If you’ve never taken apart the top of your coffee maker, grab a flashlight—it’s a bit of a horror show. The area where hot water drips through (the underside of the brew basket lid or showerhead area) collects condensation, coffee oils, and mineral residue over time. And if you use a machine with a water reservoir (like a Keurig or drip coffee maker), those hidden corners can also trap moisture, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria.
You can’t always see it, but trust me—it’s there.
How to Clean It Properly
Here’s the quick (and surprisingly easy) way to deep-clean your coffee maker and that hidden spot you’ve been missing:
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Unplug your coffee maker and remove all detachable parts — the carafe, brew basket, lid, and water reservoir if possible.
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Flip the brew lid open and check the underside. Wipe away any visible residue with a damp cloth or sponge.
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Use a toothbrush or cotton swab dipped in warm, soapy water to get into tiny crevices or around the nozzle where water drips through.
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Run a vinegar cycle. Fill the reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water, then run a full brew cycle without coffee grounds. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then run two more cycles with clean water to rinse.
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Wipe everything dry before reassembling. Moisture is the main culprit behind hidden gunk buildup.
If it’s been a while since your last deep clean, prepare to be slightly horrified—but you’ll taste the difference the next morning.
How Often You Should Do It
Experts recommend giving your coffee maker a full clean (including the hidden lid area) about once a month if you brew daily. Wipe it down weekly, and descale it every few months if you have hard water.
If your coffee has started tasting bitter or “off,” or your machine takes longer to brew, it’s probably due for a good scrub.
Why It’s Worth the Effort
Cleaning that hidden spot doesn’t just make your coffee taste better—it also keeps your machine working longer. Mold and residue can clog filters and tubing over time, shortening the life of your coffee maker.
And honestly, there’s something oddly satisfying about knowing your morning cup is as clean as it is comforting. Because let’s face it—if we’re starting our day with coffee, it should be the good kind of strong.