If you’re one of the 150+ million coffee connoisseurs who savors a steaming morning brew on the daily, you’re probably well aware of how universally loved coffee is. Its robust aroma, intense flavor, and invigorating stimulant effects have earned coffee its rightful place as the world’s favorite caffeinated beverage.
What you might have also noticed is its vivid color to match, thanks to the 1.25% soluble plant matter from roasted coffee beans that makes it the stuff we know and love.
The pigmenting powers of coffee is so prominent, in fact, that some of the more crafty folks have taken to repurposing coffee as wood stain and even hair dye (we don’t recommend trying this one at home!).
Indeed, no material is safe when it comes to this liquid gold. Because of the tannins in coffee and its tendency to seep into porous surfaces, as well as minerals from hard water that may be present, its intense color can permeate almost any material - even stainless steel products.
Luckily, there are a few cleaning tips and tricks to keep up your sleeve to tackle even the most stubborn stains that have developed in your stainless steel coffee pot - and it won’t even require too much scrubbing and elbow grease. The best part is that you can do it with a few common household products that you probably already have in stock right in your own kitchen.
Covered in This Guide
The Baking Soda Method
The Denture Tablet Method
Daily Cleaning Tips to Prevent Stains
The Benefits of Stainless Steel
Ready to get those coffee pots sparkling clean again?
Let’s dive in to our 3 easy deep-cleaning methods, plus our daily cleaning advice that helps prevent coffee stains from reappearing:
Baking Soda Method
Let’s kick off with a foolproof deep cleaning method using an all-around household staple: Baking Soda!
This baking soda solution is the ultimate enemy of a dirty pot, ideal for confronting those tough coffee pot stains. It acts as a mild abrasive strong enough to break down and completely remove stains from burnt coffee, yet gentle enough not to scratch your stainless steel carafe, and even can be used on a glass coffee carafe.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup Baking Soda
- Water
- Dish Brush
- ½ cup of Hydrogen Peroxide (optional)
Instructions
1. Pour 1 cup of baking soda into your stainless steel coffee pot, then fill it up the rest of the way with warm water.
2. Use your dish brush to scrub the inside of the pot.
3. Empty and rinse the pot thoroughly.
4. If any stains remain, repeat by adding 1/2 a cup of hydrogen peroxide and 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the pot.Swirl the mixture in the pot for one minute, then let it sit for 30 minutes.
5. Empty and rinse the pot thoroughly.
Greens' Green Tips:To take your eco-friendly awareness to the next level, use plant-based dishwashing detergent that contains no sulfates, paraffins, or parabens.
Salt, Vinegar & Ice Method
Who knew this crowd-pleasing potato chip seasoning recipe doubles as an effective stainless steel cleaner? Just add ice!The universe does indeed work in mysterious ways. This creative cleaning solution is the best method for mitigating light coffee residue and hard water stains, with zero elbow grease and minimal hassle.
What You’ll Need
- 6 Ice Cubes
- ½ cup of White Vinegar
- 2 tbsp of Table Salt
Instructions
1. Put 6 cubes of ice into your stainless steel coffee pot.
2. Add half cup of white vinegar and two tablespoons of table salt to the pot.
3. Gently swirl the mixture around in the pot until the ice melts or the stain disappears.
4. Empty and rinse the pot thoroughly.
Greens' Green Tips:Want the most hygienic drying option after deep-cleaning your coffee pot? Ditch the dish towel and allow it to air dry instead! Damp kitchen towels can harbor all sorts of bacteria, so air drying is your best bet for a perfectly pure interior.
Denture Tablet Method
Specifically designed to clean stubborn stains and eliminate bacteria, denture tablets are also an excellent choice to clean a stainless steel coffee pot! Perfect for removing stains caused by coffee and mineral deposits from hard water, having some of these unexpectedly handy coffee pot cleaner miracle workers is never a bad idea.
What You’ll Need
- 1 Denture Tablet
- Warm Water
- Bottle Brush
Instructions
1. Place one denture tablet in your stainless steel coffee pot, then fill it up halfway with warm water.
2. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes while the denture tablet dissolves.
3. Use a bottle brush to scrub away stains and hard water build-up from both the inside, outside, and bottom of the pot.
4. Empty and rinse the pot thoroughly.
Greens' Green Tips:Protect your stainless steel kitchenware by steering clear of steel wool scouring pads or harsh wire brushes. Always clean your coffee pot with a soft, non-abrasive brush or cleaning cloth: Steel and steel don't mesh!
