Cleaning a coffee maker is an important part of maintaining it and keeping your morning coffee tasting delicious. Many people use vinegar as a natural and chemical-free way to clean their coffee makers. But is it okay to use cleaning vinegar specifically? Here is a look at whether or not cleaning vinegar is an effective and safe option for cleaning your coffee maker.
What is Cleaning Vinegar?
Vinegar is an acidic liquid that is created through the fermentation of ethanol. The acetic acid is what gives vinegar its tangy taste and potent odor. Cleaning vinegar has a higher acetic acid content than regular household white vinegar. While regular white vinegar contains around 5% acetic acid, cleaning vinegar contains 6% or more.
This higher acidity level is what makes cleaning vinegar more effective than regular vinegar for things like removing grime, soap scum, hard water stains, and other messes. Essentially, the extra kick of acid helps dissolve gunk and residue.
Cleaning vinegar can be found in any grocery store or home improvement store, often in the cleaning supplies aisle. Popular brands of cleaning vinegar include White House Foods Cleaning Vinegar and FruitFresh Cleaning Vinegar.
Is Cleaning Vinegar Safe for Coffee Makers?
The short answer is yes, cleaning vinegar is generally considered safe to use for cleaning a coffee maker. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
- It’s non-toxic – The ingredients in cleaning vinegar are not toxic or hazardous when used properly.
- No chemicals or additives – Cleaning vinegar does not contain bleach, ammonia, dyes, fragrances or other harsh additives.
- Made for household cleaning – Cleaning vinegar is designed specifically for use as a natural household cleaner.
- High acidity disinfects – The high acidity of cleaning vinegar (6% acetic acid) helps kill bacteria and disinfect.
Cleaning vinegar is often recommended as a safe cleaning solution for coffee makers over harsher chemical cleaners or descaling solutions.
How to Clean a Coffee Maker with Cleaning Vinegar
Using cleaning vinegar to clean your coffee maker is a simple process. Here are the basic steps:
- Fill the water reservoir with equal parts cleaning vinegar and water. For a 12 cup coffee maker, use 6 cups vinegar and 6 cups water.
- Place a filter into the filter basket.
- Run a brew cycle with the cleaning vinegar mixture, allowing it to fully brew into the carafe.
- Once done brewing, discard the cleaning vinegar.
- Rinse the coffee maker by running 2-3 full brew cycles with just plain water to flush out any lingering taste.
- Wipe down the carafe and other surfaces with a soft cloth.
- Remove and wash the filter basket and carafe lid in warm soapy water if needed.
This thorough cleansing helps remove mineral deposits and buildup that can affect the taste of your coffee. Be sure to give the coffee maker a good rinse afterward to prevent any vinegar taste in your next pot of joe.
Cleaning Vinegar vs. Distilled White Vinegar
Since cleaning vinegar has a higher acidity than regular distilled white vinegar, it is generally considered more effective for cleaning tough buildup and stains in appliances like coffee makers. Here is a comparison:
| Cleaning Vinegar | Distilled White Vinegar | |
|---|---|---|
| Acetic Acid Content | 6% or more | Around 5% |
| Cleaning Power | High – better at dissolving mineral deposits and buildup | Moderate |
| Safety | Safe for household cleaning | Safe for household cleaning |
| Cost | Slightly more expensive | Very inexpensive |
As you can see, cleaning vinegar will provide a bit more cleaning muscle. But distilled white vinegar works well too, especially if you don’t have cleaning vinegar on hand already.
Tips for Using Cleaning Vinegar in Coffee Maker
Here are some helpful tips for safely and effectively using cleaning vinegar to clean your coffee maker:
- Always dilute it – Use equal parts vinegar and water. Undiluted vinegar is too acidic.
- Rinse thoroughly – Be sure to run multiple brew cycles of just water to flush out vinegar taste.
- Remove parts – Take out removable pieces like the filter basket and carafe lid and clean them separately if needed.
- Clean often – Don’t wait until mineral deposits build up. Clean every few months.
- Use room temp vinegar – Warm or hot vinegar can damage plastic components.
- Ventilate – Run the coffeemaker with vinegar in a well-ventilated space.
- Spot test – If concerned about damage, first test a small inconspicuous area.
What Not to Use with Cleaning Vinegar
It’s important not to mix cleaning vinegar with certain other cleaners or chemicals. Here are some things to avoid using with cleaning vinegar:
- Bleach – This combination makes toxic chlorine gas.
- Ammonia – Also produces toxic vapors when mixed.
- Rubbing alcohol
- Hydrogen peroxide
Stick to using cleaning vinegar on its own for the safest results. Never combine it with other cleaners without first checking chemical compatibility.
Are There Any Risks?
Cleaning vinegar is generally safe when used properly, but here are a few potential risks to be aware of:
- Corrosion – Vinegar’s acidity could corrode or damage metal parts over time with frequent use.
- Plastic cracking – Acidic cleaners may cause plastic components to crack.
- Skin irritation – Concentrated vinegar can cause skin irritation. Wear gloves and wash exposed skin after use.
These risks are minimal with occasional use. But to avoid potential issues, rinse thoroughly, spot test on small areas first, and don’t immerse plastic pieces in undiluted vinegar.
Signs of Damage
Look for these signs of possible damage from using vinegar or other acids to clean your coffee maker:
- Corrosion or pitting on metal surfaces
- Visible cracking in plastic parts
- Discoloration of any surfaces
- Mineral deposits turning into a sticky slime
- Weakened or distorted components
Damaged parts may need to be replaced. Prevent damage by limiting vinegar use to occasional cleaning and thoroughly rinsing afterward.
Conclusion
Cleaning vinegar is generally considered a safe, effective option for cleaning your coffee maker. Its high acidity helps dissolve mineral buildup without the need for harsh chemicals. However, be sure to dilute it, rinse thoroughly, and avoid mixing it with other cleaners. Used occasionally and correctly, cleaning vinegar can keep your coffee maker running smoothly and coffee tasting delicious.