Cleaning Your Drip Coffee Maker

Gourmet Coffee

If you're a coffee lover, you already know there are many consumer-grade coffee makers available for your home or office. The standard ones are the older percolator and the drip coffee maker, which is more common. The pleasure and enjoyment of your fine cup of java can be enhanced by the various gourmet coffee blends on the market. These days, many folks even grind their own beans and create their own special concoctions.

But what happens when your coffee starts to taste bad, and/or your drip coffee maker doesn't complete its savory task as quicly as it used to?

That probably means its time for a cleaning, as mineral deposits can build up, clog the unit, and contaminate the taste of your fine brew.

After every 40-60 brew cycles, its suggested that you pour 10-cups, or about 50 fluid ounces, of undiluted white household vinegar into the water reservoir. Slide the brew basket (that's where you put your coffee grounds) into place, put the empty decanter in its position, and start the "brewing" process. Let this sit for about 2 hours, to eliminate the offensive mineral deposits.

Following this, empty and tinse the decanter. Start the same process - again - this time using 10 cups, or 50 fluid ounces of cold water. That will rinse out your coffee maker, and you're ready for a great cup of coffee!

By the way, here's another tip: When I make my coffee, I use bottled distilled water, instead of tap water.
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