7 Steps to Clean Coffee Maker with Vinegar and Baking Soda

Do you notice your coffee tastes strange or not as fresh lately? That happened to me too. One day, my morning coffee had a weird taste, and I knew something was wrong. After a little digging, I found the perfect answer — clean the coffee maker using vinegar and baking soda. It's cheap, easy, and works like magic. In this article, I'll show you how to clean your coffee maker with vinegar and baking soda, step-by-step, using things you already have at home. Your next cup of coffee will taste just like the first one.

Unplug and Empty Your Coffee Maker

Before doing anything, make sure your coffee maker is safe to clean. First, unplug it from the wall. Never clean your coffee maker while it is still plugged in because that can be dangerous. Safety should always come first, even for small jobs like this. Once it is unplugged, wait a few minutes if it was just used. Let it cool down completely so you don't burn your hands.

Now, take out any parts that can be removed. This usually includes the coffee pot (carafe), filter basket, and maybe the water reservoir if it is removable. Throw away any old coffee grounds or leftover water sitting inside. If you leave those inside while cleaning, the process won't work properly.

Rinse the carafe and the filter basket under warm running water. Don't use any soap yet, just rinse out all the leftover coffee. If you notice brown stains or dried coffee in the pot or around the filter basket, that's totally normal. That is what we are about to clean up.

Look inside the machine. You might see white spots (mineral build-up) or brown rings from coffee. These marks are the reason your coffee doesn’t taste fresh anymore. Also, if you smell something sour or stale inside the machine, it’s another sign that your coffee maker badly needs cleaning.

Don't forget to check the outside of your coffee maker. Sometimes coffee spills or water drops dry up and leave marks. Wipe down the outside with a soft damp cloth. Keep it simple and gentle, especially if your coffee maker has buttons or a screen.

Cleaning your coffee maker should not start until everything is cool, unplugged, and ready. This first part may feel small, but it’s important. A clean start makes the rest of the process go smoothly. Always begin with a fresh and safe setup before deep cleaning.

• Unplug the coffee maker for safety
• Let it cool before touching
• Remove all parts like carafe and basket
• Throw away old coffee and rinse parts
• Wipe the outside with a damp cloth

Mix Vinegar Solution and Fill the Water Tank

Now it's time to prepare the vinegar solution. Vinegar is great because it breaks down all the hard water build-up and kills bacteria too. You don't need to buy anything special. Just use white distilled vinegar from your kitchen. It's cheap and works very well.

In a measuring cup or bowl, mix one part white vinegar with one part clean water. So if your water tank holds 10 cups, mix 5 cups of vinegar with 5 cups of water. Stir the mixture gently so it blends well.

Next, open the lid on your coffee maker and pour the vinegar-water solution into the water tank. Fill it all the way up or at least to the normal max level you usually use when brewing coffee. This solution will clean all the inside parts where water flows.

Make sure there are no coffee grounds in the basket. You can leave the basket empty or put a paper filter in it. The filter will catch any loose particles or dirt that gets washed out during cleaning.

Why does this work? Vinegar has acid in it that breaks down limescale and coffee oil build-up. Over time, those things clog your machine and change how your coffee tastes. This mix reaches deep inside, where you can't scrub by hand.

If you are sensitive to strong smells, open a window or turn on a fan. Vinegar has a strong odor, but it will go away after the cleaning is done. The benefits are worth it.

Once your coffee maker is filled with the vinegar-water solution, you are ready to begin the cleaning cycle. This is when your machine starts to clean itself from the inside out.

• Use white vinegar from your kitchen
• Mix vinegar and water 1:1 ratio
• Pour mix into the water tank
• Place empty basket or paper filter
• Open window if vinegar smell is strong

Run Half Brew Cycle and Pause

Now that the vinegar solution is inside the machine, it's time to let it do its job. This part is very important because it lets the vinegar clean the inside of the coffee maker slowly and deeply.

Start a brew cycle just like you would when making coffee, but do not let it run all the way. Let it brew only halfway. When about half of the solution has passed through into the coffee pot, press the stop button or turn the machine off.

Why stop halfway? Because we want the vinegar to sit inside the machine's inner pipes and tubes. This pause lets the vinegar soak all the gunk and buildup inside. Think of it like soaking a dirty pan. Letting the mix sit for about 30 minutes makes it much more effective.

If your machine does not have a stop button, you can simply unplug it once it gets halfway through the brewing cycle. Just be careful, as it may be hot. Let the machine sit still with the vinegar inside it.

