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How to Clean Inside the Coffee Maker Water Reservoir: Step-by-Step

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 16, 2025

Easily clean your coffee maker’s water reservoir with E-Cloth. Simple steps for spotless results, even in hard-to-reach spots.

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How to Clean Inside the Coffee Maker Water Reservoir

Tools:

- E-Cloth
- White vinegar
- Water
- Sponge
- Measuring cup

Disconnect and Empty the Reservoir

Unplug the coffee maker. Remove any remaining water from the reservoir.
Discard used water. This prevents old flavors from affecting the cleaning process.

Prepare a Cleaning Mixture

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. This blend will tackle mineral buildup and grime.

Clean the Reservoir

Pour the solution into the reservoir. Fill it up to the maximum level indicated.
Swish it around. Gently tilt and move the coffee maker to allow the solution to cover all internal surfaces.

Let It Sit

Soak for about 15-20 minutes. This gives vinegar time to break down stubborn residues.

Rinse Thoroughly

Empty the reservoir. Pour out the vinegar solution.
Fill with fresh water. Swish several times to remove any lingering vinegar taste.
Repeat rinsing if necessary. Ensure no cleaning solution remains inside.

Wipe and Dry

Use a clean cloth or sponge. Wipe inside the reservoir for any remaining spots.
Allow to air dry. This ensures a fresh start for your next brew.

Safety Precautions for Cleaning Inside the Coffee Maker Water Reservoir

Always unplug the coffee maker before starting to avoid electric shock.
Handle vinegar with care—avoid contact with eyes and skin; wash hands after use.
Do not immerse the entire coffee maker in water; only clean the removable reservoir if possible.
Avoid using abrasive sponges or harsh chemicals that could damage the reservoir or leave harmful residues.
Ensure all cleaning solution is thoroughly rinsed out to prevent taste contamination or potential ingestion of cleaning agents.
Dry hands before plugging the machine back in to prevent electrical hazards.
Let the reservoir air dry completely to discourage mold or bacteria growth.

How to Maintain Cleanliness Inside the Coffee Maker Water Reservoir: Extra Tips

Daily Rinse

After each use, fill the reservoir with hot water to rinse away leftover coffee oils.
Immediately empty the water to prevent residue buildup.

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Weekly Deep Clean

Once a week, mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and fill the reservoir.
Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes before running a cleaning cycle.

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Descaling Routine

Monthly, use a descaling solution to remove mineral deposits from hard water.
Follow the coffee maker’s instructions closely to avoid damage.

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Prevent Mold Build-up

After cleaning, leave the reservoir open to air dry completely.
Avoid overfilling the reservoir to minimize any chances for mold growth.

Common Mistakes When Cleaning Inside the Coffee Maker Water Reservoir

Using Harsh Chemicals or Abrasive Tools

Many people dump in bleach or undiluted vinegar that can leave harmful residues, affecting both taste and safety.
Abrasive scrubbers can scratch the reservoir’s inner surface, creating tiny crevices for bacteria.

Insufficient Rinsing After Cleaning

Not rinsing thoroughly leaves behind chemical traces that can alter the flavor of your coffee.
Residual cleaning agents might also promote build-up or even impact the performance of your coffee maker.

Skipping Regular Maintenance

Waiting too long between cleanings allows mineral deposits and mold to accumulate, making eventual cleaning tougher.
Overlooking routine cleaning not only affects taste but may also shorten the lifespan of your coffee maker.

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How Often to Clean Inside the Coffee Maker Water Reservoir

Frequency Recommendation & Reasoning

How Often: Aim to clean the water reservoir every one to three months. For a coffee maker that sees daily use, once a month is best; if it’s a more occasional brew, every three months will do.
Why: Regular cleaning helps prevent mineral buildup and bacteria that can affect both the taste of your coffee and the longevity of your machine. Hard water or heavy usage accelerates these issues, so a shorter interval is wise in such cases.
Usage & Water Quality: The frequency should be adjusted based on your water type. If you’re using hard water or you’re a heavy coffee drinker, lean toward monthly cleanings. For softer water or less frequent use, extending to three months is acceptable, but don’t let residue accumulate over time.

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