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How to Get Rid of Smell in Coffee Maker: Step-by-Step Guide

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 19, 2025

Eliminate odors from your coffee maker easily with this simple, effective E-Cloth cleaning guide. Fresh coffee, every time!

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How to Get Rid of Smell in Coffee Maker

Tools:

- E-Cloth
- White vinegar
- Water
- Measuring cup or jug
- Clean sponge or dish brush

Prepare the Vinegar Solution

Fill the coffee maker’s water reservoir with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water to break down built-up oils and residue.

Run a Brewing Cycle (But Not Fully)

Start a brewing cycle and let it run for about halfway. Then, turn it off and let the solution sit in the machine for 30 minutes to an hour.

Complete the Cycle and Let It Cool

Restart the brewing cycle to complete it and allow the machine to cool down. The vinegar works to neutralize bitter odors during this process.

Flush with Fresh Water

Discard the vinegar solution and fill the reservoir with clean water. Run a full brew cycle to rinse out any remaining vinegar smell.
Repeat the fresh water cycle one more time if you can still detect the odor.

Enjoy a Fresh-Smelling Brew

Your coffee maker should now be free of unwanted smells, leaving you with a cleaner machine ready for your next cup of coffee.

Safety Precautions

Unplug the coffee maker before cleaning or handling any internal parts to avoid electric shock.
Allow the machine to cool completely before starting the cleaning process to prevent burns from hot surfaces or steam.
Use only white vinegar—other types may damage the machine or leave unwanted residues.
Do not overfill the water reservoir to prevent spills and potential electrical hazards.
Rinse thoroughly after using vinegar to ensure no cleaning solution remains, which could affect taste or cause irritation.
Handle all removable parts carefully to avoid breakage or injury, especially glass carafes.

How to Maintain Cleanliness How to Get Rid of Smell in Coffee Maker: Extra Tips

Regular Vinegar Cleaning

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water to create a natural cleaning solution that cuts through oils and residue.
Run the mixture through your coffee maker as if you were brewing coffee, then follow up with at least one cycle of plain water to flush out any remnants.
This routine not only cleans but reduces lingering odors caused by stale coffee oils and built-up minerals.

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Baking Soda Freshening

Add a teaspoon of baking soda to the vinegar solution for an extra boost in odor absorption before running the cycle.
Baking soda helps neutralize stubborn smells and leaves your coffee maker smelling fresh.
Remember to complete the cleaning with a water-only cycle to remove any baking soda residue.

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Thorough Rinsing and Drying

After every cleaning cycle, run multiple water-only cycles to ensure no vinegar or baking soda remains, which can affect taste.
Wipe down removable parts such as the carafe and filter baskets with warm, soapy water to remove trapped odors.
Allow all parts to dry completely before reassembling, as moisture can attract mold and bacteria.

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Regular Maintenance Schedule

Establish a weekly cleaning routine to prevent buildup; this keeps your coffee maker running efficiently and smelling fresh.
Inspect and replace any worn or stained parts that may harbor odors, like rubber seals or filters, to maintain optimal performance.
A dry and well-maintained coffee maker not only brews better coffee but also contributes to a healthier brewing environment.

Common Mistakes When Cleaning How to Get Rid of Smell in Coffee Maker

Don’t Clean When It’s Cluttered

Declutter first—toss or store items so you can actually see what needs cleaning.
A tidy surface makes dusting and wiping so much easier and effective.

Thorough Dusting is Crucial

Dust not just the obvious surfaces—check high shelves, behind furniture, and even ceiling fans.
Use microfiber cloths that trap particles instead of just scattering them around.

Select the Right Cleaning Products

Match your cleaners to the surfaces—use gentle products for delicate materials and stronger ones for stubborn stains.
Keep it simple: sometimes a mix of vinegar and water works wonders without the harsh chemicals.

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How Often to Clean How to Get Rid of Smell in Coffee Maker

Frequency Recommendations for a Coffee Maker

If you use your coffee maker daily, plan on a thorough cleaning once a month. This minimizes the buildup of coffee oils, mineral deposits, and stale water—all culprits behind unpleasant smells.
If you brew only a few times a week, a deep cleaning every 4 to 6 weeks, accompanied by a quick water-only cycle once a week, will help maintain a fresh taste and keep odor-causing residues at bay.
If your machine isn't used for several days at a time, performing a water-only flush at the start of your brewing cycle each week helps prevent stagnant water from developing off-putting odors.

Why Consistent Cleaning Frequency Matters

Regular cleaning stops the accumulation of coffee oils and mineral deposits that quickly turn rancid and produce unpleasant smells.
A set cleaning schedule ensures that even the less obvious internal parts stay free from buildup, which might not be accessible during casual maintenance.
Maintaining a consistent routine not only preserves the taste of your coffee but also prolongs the life of your machine, keeping it operating efficiently.

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