Daily Maintenance and Preventing Stains
While there are many ways you could clean a stainless steel coffee pot, sometimes simplicity is the best remedy. Not to mention that regular maintenance is the easiest way to prevent stains, including water stains and rust, from tarnishing your stainless steel pot and keep your fresh coffee safe from off flavors and contamination.
All it takes is a bit of dishwashing detergent - this can be in the form of dish soap, dishwashing powder, or even a dishwasher pod - plus some boiling water and a dish brush. And viola - you’re set to enjoy coffee from your sparkling clean stainless steel coffee pot.
Daily Maintenance
1. First, boil water on the stove, or in an electric tea kettle.
2. Next, add some dishwasher detergent, then fill the stainless steel coffee pot halfway with boiling water.
3. Use a dish brush to gently scrub the inside of the pot. Alternatively, skip the scrubbing and simply let the soapy water sit for 30 minutes.
4. Empty dirty water and rinse the pot thoroughly with cold water.
5. Wipe the pot dry with a soft cloth.
Tips for Preventing Stains
Tip #1: While some coffee maker brands might be dishwasher-proof, it’s generally good practice to hand wash clean a stainless steel coffee pot as stainless steel coffee pots are prone to rust.
Tip #2: To keep your stainless steel coffee pot in tip-top shape, be sure to clean after each use with hot water and dishwasher detergent to avoid build-up over time.
Tip #3: Try not to leave coffee, dirty water, or any residual moisture lingering on your stainless steel coffee pot for extended periods of time to avoid rusting.
Tip #4: Don’t use harsh chemicals or cleaning tools such as bleach and steel wool as they may scratch stainless steel and irreparably damage your coffee pot.
Benefits of Stainless Steel
Any java junkie can attest to the importance of having a coffee maker that is durable, safe, and easy to use and clean. After all, many of us use it everyday to get our daily fix! Not all coffee pots are created equal, however, and studies have found the most sustainable and durable are made of stainless steel.
While you’re at it, do yourself a favor and get yourself some high quality drinkware to match, like Greens Steel line of superior grade stainless steel drinkware.
Keep your hot coffee hot, or toss some ice cubes into your cold brew to keep it icy for hours on end with our best-selling BEAST tumbler. Lasting longer and having a lower environmental impact than their plastic, glass, and ceramic counterparts, you can’t go wrong!
TIPS & FAQS
How do you clean a stainless steel coffee pot with baking soda?
Baking soda is a common household item that doubles as an effective way to clean a stainless steel coffee pot. Simply toss in a cup of baking soda with some hot water and scrub away! Optionally, you can add half a cup of hydrogen peroxide to really get the job done.
How do you get coffee stains out of a coffee pot?
When the usual dishwashing powder or detergent doesn’t cut it, there are a couple ways to clean a stainless steel pot using common household items. Try the baking soda method, or the salt, vinegar and ice method for a deep cleaning treatment on those stubborn coffee stains.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of your coffee pot is a quick and easy way to prolong its life and enhance the flavor of your brews!
Don’t forget, if your Greens Steel Coffee Mug could use a little glow-up, there’s some similar methods you can use for a sparkling result. Learn how in our guide, How To Clean Reusable Coffee Cups And Lids.
For more cleaning and care guides, head to The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning and Caring For Your Stainless Steel Tumbler, Cup, or Water Bottle. Thank you for reading and choosing Greens Steel!
FAQs
How do you remove heavily stains from stainless steel? ›
Mix equal parts baking soda and dish soap into a paste, and gently rub on stains with a microfiber or soft cloth (again, in the same direction as the grain). Rinse, dry and voilà. Of course, you can also use specific products to gently buff away the stain.
How do you get old coffee stains out of a coffee pot? ›Remove Coffee Stains with Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
Baking soda with hydrogen peroxide works together to provide a very effective cleaning solution. To get the toughest stains off your coffee carafes, combine the two components, then use a sponge or scrub pad and some elbow grease.
Pour 1 cup of baking soda into your coffee pot and then add warm water. Scrub the mixture on the insides of the pot using a dishwashing brush or sponge. Then dump out the cleaning solution and thoroughly rinse the pot. You can also use regular white vinegar.
Will vinegar destroy stainless steel? ›Vinegar is safe to use on stainless steel and helps remove oil and grime. Fill a reusable spray bottle with a combination of 1:1 white vinegar and water. Spritz it on, and wipe it off — no need to rinse!
