Modern, single-serve brewers may be more prone to mold and bacteria growth due to certain features that contribute to the problem. For instance, these brewers often come equipped with small water pumps that remain constantly primed. This ongoing priming can lead to the presence of water inside the machines even when not in use.
Consequently, this creates an environment conducive to the growth of mold and bacteria. This thought alone can be quite unpleasant, as it raises concerns about clumps of mold and bacteria thriving within the machine, only to be flushed into your next cup of coffee.
The growth of mold in coffee makers can also be attributed to poor cleaning of the pot. NSF International in a 2011 study on 22 households, came to a shocking conclusion, “That half the brewers in the houses studied are prime breeding grounds for yeast and coffee mold”. Of these, one out of every ten coffee machines harbored coliform bacteria. More shocking was the discovery that the coffee reservoirs averaged a larger germ count than the door handles of bathrooms and toilet seats.
A good way to go according to professionals on how to get rid of mold in coffee makers is the use of vinegar.
This simple ingredient in many kitchens is the key to removing mold in the coffee pot.
Vinegar also helps in ‘decalcifying’ the coffee maker as well. Thus, removing the buildup scale from the coffee machine.
To get rid of mold in a coffee maker, it is advisable to clean your brewer each day and decalcify it with vinegar on a regular schedule.
How to Clean Coffee Maker With Vinegar
- Fill the brewer with equal amounts of vinegar and water. White vinegar is most suitable for this exercise.
- Use a paper filter and allow the solution to brew until the chamber is half empty.
- Turn off the appliance. Let it sit for half an hour before finishing the process.
- Pour the brew back into the coffee maker and run it one more time (do not let it sit for 30 mins as in step 3 above)
- Rinse the brewer.
- Place a new paper filter, then brew again with clean water (twice)
- Put two spoons of baking soda into the carafe. Add some white vinegar. Swirl this around and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then use a scrubber (sponge) to rid the coffee pot of gunk.
- Rinse the coffee pot with clean water and allow it to dry
- Use a damp cloth to clean the coffee pot.
The process of using vinegar to remove mold in the coffee maker should be repeated frequently. It will prevent mold and bacteria from accumulating in the coffee machine, which may lead to the aftertaste we often experience.
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