Introduction
Coffee is easy to take for granted. Pour water into a coffee maker, add ground coffee beans, and push a button. Right? Not if the coffee maker becomes clogged. If that happens, the coffee maker and surrounding area can transform into a soggy mess or even a fire hazard.
Coffee generally is made using tap water, which can leave mineral deposits in the hose that transports water from the coffee maker's reservoir to the ground coffee. These deposits accumulate over time and can cause the water to back up while coffee is brewing. This compromises the quality and reduces the quantity of brewed coffee. A backup also can create a spill, which could lead to an electrical short (or even a fire) originating from the coffee maker or outlet.
Preventive maintenance will keep the coffee flowing. This Fast Fix project describes the process of descaling a Cuisinart 12-cup coffee maker, which includes clearing any buildup in the hose and replacing the charcoal filter with a new filter. Completing this project four to six times per year can improve the flavor of brewed coffee and prolong the life span of the coffee maker.
Tools
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Fill the coffee maker's glass carafe with 6 cups of cold tap water and 6 cups of distilled white vinegar. Do not mix.
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Pull the charcoal filter container out of the coffee maker and remove the filter pod. Wash and dry the filter container.
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Pour the hot liquid down the sink drain while running cold water from the tap, so as not to damage the plumbing.
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Repeat the process of pouring the water into the reservoir, completing the brew cycle, and pouring the water down the drain. Reserve 1 cup of the water.
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Allow the water to cool, then taste it and see if any vinegar flavor can be detected.
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If any vinegar flavor can be detected, repeat the process and taste the water again until no vinegar flavor can be detected.
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Prepare the coffee maker for brewing and brew coffee as usual. The coffee should brew without issues.
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After this project is completed, coffee should brew without issues and taste less murky than it might have before descaling.
Completing this project four to six times per year will keep the coffee maker in good working order. This could prolong the life of the coffee maker and keep it out of the landfill. In addition, it could save money for the owner. That money could be used to purchase better-quality coffee as a reward for keeping the coffee maker in working order.