How do you make stainless steel look new again? ›Baking soda makes a great stainless steel sink cleaner because it is abrasive enough to scrub away light hard water deposits and stuck-on grease and food, but not so abrasive as to scratch shiny stainless steel fixtures like faucets. Try cleaning your sink with a paste of baking soda and water.
What dissolves coffee buildup? ›The acidic ones, which include white vinegar, are great for removing the mineral deposits that build up inside coffee makers and clog the openings where water needs to drip out. The alkaline cleaners remove crusted coffee residue, such as what you're dealing with.
What is the best way to clean the inside of a coffee pot? ›Vinegar is an effective natural solution for cleaning a coffee maker. This solution removes calcium deposits and coffee bean oil residue from the interior of the device as well as add acidity to the hot water to disinfect. Turn the coffee maker to the brew cycle and allow the cycle to brew halfway.
How do you get coffee stains out of a stainless steel coffee cup? ›Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
Add half a cup of hydrogen peroxide and two tablespoons of baking soda in your mug filled with water. From there, just let it soak for around 30 minutes and scrub the mug clean after draining its contents.
Concentrated vinegar can damage stainless steel if it's left to soak on the appliance for several minutes. But, diluted vinegar is perfectly safe to use on stainless steel. Most cleaners out there dilute the vinegar with either water or baking soda to make it more friendly to the stainless steel finish.
Is vinegar or baking soda better for cleaning coffee maker? ›Using Vinegar and Baking Soda:
But you can also use vinegar to clean coffee maker parts in general. When mixed with baking soda, it makes for a very potent cleaning solution. White vinegar has many uses with coffee machines. A plain mixture of vinegar diluted with water is great for cleaning Mr.
Does bicarbonate of soda clean stainless steel? ›
Using baking soda is an easy albeit messy way to deep clean stainless steel and remove stubborn buildup. Make a baking soda paste by adding water to baking soda until the desired consistency. Scrub into marks and build-up on the stainless steel and let sit for 20 minutes.
How long can I leave vinegar on stainless steel? ›Let vinegar sit for 10 seconds or longer for tough stains before wiping it off. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off excess the vinegar. Make sure to wipe with the grain of the stainless steel to prevent streaking. You can use paper towels, microfiber cloths, and even an old piece of clothing to wipe off vinegar.
When should you not use vinegar? ›- Clothes Iron. Using vinegar to clean the inside of your iron can corrode the heating element and permanently damage the inside of the appliance. ...
- Countertops. ...
- Dishwashers. ...
- Electronic Screens. ...
- Flooring. ...
- Knives. ...
- Ranges. ...
- Small Appliances.
And some metals are more reactive than others, so baking soda can cause discoloration. While it doesn't totally ruin the metal, it's certainly unsightly. The other thing to be careful of with baking soda is combining it with something acidic, like vinegar or lemon juice.
What should you not use on stainless steel? ›- Harsh abrasives.
- Scouring powders.
- Steel wool.
- Bleach and other chlorine products.
- Glass cleaners that contain ammonia, such as Windex.
- Tap water, especially if yours tends to be hard water (use clean distilled or filtered H2O instead)
- Oven cleaners.
Take some diluted white vinegar and scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. Then after thoroughly working the vinegar into your cookware, you just need to rinse and dry. The acidity of the vinegar will work to break down the oxidized rainbow layer to keep your stainless steel pots looking their silvery best.
What should you not clean stainless steel appliances with? ›Avoid abrasive scouring powders, scrubbers, bleach and ammonia to keep from damaging the appliance's finish. Never wipe stainless steel against the metal's grain. Always wipe with the grain to prevent streaking. Try not to allow your stainless steel appliances to air dry after cleaning.
Does baking soda remove coffee? ›All it takes is some baking soda. Sprinkle a little baking soda onto the bottom of your stained cup or carafe, add just enough water to form a paste, and scrub. The gentle abrasion of the baking soda will get rid of stains in a matter of minutes. Then, simply rinse and wash the way you usually would.
Does baking soda dissolve coffee grounds? ›One of the best ways to break down and clean out coffee grounds that have become lodged in pipes or other such plumbing is to use baking soda. Surprisingly, coffee grounds are more easily broken down by alkaline cleaners than acidic solutions, which is why baking soda works so well for removing it.
What can I clean my coffee maker with besides vinegar? ›Baking soda is affordable and non-toxic cleaning product, and its alkaline properties make it an effective cleaning product as well. Mix a cup of warm water with a quarter-cup of baking soda. Run this formula through one cycle in the coffee maker. Flush the system with fresh water at least once or twice.
