International Coffee Day

September 27, 2023

As we approach International Coffee Day on October 1st, it’s good to remember that it’s not only about a great cup of coffee. It’s also about safety, fair wages, and fair treatment for coffee workers and growers.

International Coffee Day 

“A celebration of the coffee sector’s diversity, quality, and dedication, International Coffee Day is an opportunity for coffee lovers to share their passion for the beverage and acknowledge and support the work of millions of coffee farmers, as well as all those women and men engaged in producing, trading, retailing, and serving coffee.” — International Coffee Day.

My wife and I order Guatemalan coffee beans from a direct trade-certified provider that follows  International Coffee Org guidelines. We also use Bar Keepers Friend Coffee Maker Cleaner and Coffee Maker Descaler because a great cup of morning coffee to start the day is essential to us. Is it to you? 

Here are a few questions we’ve been asked about our coffee maker cleaning products.

Can You Use Bar Keepers Friend Coffee Maker Cleaner and Descaler on All Coffee Makers?

Bar Keepers Friend Coffee Maker Cleaner and the Descaler are generally safe for most coffee makers, including drip coffee makers, single-serve coffee makers, espresso machines, and French presses. However, checking the manufacturer’s instructions before using any cleaning product on your coffee maker is always recommended. Additionally, it is essential to follow the Bar Keepers Friend packaging instructions carefully to ensure safe and effective use.

How often should you Clean and Descale your Coffee Maker? 

The frequency of use depends on several factors, including how often you use your coffee maker, the water, and the buildup of mineral deposits or coffee stains. 

Cleaning

“You should clean your coffee maker after every use, removing the grounds and cleaning the brew basket, lid, and carafe. A deeper cleaning to remove mineral deposits should be done at least every three months.” — The Spruce — How often to clean a coffee pot. 

Descaling 

“…you should be descaling at least once every three months. But if your home has hard water or residue tends to build up in your coffee maker quickly, a monthly descaling may be absolutely essential.” — dabl.com — Descaling your coffee maker  

Regular cleaning and descaling of your coffee maker is essential to maintain its performance and prolong its lifespan. It helps remove mineral deposits, coffee oils, and other residues that alter the taste and quality of your coffee and can affect the performance of your coffee maker.

Are Bar Keepers Friend Coffee Maker Cleaner and Descaler Both Environmentally Friendly?

Yes, both are environmentally friendly. They’re non-toxic, biodegradable, and phosphate-free cleaners. They don’t contain any chemicals harmful to the environment. So, you can use this cleaner for your coffee maker without worrying about harming the environment.

Cleaning your Coffee Maker with Bar Keepers Friend Coffee Maker Cleaner  

1. Remove the disposable filter from your coffee maker.
2. Empty the reservoir and carafe.
3. Using hot water, fill your carafe with one ounce of Bar Keepers Friend Coffee Maker Cleaner for every eight ounces of water.
4. Carefully pour the carafe contents into the coffee maker reservoir and start the brew cycle.
5. Once the brew cycle is complete, leave the cleaning solution in the carafe for three to five minutes (up to 30 minutes if the carafe is badly stained), then empty and rinse the carafe.
6. Refill the carafe with cold water, pour the water into the reservoir, and restart the brew cycle to rinse away any remaining cleaning solution.
7. When the brew cycle is complete, dump the carafe’s contents. Your clean coffee maker is now ready to use!

 Descaling Your Coffee Maker with Bar Keepers Friend Descaler 

1. Remove any disposable filters or coffee pods from the coffee maker.
2. Empty the reservoir.
3. Place the empty carafe or cup under the coffee discharge.
4. Add one ounce of Bar Keepers Friend Coffee Maker Descaler for every eight ounces of cold water needed to fill the coffee maker’s water reservoir.
5. Initiate the brew cycle and repeat until the reservoir is empty. For coffee makers with a clean cycle, begin the cycle and allow it to run until it is done.
6. Leave the cleaning solution in the carafe for 30 minutes.
7. Discard the used Coffee Maker Descaler from the carafe or cup and clean the carafe or cup thoroughly.
8. Fill the coffee maker reservoir with clean, cold water and run another brewing cycle.
9. Dispose of used rinse water and clean the carafe or cup again.

Pro Tip: Has it been a while since you cleaned your machine? For deep cleaning begin with the Coffee Maker Descaler then follow up with the Coffee Maker Cleaner.

BKF Coffee Maker Descaler is perfect to descale Keurig products!

For a clean, safe, and tasty cup of coffee, it’s critical to regularly clean and descale your coffee maker. Although many experts suggest cleaning and descaling at least every three months, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your machine. Enjoy!

About the Author

Randy Clark is a speaker, coach, and author. He publishes a weekly blog at Randy Clark Leadership.com. Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He’s a beer geek and on weekends (after COVID-19) he can be found fronting the Rock & Roll band Under the Radar. He’s the proud father of two educators; he has four amazing grandchildren and a wife who dedicates her time to helping others. Randy is the author of the Amazon bestseller The New Manager’s Workbook: A crash course in effective management.