A recent study has found that coffee machines can become breeding grounds for germs
UK homeowners who have a coffee machine are being warned to act swiftly to avoid falling ill. This urgent call comes after a recent study revealed that the morning brew from many coffee machines might not be as fresh as it appears, with some machines found to be dirtier than a loo seat.
New data from AO.com reveals that one in 20 Brits has never cleaned their coffee machine, despite six out of ten acknowledging that germs can thrive inside it. Nearly one in six people clean it less than once a month, providing ample opportunity for bacteria and limescale to build up.
When quizzed about why they neglect this task, coffee drinkers gave a variety of reasons. Almost one in four didn’t realise machines need cleaning so frequently, and one in five believe their machine ‘looks clean enough’.
One in six simply forgets, while one in 14 doesn’t know how to clean it properly. The survey also discovered that the average Brit enjoys two coffees a day, with lattes topping the list as the nation’s favourite style of coffee, reports Wales Online.
Experts caution that coffee machines can rapidly become a haven for germs and limescale if not properly maintained. Coffee machine owners are being urged to take action immediately by giving their hot drink appliance a thorough clean, both inside and out.
Why can coffee machines pose a health risk?
The inner workings of a coffee machine provide the perfect warm and humid environment for bacteria and mould to thrive.
Leftover coffee grounds, oils, and other remnants can get lodged in various nooks and crannies of the machine, providing a food source for these microorganisms.
Hard water can also lead to limescale build-up, which not only breeds bacteria but can also block parts of the machine.
Studies suggest that coffee machines can harbour harmful bacteria, some of which can cause infections, especially in those with weakened immune systems.
Stale coffee remnants and mould can result in a bitter or unpleasant taste in your brew. Dirt and limescale can block spouts and internal components, reducing your coffee machine’s efficiency and potentially causing irreversible damage.
How do you clean a coffee machine at home?
Isabella Forgione, a small appliance worker and specialist at AO, has shared several methods for people to quickly and easily clean their coffee machines, ensuring their brews remain safe and fresh. Here are the four steps she recommends.
- Little and often: Rinse removable parts and wipe down the drip tray after every use.
- Weekly deep clean: Run a water-and-vinegar solution through the machine to descale and disinfect, followed by a couple of plain water cycles to rinse.
- Don’t forget the extras: Clean milk frothers and steam wands after every use.
- Descale every three to six months: Hard water areas may need more frequent descaling to prevent limescale build-up.
Wipe the outside surfaces, clean the spouts, and rinse the drip trays. Apply a descaling solution to eliminate mineral deposits from hard water. For internal components such as the brewing chamber, use specific cleaning tablets or capsules to address coffee oil accumulation. Keep an eye on the steam wand, as it can easily get clogged with milk residue.