There is an overwhelming tendency to assume that a bad cup of coffee is the result of a bad batch of roasted coffee beans or a seriously malfunctioning coffee pot. The truth is that the horrible taste is probably an indication that the coffee maker is harboring mold somewhere.
The first sign of mold in the coffee maker is that the drink tastes bitter. But there is a much bigger concern that its aftertaste is unpleasant to the palate. Coffee drinkers should be especially careful because there are health risks associated with ingesting mold spores that are poured out with coffee from a dirty machine.
Causes of its appearance
Some coffee brewing systems use activated carbon for built-in water filtration. They are excellent at removing solids such as minerals and chemicals, but they do not eradicate harmful organisms. Hot water will not completely kill germs unless it is kept at boiling point for a minimum of sixty seconds. And, as a general rule, coffee makers do not reach this temperature.
Single-serve Nespresso-type machines are also not immune to microbes. Depending on how fast you go through the coffee pods, the water could remain stagnant for days in the warehouse before use. Experts suggest throwing out any unused water at the end of each day and letting the container dry completely.
Keep in mind that even if you can't see any visible mold, it could be hiding inside the coffee maker, particularly in the water reservoir. Coffee pots are an ideal environment for bacteria and mold to grow in large numbers. Germs and mold grow on damp and dark places and the pot in which it is made is always wet. Pollen and dust accumulate at the top; splatters and grains collect on the base, and the glass carafe is stained. People with allergies may also be especially sensitive to microorganisms that grow on and around the coffee maker.
Is it dangerous to drink moldy coffee?
Ingestion of coffee mold spores can cause allergies. Headaches, congestion, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes and other allergy symptoms can be triggered by a moldy coffee cup. It may even be responsible for the appearance of flu-like symptoms and upper respiratory tract infections.
If you are one of those who drink a cup every day and have gastrointestinal problems, it is possible that it is the coffee maker that is making you sick. Analyze if you feel bloated or notice gas discomfort. It may also be possible that you suffer from sudden diarrhea due to a dirty and moldy coffee machine.
There are studies that have determined that the deposit of the coffee maker has more germs than pet toys, light switches located in the bathroom and the buttons of the cistern. Leave the top of the tank open to accommodate moisture evaporation helps a bit, but it doesn't fix the pipe contamination at all. Also, you should avoid drying the reservoir with a cleaning cloth for the same reason they shouldn't be used to clean coffee mugs.
How to clean mold from the tank?
It depends on how often you use the coffee pot (ie if you make one every day, you'll need to clean it more often than someone who only uses it a few times a month). It is recommended to thoroughly clean the coffee maker approximately once every two weeks if we use it daily.
That being said, a quick daily cleaning can also go a long way in preventing mold growth. The most advisable is rinse the water tank part of the coffee maker and carafe daily.
Vinegar
The best way to clean the coffee maker is with white vinegar using a process known as descaling. It involves filling the water tank with water and white vinegar (the ratio is 1:1) and letting it sit until the pitcher is half full. Then, rinse out any remaining vinegar and water residue.
If you have a single-serve coffeemaker, pour the vinegar and water into the water reservoir, brew a cup as you normally would, and then wait 30 minutes before running tap water through the machine.
And for anyone who suspects their coffee pot is particularly disgusting (like it's never been cleaned), you can up the 1:1 ratio to 2 parts white vinegar to one part water. You can also repeat the entire process as many times as you want for a deeper clean.
Bicarbonate of soda
Creating a paste with a little water and baking soda can clean your coffee pot in minutes. This is best for those who have mineral buildup in their water due to hard water.
Baking soda is indeed a natural yet effective way to clean your coffee machine. This is because the baking soda can remove buildup and remove lingering odors from the appliance. For best results, we will add a quarter cup of baking soda to the container, dissolved in water. We will make sure to use warm water and stir the mixture so that there are no lumps. We will run the coffee maker on a regular cycle, rinsing the interior.
If lumps remain, the coffee maker may clog. Although this product is abrasive, it is still milder than commercial cleaning agents. As a result, it will melt away residue and buildup, as well as foreign odors that can stink up your coffee. For better results, we can mix sodium bicarbonate with acid solutions. For example, cleaning coffee pots with white vinegar is a well-known home remedy, and we can use both for a sparkling clean coffee pot.
Tricks to avoid its appearance
There are several reasons to routinely and properly clean your coffee maker. Mainly it is that this habit kills germs and preserves health. Plus, it's something you don't see and it can hurt you in the long run. Taking good care of your coffee machine makes it work properly and prolongs its useful life. In addition, it maintains a constant brewing temperature ensuring unrestricted water flow and protecting the flavor of the coffee.
In addition, it will also depend on the cleaning routine that we do to our coffee maker:
- After each use. Remove the wet coffee grounds and rinse the filter basket, as they harbor and nourish mold spores.
- Daily. Wash the pitcher, lid, and filter every day. All you need is warm soapy water.
- Weekly. Clean all removable components at least once a week. More if the coffee machine is used frequently. It's as simple as using hot soapy water followed by a rinse and then letting everything air dry. Alternatively, you can put everything in the dishwasher (top rack only) on the hottest setting. This routine cleaning will significantly reduce bacteria and oils that have built up. It will also remove stains and keep the coffee pot looking good.
- Monthly. Pass a proportion of vinegar and water during the preparation cycle to fight mold and germs and decalcify the tube. Start the brew cycle with the mix in the reservoir, go through the process halfway through, and let it sit for about an hour. Then continue the cycle. Before brewing coffee in the machine, run at least two complete cycles under tap water to remove any acidic flavor components.