How to Clean Your KitchenAid Coffee Maker

Do you want to ensure that your KitchenAid coffee maker is always functioning at its best? Cleaning your coffee maker regularly is the key! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the proper cleaning techniques for your KitchenAid coffee maker, from daily maintenance to deep cleaning every few months. Let’s get started!

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How to Clean Your KitchenAid Coffee Maker Daily

To keep your coffee tasting its best, it’s essential to clean all removable parts of your KitchenAid coffee maker after each use. Before you begin the cleaning process, always remember to unplug your coffee maker for safety.

Removable Parts

Your KitchenAid coffee maker has four removable parts that should be cleaned after each brew. These parts can be washed by hand using warm water and soap. If you have a dishwasher, you can also place two of these parts on the top rack for a thorough clean.

[Image: Removable Parts]

Coffee Machine Exterior & Under the Lid

Once you’ve washed the removable parts, it’s time to clean the exterior of your KitchenAid coffee maker and the area under the lid. Start by wiping down the machine’s exterior with a damp cloth. Then, open the brew basket lid and use a damp cloth to clean the showerhead underneath. This step will prevent any leftover coffee splashes or residue from causing clogs. Finally, place all the removable parts back inside the brewer.

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You might be wondering whether to leave the brew basket lid open or closed. While leaving it open can reduce moisture and slow bacteria growth, it can also allow dust or pet hair to enter the machine. It’s a personal preference, but I prefer to keep the lid closed.

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How to Deep Clean Your KitchenAid Coffee Maker Every Few Months

Apart from regular cleaning, it’s important to deep clean your KitchenAid coffee maker every few months to remove limescale buildup, which can affect water flow, temperature, and even the taste of your coffee. Descaling, also known as deliming or decalcifying, is the process of deep cleaning that eliminates these mineral deposits. Follow the steps below for a thorough deep clean.

How Often to Descale?

A general rule of thumb is to descale your KitchenAid coffee maker every three months or after 100 brew cycles, whichever comes first. This applies if you are using filtered water, bottled water, or tap water with a low to normal mineral count. However, KitchenAid strongly advises against using distilled water, as it lacks essential minerals for a great-tasting coffee and may damage the machine’s metal parts.

If your tap water has a high mineral content, often referred to as “hard water,” you should descale more frequently, preferably every one or two months. Hard water accelerates limescale buildup. If you’re unsure about your water’s mineral level, consider using a low-cost water testing kit.

Some KitchenAid coffee maker models feature a clean light that indicates when it’s time to descale. If your machine doesn’t have this feature, stick to the recommended schedule. Additionally, if you experience slow brew speed, low volume, bad-tasting coffee, or other issues mentioned below, descaling should be done immediately.

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Can You Descale with Vinegar?

While some user manuals suggest using vinegar for descaling, many coffee maker manufacturers advise against it. Vinegar, being an acid, can wear down metal and cause leaks. It’s also less effective at removing oils left by used coffee beans and may leave an unpleasant taste or odor.

Instead, I recommend using commercial cleaning tablets specifically designed for coffee makers. Whirlpool, the parent company of KitchenAid, offers its own cleaning tablets that are highly recommended for use with your coffee maker.

How to Descale with Affresh Tablets

Follow these simple steps to deep clean your KitchenAid coffee maker using Affresh tablets:

  1. Discard any coffee from the brew basket and remove any water filter.
  2. Fill the water tank of your KitchenAid coffee maker with fresh water and drop in one Affresh cleaning tablet.
  3. Press the CLEAN button, followed by the BREW button to initiate the descale cycle. This process will take approximately 30 minutes.
  4. Once the descale cycle is complete, the coffee maker will emit three beeps, and the CLEAN icon should turn off. If the icon remains on, repeat steps 2 and 3 with another tablet.
  5. Empty the water tank and clean it with warm soapy water.
  6. Rinse your machine by filling the water tank with fresh water only. Press the BREW button without any coffee in the machine.
  7. Repeat the rinse cycle one more time.

How to Clean Your KitchenAid Coffee Maker with Vinegar

If you prefer using vinegar, follow these steps to descale your KitchenAid coffee maker:

  1. Discard any coffee from the brew basket and remove any water filter.
  2. Add six cups of white vinegar and six cups of fresh water to the water tank of your KitchenAid coffee maker.
  3. Press the CLEAN button, followed by the BREW button to initiate the descale cycle. This process will take approximately 30 minutes.
  4. Once the descale cycle is complete, the coffee maker will emit three beeps, and the CLEAN icon should turn off. If the icon remains on, repeat steps 2 and 3 with a fresh vinegar and water mixture.
  5. Empty the water tank and clean it with warm soapy water to remove any vinegar smell.
  6. Rinse your machine with clean water only to eliminate any vinegar residue. Fill the water tank with fresh water and press the BREW button without any coffee in the machine.
  7. Repeat the rinse cycle two or three times (or more if necessary) until the vinegar odor is completely gone.
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Now that you know how to clean your KitchenAid coffee maker properly, you can enjoy the best-tasting coffee every time. Regular maintenance and deep cleaning will keep your machine in optimal condition, ensuring a delightful coffee experience. For more information about KitchenAid and their range of coffee makers, visit Marmalade Cafe.

Happy brewing!