Want the secret to better tasting coffee? Clean your coffee pod machine – here’s how

Maintaining your coffee machine is a crucial element in brewing delicious tasting coffee, yet it’s a step that’s often overlooked by many of us.

While coffee pod machines don’t need the same level of maintenance as more complicated espresso machines, they still do benefit from a regular clean. Not only does it ensure that your daily cup of coffee tastes its best, but also it means your machine will run more smoothly.

So, cloths at the ready, here’s our step-by-step guide on how to clean your coffee pod machine…

1. Get prepared

Start by unplugging your coffee pod machine from the electrical outlet. This will prevent any accidents while you clean it.

Then, separate all the removable parts from your coffee pod machine. This typically includes the drip tray, water reservoir, and coffee pod bin.

2. Wash removable parts

Fill your sink with warm, soapy water and immerse the removable parts. Use a soft cloth or sponge to clean them thoroughly, paying special attention to any coffee residue or build-up.

Rinse the parts with clean water and let them air dry completely before reassembling the machine. Some parts can be washed in the dishwasher, but double check with your specific machine’s manual that they are dishwasher safe.

3. Clean the coffee pot holder

Examine the coffee pod holder for any clogs, coffee grounds, or residue. Use a small, soft, dry brush, such as a toothbrush, to gently clean any crevices.

You can also purchase special coffee-machine cleaner brushes that are often small and round, and these work well in very small crevices.

Don’t insert your finger into the capsule compartment – many of them contain a point to pierce the pods.

4. Clean the exterior

Dampen a clean microfibre cloth with water and wipe down the exterior of the machine. Pay attention to any buttons, knobs, or display screens.

Don’t forget to give the spout a little clean as well, especially on the underside where the coffee comes out.

A wipe with a damp cloth should be enough to do away with any grime or sticky fingerprints, but if you do have any stubborn stains, dampen the cloth in warm, soapy water and give it an extra going over.

If you have a chrome coffee pod machine, such as the Dualit 4-in-1 (Amazon, £199.99), giving it a final going over with a special polishing cloth will help make it shiny once more. This type of cloth also works on glossy coffee pod machines and they’re great at removing fingerprints.

5. Clean the milk frother

There’s nothing quite so pungent as the smell of stale milk, so it’s essential to give the milk frother, if your machine is equipped with one, a thorough cleaning. Additionally, remember to clean it after each use to prevent the accumulation of dried milk residue.

Many milk frothers, such as the one found on the Lavazza Deséa (Amazon, £169), can be conveniently placed in a dishwasher for easy cleaning. However, some milk frothers, such as Nespresso’s Aerocino (Amazon, £80.48), cannot be submerged in water or placed in a dishwasher.

For such devices, fill the frother with warm water and add a squirt of dishwashing liquid. Make sure you don’t wet the bottom of the frother, where the electrical components are located. You can either then manually wash it out or, alternatively, seal the lid and turn on your milk frother.

This should be sufficient to clean it, although it’s advisable to inspect the whisk separately to ensure it doesn’t require a more thorough cleaning. Rinse everything thoroughly before using it again with milk.

6. Reassemble and test

Once all the cleaned parts are completely dry, reassemble your coffee pod machine. Then, plug it back in and run a cycle with plain water, without a coffee pod, to ensure it’s working correctly and to remove any residual cleaning agents.

It’s a good idea to run water through your machine like this regularly to clean the internal workings.