How to clean coffee machines: Clean coffee machines ‘regularly’ to remove ‘bacteria’

May 24, 2024

Coffee machine ownership has surged in recent years as they’ve become more affordable and accessible.

Coffee drinkers don’t need to go out and buy their morning latte but can now enjoy the drinks in the comfort of their homes.

According to Pearl Lemon Cafe, a whopping 39 percent of Britons own a coffee machine.

While coffee machines are easy to use and convenient, they’re not the easiest appliance to clean.

Home appliance experts at Beko, the UK’s number one best-selling home appliance brand have suggested that coffee machines need cleaning once a month.

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Some experts suggest cleaning coffee machines every three to six months while others suggest doing it after every 200 shots of coffee.

However, how often the machine needs cleaning will also depend on the hardness of the water in the area.

With this in mind, Shalika Hooda, marketing manager at Beko, shared why it’s important to clean coffee machines regularly.

She said: “Over time, residue coffee oils will build up in your machine. If you are not cleaning your appliance regularly, this can lead to blockages and bitter-tasting coffee.

“Cleaning your machine will also maintain its performance, helping to extend the lifespan of your appliance. It will also remove any bacteria that can thrive in warm environments.

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“If you are using a machine with an integrated milk steam nozzle, it’s important to clean this after every use.

“Leaving the steam nozzle uncleaned after use will result in the milk proteins drying around the nozzle and causing a build-up of bacteria.”

Coffee machines can be cleaned using commercial cleaning solutions or using a DIY cleaner made of water and white vinegar which can be bought from local supermarkets for as little as 99p.

Fill the reservoir of the coffee machine halfway with white vinegar and then top it off with water.

Next, turn the coffee machine on and start running the white vinegar mixture through the machine. Ensure there is a large mug at the end of the machine to catch the mixture and any limescale and debris.

Halfway through the reservoir, turn the machine off and let it sit for around 30 to 60 minutes.

Then, turn the machine back on and allow it to complete its brewing cycle. Once finished, fill the reservoir with fresh water and complete another cycle.

Once clean and vinegar-free, the machine should be fine to use.