While waiting, you can wipe down other parts of the machine again. The outside, the warming plate, or any hidden corners can be gently cleaned with a soft cloth dipped in the vinegar-water mix. Don't use strong scrubbing or soap.

After 30 minutes, turn the machine back on or plug it back in and allow it to finish the rest of the brewing cycle. Now the vinegar has gone through all the parts and ended up in the coffee pot. You may notice brown bits or cloudy water — that's all the old build-up coming out.

Throw away the dirty water from the coffee pot and remove the filter if you used one. Now your coffee maker has gone through its deep vinegar cleaning cycle.

• Brew only half the vinegar solution
• Pause the machine for 30 minutes
• Let vinegar soak inside tubes and pipes
• Wipe outside parts while waiting
• Finish brew after pause, then discard liquid

Rinse by Running Fresh Water Twice

After using vinegar, your machine needs a good rinse. You don't want the next cup of coffee to taste like vinegar. So this part is all about rinsing your coffee maker well with clean water.

First, fill the water tank again, but this time use only plain cold water — no vinegar, no soap. Just clean water from your tap or bottle. Fill it to the top just like you did before.

Start a full brewing cycle with just water. Let the water run all the way through the machine into the coffee pot. You might still smell a little vinegar during this cycle, but that's okay. It's getting better with each rinse.

Once the water has passed through, pour it out. Don't drink it, as it may still have some leftover vinegar. Now repeat the same process again. Fill the tank with clean water and run a second full brew cycle.

This second rinse is very important. It makes sure that all the vinegar smell and taste are completely gone. If you want to be extra sure, you can run a third cycle, but usually two is enough.

You can also smell the inside of the machine or check the taste of the water in the pot after rinsing. If it still smells like vinegar, go for one more rinse. A clean smell means your coffee maker is now fresh and ready to use.

• Fill water tank with clean cold water
• Run full cycle without vinegar
• Discard water after brewing
• Repeat water rinse at least one more time
• Check smell or taste if needed

Scrub with Baking Soda for Extra Cleaning

Sometimes vinegar is not enough to clean everything. If you still see brown stains or smell something off, baking soda can help. Baking soda is gentle, safe, and great for removing stains and smells.

To start, mix about 1/4 cup of baking soda with warm water in a small bowl. Stir it to make a paste, not too thick and not too runny. If you want to use it for rinsing, dissolve 1/4 cup baking soda in a full tank of water instead.

Use the baking soda paste with a soft sponge or brush. Gently scrub inside the coffee pot (carafe), the filter basket, and any other removable parts. You'll be surprised how easily the brown stains come off. Baking soda works like a soft cleaner that won't scratch surfaces.

You can also use this paste to clean the warming plate and any outside parts that have old coffee marks. Just make sure to wipe everything clean with a wet cloth after scrubbing.

If your coffee maker still has a strong smell inside, you can run a quick brew cycle using the baking soda solution in the water tank. Make sure there are no coffee grounds or filters. Run one full cycle, then rinse with clean water once or twice.

Baking soda is also great for removing oily smells or sticky build-up. Some people even clean their coffee machine every week with just a baking soda rinse to keep it fresh.

• Make baking soda paste or water solution
• Scrub carafe and parts with paste
• Clean warming plate and outer body
• Run cycle with baking soda water if needed
• Rinse again with plain water

Dry and Reassemble Your Coffee Maker

After cleaning and rinsing, it's time to dry your coffee maker. This part is simple but still important. You don't want mold or smells coming back because of leftover moisture.

Start by drying all the removable parts with a soft, clean towel. Wipe the coffee pot, the filter basket, and any other pieces you took out. Leave them out in the open air for a while so they can air-dry completely.

Open the lid of the water tank and leave it open for some time. This helps the inside of the machine dry too. Don't close it right away after rinsing. Trapped moisture can create bad smells and bacteria.

If your machine has hard-to-reach corners, use a dry soft cloth or paper towel to gently dry those parts. Some people even use a hair dryer on the cool setting to help dry inside spots. But make sure not to damage any wires or buttons.

Once everything is fully dry, start putting the machine back together. Place the basket back in its place, close the lid, and return the coffee pot. Make sure every part fits right and nothing feels loose.

Now your coffee maker looks clean, smells fresh, and is ready to make delicious coffee again. Doing this once a month keeps your coffee tasting great every day.

