the Coffee Grounds and Water

Remove used coffee grounds, capsules or pods, and empty the drip tray and used-water container where applicable. Don't leave wet grounds sitting in the machine, as they can contribute to unpleasant smells and stubborn residue.

3. Wash the Removable Parts

Take out the removable basket, filter holder, drip tray and other washable components. Wash them with warm water and suitable dish wash, using a soft cloth or brush to remove coffee oils and residue.

Check whether each part is dishwasher-safe before putting it in the dishwasher.

4. Clean the Water Reservoir

If the water reservoir is removable, empty it and wash it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use a soft cloth to remove any visible residue, then rinse thoroughly.

Avoid using unapproved cleaning products inside the tank. If you notice a persistent musty smell, inspect the reservoir and consult the machine's care guidance before using it again.

5. Clean the Coffee Basket and Filter Area

Coffee oils can accumulate around filter baskets, holders and accessible brewing areas. Wash removable components as directed and use a soft brush to loosen trapped grounds.

For espresso machines, clean the group head, portafilter and other brewing components using the method recommended for your model. Some machines require specialist cleaning tablets or a specific backflushing procedure.

6. Wipe the Machine Exterior

Use a soft, slightly damp cloth to wipe fingerprints, splashes and coffee stains from the exterior. Dry with a clean cloth.

Keep water away from electrical openings, controls and connections. Don't spray household cleaner directly onto the machine.

7. Descale the Coffee Machine

Descaling removes mineral deposits that build up inside the water system. Use a descaler approved for your particular machine and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct amount, cycle and frequency.

Descaling is different from ordinary cleaning: washing the basket won't remove mineral deposits inside the machine.

8. Run Fresh-Water Cycles

After descaling, follow the manufacturer's instructions for flushing the machine with fresh water. Some models require one cycle; others require several.

This step is important for removing any remaining descaling solution before making your next coffee.

9. Dry and Reassemble the Machine

Dry washable components thoroughly, then reassemble everything according to the manufacturer's guidance. Check that the reservoir, drip tray and other parts are correctly positioned before using the machine again.

How to Clean Different Types of Coffee Machines

How to Clean a Filter Coffee Maker

Remove the filter basket and carafe, empty used grounds and wash the washable components. Wipe the warming plate only when it is cool, using a suitable cloth. Descale the machine as recommended by the manufacturer.

How to Clean a Single-Serve Pod Coffee Machine

Remove used pods, empty the drip tray and wash the compatible removable parts. Clean the water reservoir and follow the manufacturer's procedure for descaling. Don't insert brushes or tools into piercing needles or narrow openings unless the instructions specifically permit it.

How to Clean an Espresso Machine

Espresso machines often need more specialised care. Clean the portafilter, basket and accessible brewing components as instructed, and wipe the steam wand after use according to the manufacturer's procedure. Use approved cleaning products for backflushing or internal maintenance where required.

How to Descale a Coffee Machine With Vinegar

White vinegar is sometimes suggested as a homemade descaler, but it isn't suitable for every coffee machine. Its acidity may affect certain internal materials, seals or components, and some manufacturers specifically advise against using it.

Before using vinegar, check your machine's instructions. If vinegar isn't approved, choose a compatible descaler instead. Always follow the specified dilution and rinsing procedure rather than guessing the proportions.

How to Remove Coffee Oil and Stains

Brown coffee stains on a carafe, filter basket or drip tray can usually be tackled with warm water and a suitable mild cleaning method.

Allow removable parts to soak if the manufacturer permits it, then use a soft cloth or brush to loosen residue. Rinse food-contact components thoroughly.

Avoid abrasive scourers, steel wool and harsh cleaning products, especially on glass coatings, plastic components or delicate finishes. For stubborn internal residue, use the machine's recommended cleaning cycle or product.

Common Coffee Machine Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

A few simple mistakes can damage your machine or leave unwanted residue behind.

• Using abrasive scrubbers: These can scratch surfaces and damage coatings.
• Soaking electrical components: Never immerse the main machine in water.
• Using too much cleaning product: Follow the label and machine instructions.
• Skipping the rinse: Residual cleaning or descaling solution can affect coffee flavour.
• Using vinegar without checking: It may be unsuitable for your model.
• Reassembling wet parts: Allow components to dry thoroughly where required.

Never mix cleaning products together, and don't use a general-purpose cleaner inside the water reservoir or brewing system unless the manufacturer explicitly approves it.

How to Keep Your Coffee Machine Cleaner for Longer

A few small habits can make a real difference. Empty used grounds and pods promptly, rinse removable parts regularly, wipe away spills and avoid leaving standing water in components when the manufacturer's instructions recommend emptying them.

Build descaling into your routine based on your machine's maintenance alerts, usage and water hardness.

For the rest of your kitchen, you can explore MadeKind's eco-friendly cleaning products and cleaning refills for everyday household cleaning. Always check product labels to ensure a cleaner is suitable for the intended surface.

For more practical ideas, take a look at our guide to eco-friendly cleaning hacks.

Why Choose Natural Cleaning Products for Your Home?

At MadeKind, we believe that thoughtful everyday choices can make home care feel simpler. Plant-based formulations and refillable packaging can be part of a more considered household cleaning routine.

However, natural doesn't automatically mean suitable for every material or appliance. For coffee machines, the priority is always to use the right product for the component, follow the manufacturer's instructions and rinse thoroughly wherever required.

Conclusion

Learning how to clean a coffee machine is largely about consistency. Remove grounds promptly, wash suitable removable parts, wipe away spills and descale when your machine needs it.

Use gentle cleaning tools, avoid unapproved products and always follow the instructions for your model. With a little regular care, you can help keep your machine in good condition and enjoy a fresher-tasting cup of coffee.

At MadeKind, we believe small, thoughtful choices can make everyday home care easier - one routine at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions