The Best Way to Clean a Coffee Maker Like a Pro

Whether you're cleaning a single-cup brewer or a full drip machine, one thing is certain: a clean coffee maker means better coffee, longer equipment life, and a healthier space. For professional cleaners, knowing how to clean and descale a coffee maker is a value-added service that keeps clients happy — and caffeinated.

 Why Coffee Makers Need Regular Cleaning

Coffee makers combine moisture, heat, and organic residue — the perfect environment for bacteria, mold, and mineral buildup. Without regular cleaning, machines can develop:

• Bitter or stale-tasting coffee

• Slow or uneven brewing

• Mold and hidden grime in reservoirs and tubes

• Shortened equipment lifespan

 How Often Should You Clean?

• Weekly: Wipe down outer surfaces and clean removable parts like trays and carafes.

• Monthly: Perform a deep clean and descale to remove internal buildup.

Skip the Vinegar — Clean Like a Pro

White vinegar is a classic home remedy for descaling, but it’s not ideal for professional use. It has a strong smell, limited versatility, and lacks the efficiency of pro-grade products. Instead, consider two powerful, eco-friendly alternatives:

 Red Juice or Scum Bum — Two Pro-Approved Cleaning Solutions

Both Red Juice and Scum Bum are non-toxic, biodegradable, and safe for homes, kitchens, and coffee equipment. They each bring serious cleaning power — the choice between them comes down to your needs and preferences.

Red Juice — The All-Purpose Pro Favorite

• Great For: Coffee splatter, greasy fingerprints, drip trays, machine shells, and counters

• Food-Safe: Safe to use around coffee equipment and kitchen surfaces

• No Rinse Needed: Just spray and wipe — quick and convenient

• Cost-Effective: One bottle of concentrate makes 20 bottles of ready-to-use spray

Use Red Juice for fast, exterior cleaning — ideal between client visits or during routine service.

Scum Bum — The Deep-Cleaning Powerhouse

• Great For: Hard water stains, mineral buildup, soap scum, and internal descaling

• Mold & Mildew Fighter: Dissolves organic residue in damp areas

• Safe & Versatile: Works on plastic, chrome, porcelain, stainless steel, and more

• Eco-Conscious: Chemical-free, ammonia-free, septic-safe, and 100% biodegradable

Pro Tip:
If you’re dealing with visible mold, black slime, or heavy internal scale, Scum Bum is the best choice. Spray directly into reservoirs or internal components, let it sit for about 3 minutes, then scrub or rinse thoroughly.

 Monthly Descale & Deep Clean: Step-by-Step

Here’s how to clean and descale a coffee maker like a pro:

1. Empty the Machine
   Remove the carafe and any used filter.

2. Add the Cleaning Solution

   • Use Scum Bum for descaling
     

3. Start the Brew Cycle
   Run a full brew cycle. Pause midway and let the solution sit for 15–30 minutes to dissolve buildup.

4. Complete the Cycle
   Finish the brewing to flush out loosened minerals.

5. Flush with Water
   Run 2 clean water cycles to rinse thoroughly and remove any residue.

 Pro Tips for Detail-Oriented Results

• Use a detailing brush for tight corners and spouts (we’ve got the perfect tool for that — our professional-grade cleaning toothbrush)

• Unplug machines before cleaning

• Clean the carafe with a sponge and Red Juice to remove stains

• Leave behind a client care guide to help them maintain the machine between visits

 Red Juice vs. Scum Bum — Which Should You Choose?

Both are excellent. Your choice depends on:

Many professional cleaners carry both, using Red Juice for speed and surface cleaning — and Scum Bum when a deeper clean is needed.

 Final Thoughts: Clean Smarter, Not Harder

A clean coffee maker isn’t just about looks — it affects flavor, safety, and machine life. With Red Juice and Scum Bum, you have two non-toxic, eco-friendly tools that work fast and deliver pro-level results.

✨ Make it part of your regular service routine, and your clients will taste — and appreciate — the difference.

Happy Cleaning,

Amy