Steps for Cleaning Your Commercial Coffee Machine
A commercial coffee maker is an important part of almost every foodservice establishment, providing customers with a morning cup of joe to get their day started and employees a needed boost of energy. Because the coffee brewer is so crucial, it is essential to regularly clean your commercial coffee maker to ensure you get your investment’s worth out of the unit. Neglecting to clean your coffee maker can lead to bacteria buildup and mold, causing it to collect unwanted germs. With proper cleaning and maintenance, your unit can last for many years.
Before you start the cleaning process make sure to check the manufacturer’s operation manual for your particular brewer. Look for any specific cleaning instructions suited for your individual model. Regularly cleaning your coffee maker will increase its durability and prevent limescale; a hard white substance made primarily of calcium carbonate that deposits anywhere from pipes to coffee makers to kettles and may build up and inhibit the pace at which your coffeemaker brews coffee.
It is recommended that you do a thorough cleaning every four to six weeks depending on the water quality in the area. Here are some universal tips for cleaning a commercial coffee machine:
Cleaning a Commercial Coffee Maker:
1. Ensure your coffee machine is off and cooled down.
2. Wipe down the exterior of the machine with the lint-free cloth.
3. Next, create a mix made up of 1-part white vinegar and 2-parts distilled water. Be sure to make enough of this mixture to fill your coffee decanter or pot.
4. Open the lid, pour the mixture into your unit's water reservoir, and close the lid.
5. Turn your unit on as if you were brewing a pot of coffee and let the mixture work through the machine.
6. Once the brewing cycle is finished, pour the mixture out of the coffee pot.
7. Remove your machine's spray head by twisting it with your fingertips and set it aside.
8. Clean inside the spray head tube by inserting all but two inches of the deliming spring and loosen any lime deposits by sliding the tool in and out of the tube.
9. If the holes in the spray head are blocked with mineral deposits or white flakes, you can use a toothpick to clear the blockage.
10. Clean the spray head using a cloth and mild detergent. Then rinse it thoroughly with water before putting it back on the machine.
11. Pour warm water into the machine and run the brewer to get rid of unwanted flavors and odors from the vinegar.
Cleaning a Coffee Decanter:
Unlike a coffee maker, a coffee decanter is recommended to be cleaned after every use. Dirty coffee pots can give coffee an unpleasant taste, and bacterial growth can cause illness in customers.
1. Read the instructions on the coffee pot cleaner or dish soap before application.
2. Once you read the instructions and determine the correct cleaning method, squeeze the cleaner into the coffee pot.
3. Add hot water to the pot and let sit for a few minutes.
4. Using a coffee decanter brush, scrub the inside of the decanter and around the rim.
5. Pour out the soapy water and rinse out the pot until no residue is left to ensure the first pot of coffee you brew does not taste like soap.
6. Air dry the pot or pat it dry with a lint-free towel to prevent lint from sticking to it.