• Dry all removable parts with towel
• Let parts air-dry fully before reassembling
• Keep lid open to air dry inside
• Use cloth or paper towel for hard spots
• Reassemble parts once completely dry

Test Brew and Enjoy Fresh Coffee

Now the fun part — test your clean coffee maker. Fill the water tank with fresh water and add some of your favorite coffee grounds to the basket. Brew a cup of coffee like you normally would.

As the machine starts brewing, you might notice it sounds smoother or faster. That's because the inside is now clean and free from build-up. The water flows better, and your coffee will taste fresher and stronger.

When the coffee is ready, pour yourself a cup and take a sip. You should taste a big difference — no bitterness, no strange aftertaste. Just clean, rich coffee the way it should be.

You can even smell the difference. A clean machine brings out the full flavor of your coffee. You don't need fancy beans to enjoy good coffee — just a clean machine.

Now that you know how to clean your coffee maker with vinegar and baking soda, you can do this every few weeks. It takes a little time, but it keeps your machine working longer and your coffee tasting better.

• Brew a fresh cup after cleaning
• Notice better taste and smell
• Coffee brews faster and smoother
• Repeat cleaning every few weeks
• Enjoy clean, rich coffee anytime

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your coffee maker with vinegar and baking soda is simple, cheap, and very effective. You don't need fancy tools or strong chemicals. Just things from your kitchen. When your coffee starts tasting bitter or strange, it’s time to clean it. Doing this every few weeks keeps your coffee fresh and your machine working like new. Clean machine, better mornings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to use vinegar in my coffee maker?

Yes, it is safe to use white vinegar in your coffee maker. Vinegar is a natural and non-toxic cleaner that breaks down hard water minerals and coffee oil build-up. It won’t harm your machine when used in the right amount. Just make sure to rinse your machine well with plain water after using vinegar. This will remove the smell and taste. Many people use vinegar regularly to keep their coffee makers clean. It's much safer and cheaper than using strong chemicals.

Can I use baking soda instead of vinegar?

You can use baking soda, but it works a little differently. Baking soda is better for scrubbing and removing stains, while vinegar is better for removing mineral build-up inside the machine. If your coffee maker mostly has stains or smells, baking soda is great. If it has limescale or runs slowly, vinegar is the better choice. You can even use both together — just not at the same time. Use vinegar first, then baking soda to finish up.

Do I need to clean my coffee maker often?

Yes, you should clean your coffee maker at least once a month. If you use it every day, cleaning every two to three weeks is even better. Over time, coffee oils, hard water, and dust build up inside the machine. This can change the taste of your coffee and even cause your coffee maker to stop working well. Regular cleaning keeps your machine fresh, working right, and makes your coffee taste better.

Is it okay if I don't rinse after vinegar?

No, it's not okay to skip the rinsing step. If you don't rinse your coffee maker after using vinegar, your next cup of coffee might taste sour or strange. Vinegar is great for cleaning, but it leaves a strong smell and taste. Running two full cycles with plain water after cleaning helps remove all leftover vinegar. That way, your next cup of coffee will taste clean and fresh, not sour.

Can vinegar damage my coffee maker?

If used correctly, vinegar will not damage your coffee maker. It's actually one of the safest things to use. However, using too much vinegar too often without rinsing can cause rubber parts inside to wear out over time. To be safe, always use a mix of half water and half vinegar. Don't use full-strength vinegar unless the machine is very dirty. And always rinse well with clean water after using it.

Do I need to take apart the machine?

No, you don't need to take your whole coffee maker apart. Most machines are designed to be cleaned with simple steps. You only need to remove the parts that come out easily, like the carafe, filter basket, and maybe the water reservoir. The vinegar and water mix will clean the inside pipes and tubes for you. Never try to open the machine or take it apart unless the manual says it’s okay to do so.

Is it better to clean with soap?

Soap is okay for cleaning the outside and removable parts, but not the inside of your coffee maker. Soap can leave behind a taste that ruins your coffee. That's why vinegar and baking soda are better for deep cleaning the inside. They don't leave behind any harmful leftovers, and they do a better job at removing stains, scale, and smells. For best results, use soap only on parts you can rinse completely.

Can I clean it in the dishwasher?

Some removable parts of your coffee maker may be dishwasher-safe, like the carafe or filter basket. But never put the whole coffee machine in the dishwasher. Always check the manual before putting any parts in. Even if it’s dishwasher-safe, hand washing is usually better for keeping parts in good shape longer. The rest of the machine should be cleaned with vinegar and baking soda using the steps in this guide.