Although coffee makers and espresso machines are popular these days, some people still prefer to use Moka pots in making coffee.
If you use a Moka pot to brew coffee, you may wonder how to clean it properly without damaging any important parts.
In this article, we will learn about how to clean a Moka Pot in different ways, so you can have various options and use the tools that are the most accessible to you.
You know, cleaning a Moka pot is not difficult. Simply remove all of its removable parts and begin washing each one with a sponge and water, or thoroughly rinse it with hot water, wipe it with a clean cloth and there you go, your Moka pot is clean!
But deeply cleaning it is a different level. So keep reading to learn the specific steps!
But first, let’s get to know the Moka pots.
What is a Moka pot?
If you are a coffee lover, you must be familiar with Moka pots.
A Moka pot is a stovetop coffee maker for brewing coffee. It has an aluminum spout, a lower and upper chamber for coffee grounds, and a filter.
To use a Moka pot, you must place coffee grounds in the coffee filter, then add the water to the lower chamber of the pot.
As the water heats up in the lower chamber thanks to an external heat source, pressure builds up, forcing the water up into the coffee grounds chamber.
The water passing through the ground bed brings along extracted coffee compounds. Eventually, the brewed coffee is pushed up into the top chamber where coffee can be collected.
How to clean Moka pots?
To clean your Moka pot or aluminum Moka pots, as already mentioned above, you will need:
- A soft non-abrasive sponge
- Hot water
- A clean cloth
Begin by removing all of the coffee maker’s removable components such as the coffee filter, coffee grounds chamber, and the spout.
With a sponge and hot water, clean each of these parts. Set them aside to dry after thoroughly rinsing them.
Reassemble the coffee maker once the parts have dried, and simply wipe down the outside of it with a clean cloth to clean it.
Remember that your Moka pot has the coffee oils seal at the aluminum surface, preventing your coffee from taking a metallic taste.
Using an abrasive sponge may damage the coating on your aluminum Moka pot, so avoid using any abrasive cleaning material.
Using a dishwashing liquid or warm soapy water to make your Moka pot clean is not recommended because it can affect the taste of your coffee and ruin the finish.
If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to clean your coffee machine easily and effectively.
1. How to clean a Moka pot with vinegar
Another method for cleaning your Moka pot is to use vinegar, more specifically, a vinegar solution.
Make this solution by combining one part vinegar and two parts water. That’s all there is to it. You now have a solution to help you clean the pot.
Then, scrub all of the coffee maker’s removable parts with this solution using a non-abrasive sponge.
Again, set the coffee maker’s parts aside to dry after rinsing them.
Reassemble the coffee maker after the parts have dried, and simply wipe down the outside with a clean cloth dipped in the vinegar solution.
2. How to clean a Moka pot with baking soda
Baking soda is another popular cleaning agent. This is a popular option because it is efficient and gentle on a stovetop espresso maker.
To clean your Moka pot with baking soda, you will need:
- A bowl
- Baking soda
- A non-abrasive sponge
- Hot water
- A clean cloth
- Citric acid (Mixing baking soda with citric acid is also effective, but this is optional.)
In a mixing bowl, combine one tablespoon of baking soda and two cups of hot water.
Dip the sponge in the mixture and scrub all of the removable parts of the Moka pot.
Set the coffee maker’s parts aside to dry after rinsing them.
After the parts have dried, reassemble the Moka pot and wipe down the outside with a clean cloth dipped in the baking soda mixture.
3. How to clean a Moka pot with lemon juice
The process of cleaning your Moka pot using the juice of lemon would be the same as cleaning your pot with the previously discussed methods.
All you have to do is make the lemon juice solution, which requires the juice of a lemon and white vinegar. In a mixing bowl, mix ½ cup of juice of lemon and 2 cups of white vinegar.
Now, use a non-abrasive sponge to clean the Moka pot with it.
How to Descale A Moka Pot
The process of removing built-up mineral deposits is known as descaling. These deposits can be caused by the water you use to make your coffee or by the coffee itself.
In either case, these deposits can accumulate over time and have an impact on the performance of your Moka pot.
If you notice that your coffee isn’t tasting as good as it once did or that your Moka pot isn’t working as well as it once did, it’s time to descale it.
To descale your coffee maker, simply add a solution of one part vinegar to two parts water to the water chamber and run it through a brewing cycle like you’re brewing a regular batch of coffee.
Once the cycle is finished, rinse the coffee machine well with clean water to remove any residual vinegar taste. You can also run a couple more brewing cycles with just clean water to get rid of the acidic smell and taste completely.
Let all of the parts dry before assembling them back together.
How often should you clean your Moka pot?
How often you should clean your Moka pot depends on how often you use it.
If you use it every day, you should descale it every month or so.
If you only use it once a week, you can probably get away with descaling it every couple of months.
Either way, it’s always a good idea to give your Moka pot a good cleaning every now and then.
For regular maintenance, it’d be best to clean your pot every time you use it. This will prevent coffee residue and oils from building up and making your coffee taste bad.
The dangers of a Dirty Moka Pot
If you don’t clean your coffee maker, the build-up of coffee grounds and coffee oils can create a nasty taste in your coffee.
In addition, the coffee filter basket can become clogged with old grinds, which will make it difficult for water to pass through.
This will not only lead to bad-tasting coffee but also an explosion hazard that can put you and your kitchen at risk.
Finally, the ground coffee can become stale and lose its flavor. This is why it’s important to clean your Moka pot on a regular basis.
The best way to maintain your Moka pot is to clean it after every use and don’t leave coffee inside.
To Wrap Up
So, there you have it! These are some simple tips on how to clean a Moka pot. By following these steps, you can keep your coffee maker in top condition and enjoy the best-tasting coffee.
FAQs
Are you supposed to clean the Moka pot?
Yes, you should clean your Moka pot after each use. This will prevent coffee build-up and ensure that your coffee always tastes fresh.
How do you clean a burnt Moka pot?
A burnt Moka pot can be cleaned by filling it with water and bringing it to a boil. Allow the pot to cool before scrubbing the inside with a brush.
Why does my Moka pot coffee taste burnt?
It’s possible that your Moka pot isn’t evenly heating the coffee, causing it to taste burnt. Another possibility is that you are using too many coffee grinds, which can cause the coffee to taste bitter or burnt.