How Does A Self-Cleaning Coffee Maker Work?

Sometimes, the most vibrant coffee does not come from the freshest and most potent beans but from a clean machine. An investigation by CBS discovered that various bacteria dwell in coffee machines. The warm temperatures and coffee residues create a conducive environment for bacteria to grow. 

As a result, vending machine manufacturers started making machines with self-cleaning features. A clean machine is healthy and makes coffee taste even better. No one appreciates poorly brewed, tasteless coffee, regardless of the circumstances. Therefore, to get started on self-cleaning coffee makers, here is a breakdown of how they work. There will also be more details about cleaning the machine externally.

What is a Self-Cleaning Coffee Maker?

A self-cleaning coffee maker is one with a function that automatically cleans the machine. These machines clean themselves by flushing the mixers and dispensers using a cleaning solution and hot water. Once it is time to clean, the indicator light will show. Next, the maintenance personnel or operator will add a cleaning solution to flush out the tank.

How Does a Coffee Maker Self-Clean?

A self-cleaning coffee maker has a button that starts the cleaning process. Upon pressing this button, it activates the internal components to clean themselves without manual input. This process takes a few minutes to hours, depending on the type of machine. These types of machines come at a slightly higher coffee dispenser machine price than an average coffee maker.

When using this machine, connecting it to a water line is essential instead of refilling the reservoir every minute. This cycle uses cold water in the reservoir. The automatic button will activate the machine to heat the water.

Before cleaning the machine, it is crucial first to clean the baskets, grinder and other accessible elements. A cleaning solution like vinegar is perfect for clearing the gunk out in hard-to-reach areas. The self-cleaning machine is ideal for busy establishments that want to retain the quality of the machines.

How to Start the Self-Cleaning Cycle

A self-cleaning coffee machine will alert the user when it is time to flush the machine. After the cleaning light pops up, here are the next steps.

– Removing the Charcoal Filter

Removing and cleaning the charcoal filter is the first step to cleaning the coffee maker. Gunk and other residue fill the filter and the water reservoir and should be thoroughly cleaned.

– Preparing a Cleaning Solution

Vinegar is the most accessible cleaning solution for self-cleaning coffee machines. Therefore, mixing water and vinegar in rations 2:1, respectively, for better results is advisable. Once the mixture is ready, it should be placed in the reservoir.

– Starting the Cleaning Process

Once the indicator light turns on, it is best to follow by pressing the button to start the cleaning cycle. After completing the process, the indicator light will change its colour to signal the completion of the process.

– Rinsing

Since the coffee maker machine uses vinegar or other cleaning solutions, the remaining liquids may affect the quality of the coffee. Rinsing the machine with cold water would clear out any residue in the coffee drip. In addition, wiping the outside of the machine removes any vinegar tastes on the carafe.

Cleaning the Coffee Maker on the Outside

A self-cleaning coffee machine only cleans the internal components. Therefore, until vending machine manufacturers build one that fully cleans itself, it is important to clean external components manually. For coffee vending machines, it is crucial to clean out the easily accessible parts inside the machine.

This process should be followed up by removing the funnels, outlets and other components and rinsing them properly. The drain tray should also be emptied and cleaned thoroughly before cleaning the water container to remove any residue.

Once all the accessible parts are clean, the maintenance personnel should carefully wipe down the outside of the machine. Wiping removes any dust, spillage or fingerprints visible on the vending machine. In addition, a clean machine will give flavourful, refreshing coffee without conflicting tastes.

Just because a machine cleans it does not mean throwing caution out in the wind and operating on auto-pilot. It is important to have a cleaning schedule to keep the machine in perfect condition. Depending on the use of the coffee maker and the number of cups it dispenses daily, it is necessary to clean weekly or monthly. When using vending machines, taking out the parts and thoroughly cleaning them after every six months is enough. Hopefully, this guide provides solutions to any issues relating to operating self-cleaning machines.