Stovetop coffee makers also known as Moka pots are game-changers for most coffee lovers. This is because they are affordable and attractive and make you a rich and cafe-worthy coffee. However, cleaning a stovetop coffee maker is among the misunderstood things out there. There are a lot of misconceptions and bad advice all over the internet regarding cleaning stovetop coffee makers.
Among them is that you should never clean your Moka pot. This is misleading since your Moka pot will corrode if not washed regularly. Not to mention, coffee oils and sugars that remain in your coffee maker after brewing coffee will burn and oxidize if not properly washed. The burnt coffee will affect the taste of your freshly brewed cup of joe.
Therefore, stovetop coffee makers need cleaning for perfect coffee. This article will guide you on how to clean a stovetop coffee maker. Read on!
Why You Should Clean Stovetop Coffee Makers
A stovetop coffee maker or a Moka pot is used to brew espresso coffee in the comfort of your home. There are either aluminum or stainless steel stovetop coffee makers on the market. Cleaning a stovetop coffee maker is important to avoid damaging them as well as your coffee.
As mentioned earlier, coffee oils and other coffee compounds that are deposited in your Moka pot oxidize and burn thus affecting the taste of your freshly brewed cup of joe if it is not properly washed.
Not to mention, Moka pots with safety valves need proper cleaning to ensure the valve doesn’t malfunction. Here are some reasons why a Moka pot safety valve could malfunction:
- If the valve is clogged with coffee grounds or water
- If you put too much water in the pot
- If you compress the coffee grounds
With all that said, it is crucial to regularly clean your Moka pot.
How to Clean a New Stovetop Coffee Maker
It is necessary to clean your stovetop coffee maker before you brew your first cup of joe. Cleaning a brand new stovetop coffee maker ensures excellent coffee that meets your standards. Here’s how to do it:
- Wash all the Moka pot parts with hot water.
- Use some old coffee beans to brew two to three pots of coffee. Throw out the brewed coffee.
Cleaning a brand new Moka pot allows the oils in the coffee grounds to create an insulating patina for the aluminum or metal of the Moka pot. This way, the metallic flavor does not leech the coffee that you prepare in the future.
How to Regularly Clean a Moka Pot
First and foremost, avoid using dish soap, abrasives, and other detergents to clean your Moka pot. This is because the products are so aggressive and will leave an unpleasant soapy taste in the pot. Additionally, don’t clean your Moka pot in a dishwasher since it can alter the surface of your pot.
Here’s how you should regularly clean your Moka pot:
- After serving your coffee, allow the stovetop coffee maker to cool off.
- After cooling off, disassemble the Moka pot. Begin by removing the filter basket and plate. Dispose of the wet coffee grounds in the garbage. Avoid disposing of coffee grounds in your sink since they can clog your pipes.
- Rinse each part of the Moka pot under hot water.
- Thoroughly hand dry all the parts of the Moka pot. Leaving water on the surface of the metals causes collusion in the long run.
- After thoroughly drying the Moka pot parts, reassemble your Moka pot and put it away for future use.
How to Deeply Clean Your Moka Pot
Cleaning your Moka pot regularly is important to prevent coffee residues from compromising your freshly brewed cup of joe. However, it’s recommended that you combine your regular cleaning with a deeper cleaning once in a while to ensure that your coffee maker and coffee are always at their best. Here’s how to deep clean your Moka pot:
- Periodically check your filter plate to ensure that the holes are free from obstructions. If the holes are clogged, you can use a needle tip or a toothbrush with delicate bristles to clean the filter plate holes.
- To clean the gasket, remove it from the Moka pot and use a cloth that’s soaked with water to entirely wipe the surface.
- To clean the bottom chamber of your Pot, fill the brewer with water. Add two teaspoons of vinegar or citric acid to the water. Brew and discard the solution. Rinse the Moka pot with running water then go ahead and brew your cup of joe.
How to Clean a Burned Stovetop Coffee Maker
Leaving a Moka pot over the stove for too long can lead to burnt coffee inside the pot. To clean the burns or coffee residue you’ll need some vinegar, water, and a soft sponge or cloth. The first thing you should do is soak the pot for an entire day with one part of vinegar and two parts of water. Afterward, rinse the pot and use a soft sponge to clean or remove the residue. Once you’ve removed the residue, boil the acidic water to clean the inside of your Moka pot.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Soaps to Clean Your Moka Pot
As mentioned earlier, you should avoid using dish soap, abrasives, and other detergents to clean your Moka pot. This is because these products strip the shiny exterior finish of your pot. In addition, you shouldn’t scrub your Moka pot hard when cleaning it. Scrubbing your Moka pot damages its exterior and makes it unattractive and worn out. Equally important, scrubbing your Moka pot removes the oily layer inside the pot that aids in brewing rich and flavorful espresso.
How to Descale a Moka Pot
Descaling your Moka pot helps prevent water build-up, blockages, and malfunctioning. The process involves using a solution to get rid of leftover deposits that are a result of the chemicals in the water. Hard water contains lots of minerals such as calcium that build up in your Moka pot thus affecting the taste of your coffee. Here’s how to descale a Moka pot:
Ingredients
- Water
- Vinegar (1 tablespoon)
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
Procedure
- Fill the lower chamber of your Moka pot with enough water to touch the filter basket bottom and cover the Moka pot safety valve.
- Add one tablespoon of vinegar and lemon juice into the water and mix around.
- Allow the acidic water to sit for 2 to 4 hours so that the mineral buildup and oils can break down.
- After 2 to 4 hours, pour out some water from the Moka pot until the safety valve is no longer covered with water. Brew the acidic water the same way you would brew your coffee.
- Turn off the Moka pot and allow it to cool.
- Disassemble the pot and rinse each part of the pot.
- Completely dry the Moka pot parts and reassemble the pot.
How to Keep a Moka Pot in Good Working Conditions
- Avoid covering the Moka pot safety valve with water. There should be space between the safety valve and water to allow excess steam pressure to escape
- Never tamp the coffee grounds since excess pressure on the coffee grounds can cause micro-grounds in your Moka pot
- Regularly check the safety valve to ensure that there’s no mineral build-up around it or stuck coffee grounds
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