What are the 8 steps of cleaning a coffee maker? ›
- Make sure to clean all the components. ...
- Wash the coffee maker out with white vinegar. ...
- Clean the pot out! ...
- UNPLUG THE MACHINE! ...
- Disassemble and wash all the removable parts. ...
- Wipe down the machine. ...
- Rinse with white vinegar.
How Often to Clean a Coffee Pot. You should clean your coffee maker after every use, removing the grounds and cleaning the brew basket, lid, and carafe. A deeper cleaning to remove mineral deposits should be done at least every three months.
How do you clean a badly stained stainless steel teapot? ›Moisten a soft cloth with white vinegar or lemon juice, then wipe the inside of the teapot. This will work to remove some types of stains, including rust, as well as sanitize it. For small stains, a baking soda paste can be used.
Does coffee ruin stainless steel? ›The chemical reaction that takes place between stainless steel and hot coffee does not melt the steel or do any harm to the mug, but it does harm the coffee, giving it some kind of metallic flavour, smell, and taste.
How do you fix discolored stainless steel? ›Take some diluted white vinegar and scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. Then after thoroughly working the vinegar into your cookware, you just need to rinse and dry. The acidity of the vinegar will work to break down the oxidized rainbow layer to keep your stainless steel pots looking their silvery best.
Does wd40 remove stains from stainless steel? ›Simply spray some WD-40 onto a rag, and then wipe away. Remember that just like wood, stainless steel has a grain, and it's always best to wipe along the grain than against it. The surface of your sink will look clean and shiny. Use it on any stainless steel areas around the sink to keep them clean.
How do you get baked on stains off of stainless steel? ›Add a hearty pour of baking soda (about ¼ cup or ½ cup), and then carefully place your pan in the water. Reduce the water to a gentle boil, and let the pan cook for about 15 to 30 minutes, flipping or rotating it if necessary, so that all the sides are boiled. You should start to see brown residue flaking off.
How do you remove old hard water stains from stainless steel? ›White Vinegar
Spray the vinegar directly on to the water stain, and let it sit for about five minutes. Then take your cloth or paper towel and gently wipe the sprayed area in the direction of the stainless steel's grain. Repeat this process until the stain has been removed.
Submerging or soaking a hot stainless steel pan in cold water could be the cause of irreparable warping. Only use non-abrasive cleaners and sponges. Coarse scrubbers and harsh cleaning solutions like bleach or household cleaners can scratch your stainless steel and damage its finish.
What is the best liquid to clean stainless steel? ›Vinegar and Olive Oil
Let the vinegar dry and dampen the other microfiber cloth with olive oil. Work the oil by rubbing with the grain. This simple procedure will clean, protect and shine your stainless steel quickly and easily.
Can WD-40 damage metal? ›
WD-40 can help remove rust from metals like iron, chrome, and stainless steel without further damaging the surface of the metal or removing the paint. The Multi-Use Product is great for loosening and removing excessive surface rust.
Can baking soda remove stains from stainless steel? ›Using baking soda is an easy albeit messy way to deep clean stainless steel and remove stubborn buildup. Make a baking soda paste by adding water to baking soda until the desired consistency. Scrub into marks and build-up on the stainless steel and let sit for 20 minutes.
How do you remove stubborn stains from a stainless steel cooktop? ›Make a paste from equal parts water and baking soda, and then use a soft brush to scrub at the marks. The slightly abrasive qualities of baking soda will help lift dried-on debris, leaving you to just wipe clear and dry.
Is it safe to boil vinegar in stainless steel? ›One of the best ways to clean a stainless steel pot is to mix plain white vinegar and water. Combine ½ cup of vinegar and 3 cups of water in your pot and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and leave to soak in and cool.
How do you get dullness out of stainless steel? ›To remove a fine layer of rust that makes stainless steel look dull, scrub with something that doesn't contain bleach, such as a cloth embedded with baking soda or a scrub powder such as Bon Ami. Scrubbing is also the best way to make deep scratches in your sink disappear, or at least become less noticeable.
How do you get water stains out of brushed stainless steel? ›For tough spots on stainless-steel appliances that don't seem to want to budge, wet a thick, clean towel with distilled white vinegar that has been brought to a boil. Place the damp towel on the spot and let it sit for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with baking soda, then scrub gently until the spot disappears.