How to Clean and Care for Your Drip Coffee Maker

Drip coffee makers need just two things to keep working well: regular cleaning and occasional descaling. Here's the simple maintenance schedule.

Drip coffee makers don't ask for much, but they do need basic care to keep producing coffee that tastes the way it should. Skip maintenance and you'll end up with off-tasting coffee, slower brewing, and eventually a machine that gives up. Here's what to do.

After Every Brew

Empty and rinse the brew basket. Wet grounds left in the basket grow mold quickly — usually within 24 hours in a warm kitchen. Dump them in compost or trash and rinse the basket with warm water.

Empty the carafe and rinse it. Don't let coffee sit in the carafe overnight — the residue stains and is harder to clean once it's dried on.

Wipe the warming plate if any coffee dripped or spilled. Dried coffee on the warming plate burns each time the machine is used and adds an off taste.

Weekly

Wash the brew basket, carafe, and lid with warm soapy water. Pay attention to the spout area of the carafe where coffee oils accumulate.

Wipe down the exterior of the machine, especially under the brew basket and around the water reservoir lid.

Run a clean cycle with just water (no coffee) once a week. This flushes the warm areas of the machine that build up residue. For a deeper clean of coffee oil buildup, Urnex Cleancaf is designed specifically for drip brewers — run it through the machine per the package instructions every month or two depending on how often you brew.

Descaling: As Needed

Drip coffee makers are vulnerable to scale buildup because all the water that passes through is heated, and mineral deposits concentrate over time. Slow brewing, longer brew times, and reduced final coffee volume are all signs that it's time to descale.

How often you need to descale depends heavily on your water hardness. If you have hard water, descaling every 2 months is a reasonable baseline. With softer water you can typically go 4 to 5 months between descales. Your machine's user manual is the best starting point — many manufacturers include a recommended interval, and some machines prompt you automatically. If you notice slower flow or a drop in brew temperature before you hit your usual interval, go ahead and descale early regardless of the schedule.

For descaling, use a dedicated coffee machine descaler like Urnex Dezcal. It's formulated specifically for coffee equipment, works quickly, and rinses out cleanly without leaving any residual flavor. Dissolve a packet in water, run it through a full brew cycle, then follow with two full cycles of plain water to rinse.

Note that Cleancaf and Dezcal do different jobs — Cleancaf removes coffee oils, Dezcal removes mineral scale. Both are worth keeping on hand.

If you have a Technivorm Moccamaster, Bonavita, Breville Luxe Brewer, or other higher-end drip brewer, check your user manual for the manufacturer's recommended descaler — some require specific products to keep the warranty valid, and machines like the Luxe Brewer have a built-in descale program to walk you through the process. Technivorm, for example, specifically recommends Dezcal.

Carafe Cleaning

Glass carafes stain over time. To remove built-up staining, fill with hot water and a tablespoon of baking soda, let sit overnight, then scrub with a bottle brush and rinse.

Thermal carafes need extra attention. Don't put them in the dishwasher unless the manufacturer specifically says it's safe. For deep cleaning, fill with hot water and a small amount of dish soap, let sit, then scrub the inside with a long-handled bottle brush.

When to Replace Parts

Some drip machines have replaceable water filters or showerhead screens. Water filters usually need replacement every 2 to 3 months — check your machine's manual for the specific interval. If your coffee tastes off after thorough cleaning and descaling, replacing the water filter is a good next step. Browse our full selection of coffee filters and water filters if you're due for a replacement.