cleaning coffee makers

Former Member

Any tips? We have some old as sin industrial looking coffee maker at work. I doubt it has ever been cleaned and anything that comes out of it tastes like sweaty ass that has been sitting in mud and farts. I know we don't get the best coffee but I know it isn't as gross as the way it tastes at work.

Any tips on how to give it a good ol cleaning? I looked at it today and can't figure out if it can be taken apart and I'd prefer not do to that anyhow or we would end up with no coffee at work. Perhaps if you just pour something in where the water goes? But what... :chin:

Though I doubt anything less powerful than some industrial strength melts metal cleaner would work

Former Member

It looks exactly like this one (but grosser) It might be that one they look so similar

http://static.squidoo.com/resize/squidoo_images/-1/draft_lens4979372module36777672photo_12436890144cof.jpg

I know the best option is to break it but they won't even buy us paper plates and cutlery so we'd be left with nothing. I'm surprised we are allowed pens and aren't told to write in our own blood.

Former Member

You can buy special coffee maker cleaner which you run through the system as if you were making coffee

Former Member

What Kangy said. No need for a step-by-step guide.

Or you can do it with distilled (white) vinegar.

Former Member

I'll try vinegar, thanks! Not spending my own money on coffee cleaner

Former Member

White/distilled vinegar, sometimes called spirit. Don't use the brown/malt stuff coz it stains.

Former Member

Oh Rubberskin, you are always so good with tips like this. Thank you very much! I found some vinegar at work and did that. I had drinkable coffee at work for the first time since I've started over 2 years ago.

Former Member

Hurrah ! Well do it every 3/4 weeks to keep it clean. Distilled vinegar is also brill at keeping your washing machine clean

Former Member

Yeah, I run vinegar through my espresso maker. It also works in kettles too because you're targeting the same type of material - limescale. Once done with the vinegar, you must run water through the maker, say 4 times, so that you don't get vinegar-tasting coffee :-)