A coffee percolator is a simple, energy efficient way to get your morning cup of java, but like any coffee machine, it needs a little upkeep from time to time.Coffee made with a clean percolator will be better than one that is dirty and corroding.Give your percolator a good deep cleaning every 1 to 2 months by taking a few minutes to clean it out on a daily basis.
Step 1: Don't let coffee or coffee grounds sit in the percolator overnight.
The best way to keep your percolator in tip top shape is to use it a lot.Once you have finished drinking your coffee, take a few minutes to drain out any excess liquid and discard the used coffee grounds.The quality of your morning brew can be affected if you leave those things in your percolator for too long.Adding used coffee grounds to a compost pile will make them more eco-friendly.
Step 2: The percolator's body can be washed with warm soapy water.
Take your percolator to the sink and fill the water basin with warm water and dish soap.To quickly wipe down the interior, swirl the soapy water around and use a sponge.The water will run clear if you rinse it out.You really don't want sudsy coffee the next time you go to brew a pot, so take your time when rinsing out the soapy water.
Step 3: The percolator basket needs to be cleaned if it has built up dirt.
Coffee grounds can get oily very quickly if they sit in the basket.You should be able to use a sponge dipped in warm, soapy water to wipe down the basket if you clean your percolator every day.To clean the percolator basket, never use a hard-bristled scrub brush.The built-in filter could be damaged.
Step 4: Clean the coffee grounds by wiping down the stem.
Depending on what kind of machine you are using, this may be called the perk tube.The percolator basket is held in place by it.When it gets a little oily, take a few moments to wipe it down with your soapy sponge, and then rinse it off with clean water.If coffee grounds are stuck in small places, you can use a knife or something similar to remove them.
Step 5: If the lid is discolored, remove it from the inside.
The steam rises inside the percolator and can carry steaming coffee to the lid, which can cause it to oxidize.You can use soapy water to clean your sponge.Depending on how often you use and clean your percolator, the lid may not need to be cleaned every time.Give it a quick clean if you notice it needs it.
Step 6: The percolator should be cleaned to keep it sparkling.
Don't use anything that might scratch the steel.Coffee drips can be removed with warm soapy water on a sponge.To buff it back to its original shine, use a lint-free towel.If you want to use a special cleaner, be careful not to get any on the inside of the percolator.You should be able to clean your percolators the same way if they are made of glass or ceramic.
Step 7: It's best to brew a water-only pot.
Remove the coffee grounds from the percolator and rinse the body with clean water.Go to the maximum-fill line and fill the percolator.The water should be emptied into the sink once the cycle is over.Plug your electric percolator into it to turn it on.If it is wireless, you should use your stovetop to brew a pot.Compost can be used to dispose of coffee grounds.
Step 8: To clean the coffee pot, use warm soapy water.
Make sure your percolator is unplugged at this time.You don't need to scrub very hard if you use dish soap.Give it a quick once-over to get rid of the gunk.If you want to prevent water spots, you should dry off the percolator with a lint-free towel.In water, never submerge an electric percolator.
Step 9: Add a quarter of a cup of baking soda to the percolator.
Water should be added until it reaches the maximum-fill line.Put half of the baking soda in with the water and the other half in the percolator basket.You could use the same amount of cream of tartar if you didn't have baking soda.
Step 10: The water and baking soda should be left in the percolator.
Wait until the cycle is over and turn on the percolator.When it is done, pour out the water and open the container to see the progress.When you dumped out the water, you probably saw some gunk coming out.Don't remove the parts of the percolator if you're going to burn yourself.If you need to use an oven mitt, use a dish towel.If there is a lot of build-up that is starting to come loose, you can rinse it off with your sink sprayer.
Step 11: Run another cycle with the same amount of white vinegar.
The water basket should be filled almost to the maximum-fill line.Let another cycle run if you turn on the percolator.Carefully dump out the water once it is done.If there is a lot of build-up, use a higher ratio of water.Go ahead and use a sponge to wipe away any remaining dirt.It should come off easily.
Step 12: You can do a final cycle with water.
You don't want a cup of coffee with the scent of vinegar.To clear the percolator, take a few moments to run through one final cycle of water.Leave it open on the counter to dry off.To dry the percolator off, use a lint-free towel.