Kitchen

How to Clean a Single-Cup Coffee Maker

September 28, 2022

ugh Single-cup coffee makers appeal to customers who want an easy way to make coffee because there’s no measuring, no mess, and no dirty carafe to clean. But inside your coffee maker, gunk is accumulating. The damp, dark environment inside the machine is also a breeding ground for bacteria, so if you haven’t cleaned your single-cup coffee maker in a while (or ever), put that task on your to-do list.

Preparing to Clean

Bar Keepers Friend Coffee Maker Cleaner works best when machines are free of mineral deposits, so always use Bar Keepers Friend Coffee Maker Descaler before cleaning. Both products are safe for most surfaces. However, to avoid possible damage, cover your countertops before cleaning, especially if they’re marble, granite, or natural stone,

If there’s any water in the reservoir, unplug your coffee maker and let it sit for about 30 minutes, so the water cools before you empty the reservoir.

Steps to Clean a Single-Cup Coffee Maker

Remove any pod from your coffee maker. Slowly fill the reservoir (to avoid splashes and spills) with one ounce of Bar Keepers Friend Coffee Maker Cleaner for every eight ounces of cold water. Place a ceramic mug under the discharge.

Initiate the brew cycle and repeat this step until you see the “Add Water” indicator, then allow the machine to stand 30 minutes, with the power on.

Fill the reservoir with cold water and initiate the brew cycle to rinse the inside of the machine (repeat, as necessary, and dump any water that remains in the reservoir after brewing). Add fresh water before brewing your next cup of coffee.

Caring for Your Machine

Descaling and cleaning your single-cup coffee maker improves the flavor of your coffee and removes oily residue that can harm your machine. Use Bar Keepers Friend coffee maker maintenance products at least every three months, to get rid of grime and build-up. Always refer to your owner’s manual before descaling.

Here’s a short video showing all the steps to a cleaning single-cup coffee maker.

Here’s What a Few Fans Had to Say about BKF Coffee Maker Cleaner

“I’ve worked in the restaurant industry for 35 years. I’ve seen just about every product out there. I ordered this for my coffee maker and Stanley Thermos that gets a whole pot of coffee in it daily. This product is absolutely amazing. The brew basket on my coffee maker looks new and my thermos is spotless on the inside. I highly recommend this. It is hands down the best cleaner PLUS there is no scrubbing. Just run it through the coffee maker or let your thermos/thermal mug soak. The build up just melts away. I will be using only this for as long as it’s for sale. Did I mention it’s amazing?? Love love love!!” K. Walsh

Incredible

“This is incredible. I descaled my coffee maker on a regular schedule and I keep the carafe clean at all times since I can’t stand dirty carafes. Today I decided to try this cleaner and for a minute I thought I had left a coffee filter with used grounds in place. Nope, this is the junk accumulated inside the machine itself! Can’t wait to taste my coffee tomorrow morning.” — H. Bird

Cuisinart

“My boyfriend has this nice, Cuisinart coffee maker with grinder. I can’t imagine he cleaned it ever, and I stopped drinking hot coffee last year because it tasted awful. Alth tried various methods to clean the carafe and machine, but that gross taste was still there. I came across this specific product accidentally, and immediately ordered.
After 1 cleaning, the stainless steel carafe shined like new on the inside. I cleaned it a 2nd time even though I’m not 100% sure I needed to. I’m happily back to drinking coffee, it’s like a brand new machine. I’m still stunned.” – H. Dohner

Here are more reviews,

Bar Keepers Friend Coffee Maker Cleaner Reviews