How to Clean Your Coffee Maker with Citric Acid Powder – 2 Ways Step by Step

A fresh cup of coffee is a beloved ritual for many, but over time, your coffee maker might not perform as it once did. The culprit? Mineral buildup from water that can affect the taste and function of your machine. That’s where citric acid comes in – a safe, effective, and natural way to descale and clean your coffee maker.

This blog will tell you why and when cleaning your coffee maker with citric acid powder is essential for maintaining the taste of your coffee and prolonging the life of your machine.

Why Clean Coffee Maker with Powdered Citric Acid?

Citric acid is a popular choice for descaling coffee machines for several reasons. It’s non-toxic, affordable, and efficient, dissolving mineral buildup without harsh chemicals. This is safer for both the user and the appliance, and it leaves no corrosive residues, unlike some other cleaning agents.

The Importance of Regular Cleaning

Cleaning your coffee maker with citric acid Powder every other month is generally recommended due to:

• Water Hardness: Most tap water contains minerals like calcium that can lead to deposits in your coffee maker’s heating element and water tank. Harder water accelerates the formation of these deposits.
• Usage Frequency: How often you use your coffee maker also determines how quickly mineral deposits build up. Daily use warrants more frequent cleaning.
• Coffee Quality: Mineral deposits and other impurities can adversely affect the taste and temperature of your coffee, diminishing the overall brewing experience.
• Appliance Longevity: Regular cleaning with citric acid can help prevent premature wear and malfunctions, extending the life of your appliance.
• Energy Efficiency: Mineral deposits can insulate the heating element, requiring more energy to heat water.

However, if water is poured into the coffee pot’s reservoir, the previous coffee’s oils or fats may enter the reservoir and circulate. In such cases, it is recommended to clean it occasionally with a substance other than acidic ones. This is because acids like citric acid or vinegar do not dissolve the grease from the heating elements.

Before we start cleaning our coffeee makers I’d recommend you check out our citric acid, sold in these super handy 750 g packages that are a breeze to store.

How to Clean Your Coffee Maker with Citric Acid Powder

Method 1: Thorough Cleaning with Citric Acid Powder

If you prefer video tutorials, you can find it here.

What You’ll Need:

• Citric acid powder 1-2 tbs. (about 25 g/ 0,88 oz )
• Water: 1 liter (1000 ml /4,2 cups)

Instructions:

• Prepare the Solution: Mix the appropriate amount of citric acid with water.
• Run the Cycle: Fill the coffee maker’s water chamber with the solution and run a brewing cycle.
• Let It Sit: If you have significant buildup, let the solution sit in the machine for about 30 minutes.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Follow up with several cycles (usually 2-3 times) of plain water to ensure all citric acid residues are gone.

You’ve battled limescale and come out victorious. Celebrate with the spoils of your hard work: a perfect cup of coffee.

Method 2: Intensive Cleaning Method with Citric Acid Powder for Coffee Makers

If you prefer video tutorials, you can find it here.

Supplies Needed:

• 25 grams (about 1.5 – 2 tablespoons) of citric acid powder
• 0.5 liters (500 ml) of cold water
• A clean jug or container for rinsing

Instructions:

• Make the Solution: Dissolve 25 grams of citric acid in 0.5 liters of cold water.
• Use the Cleaning Solution:
  • Pour the citric acid solution into the coffee maker’s water reservoir.
  • Start the coffee maker and let about half of the solution run through.
  • Turn off the coffee maker and let the remaining solution sit for about 30 minutes to work.
• Finish Draining: Turn the coffee maker back on and let the remaining solution drain through.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Run 2-3 cycles of clean cold water through the coffee maker to ensure all citric acid residues are removed.

Congratulations, you’ve just given your coffee maker the spa day it always wanted. Time for a coffee break!

Method Comparison and Thoughts

Method 1: Thorough Cleaning with Citric Acid

Solution Strength and Quantity:

 Utilize a milder solution (1-2 tablespoons of citric acid per liter of water) that fills the entire water tank.  Ideal for more extensive cleaning, as the larger volume of water ensures contact with all internal parts.

Usage and Soaking Time:

The solution is left to act for about 30 minutes, followed by thorough rinsing.

Although the soaking time is the same as in the other method, this approach focuses on comprehensive cleaning of the entire coffee maker.

Rinsing:

As with thorough cleaning, careful rinsing is essential in this method as well.

Method 2: Intensive Cleaning Method with Citric Acid for Coffee Makers

Solution Strength and Quantity:

Uses a stronger solution (approximately 25 g of citric acid in 0.5 liters of water). Which is twice as strong a solution as in method 1

This method focuses on more potent cleaning in a smaller area, ideal for addressing specific problem spots.

Usage and Soaking Time:

The solution is also left to act for about 30 minutes but is poured directly into the reservoir or detergent compartment.

The effect is focused on more intensive cleaning, specifically targeting limescale removal.

Rinsing:

As with thorough cleaning, careful rinsing is essential in this method as well.

Environmental Consideration

Citric acid is an eco-friendly and safe choice for cleaning, being a natural substance without harmful chemicals.

Both the Thorough Cleaning and the Intensive Cleaning methods emphasize using citric acid effectively, aligning with environmentally conscious cleaning practices.

The use of citric acid, a biodegradable and non-toxic agent, is a responsible choice compared to many chemical cleaners, making it suitable for users who are mindful of their environmental impact.

Summary

While both methods have the same duration of action, their differences are evident in the strength of the solution and how and where the solution is poured into the coffee maker.

The Thorough Cleaning uses a milder solution for an all-encompassing clean, whereas the Intensive Cleaning employs a stronger solution for more focused and potent limescale removal. In both cases, careful rinsing is crucial to complete the cleaning process effectively.

However, if water is consistently poured into a coffee pot that has residues from previous coffees, using citric acid alone won’t be of any help.

Tips for the Best Results

• Descaling Frequency: Clean your coffee maker with citric acid bi-monthly. Adjust the frequency based on water hardness and machine usage.
• Preparation: Always unplug your coffee maker before cleaning and consult the user manual for any specific instructions.

Final Thoughts

A clean coffee maker is the key to a delicious cup of coffee. By using citric acid for regular maintenance, you’ll not only enhance the flavor of your brew but also contribute to a longer lifespan for your machine. It’s a simple, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach to keeping your coffee maker at its best.

Remember to rinse thoroughly; If you don’t want extra acidity in your coffee.

So, go ahead and order some citric acid to clean your coffee maker, and enjoy excellent coffee.

Now you know how to clean your coffee maker with citric acid powder, so its time to order yourself a pack of this amazing natural wonder detergent.