Your coffee maker might be brewing more than just your morning pick-me-up, including gross grime. Consumer Reports reveals easy ways to give your machine a deep-clean, whether it’s a drip or a pod model, so that you can sip better-tasting coffee!

Our coffee makers help us get up and go, but sometimes, they need a little love, too. Coffee residue and mineral buildup can affect the quality and taste of your brew. It could even cause your machine to malfunction.

Consumer Reports says it’s a good idea to give your machine a deep-clean every three to six months. Start by cleaning the brew basket in warm, soapy water. Then, wipe down the sprayer head, which can be prone to buildup, especially if you have hard water. 

For pod coffee makers, remove the reservoir and wash it with soap and water. Removing coffee stains from glass and insulated thermal carafes is easy with a solution of one part baking soda and two parts hot water, and let it stand overnight. Then rinse thoroughly. 

Next, remove burnt-on coffee stains on the hotplate by scrubbing with a damp sponge and a little baking soda. If your machine has a drip tray, now is the time to wash it thoroughly with warm, soapy water. 

Now, tackle those mineral deposits. Minerals in your tap water can build up in your coffee maker. Longer brew cycle times and excessive steaming are two signs that it’s time to descale. Check the owner’s manual for instructions on descaling your machine. Usually, running a vinegar and water solution through your coffee maker does the trick.  

After cleaning, if you’re still looking for a new coffee maker, the top-rated Cuisinart DCC-T20 Touchscreen 14-Cup Programmable, which starts at $109, offers impressive brewing performance and comes with an easy-to-clean filter and descaling indicator. 

For pod enthusiasts, the Instant Dual Pod Plus (140-6013-01), which starts at $170, accepts both Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules. If you do opt for a pod machine, CR says most pods can be recycled. Nespresso offers recycling bags you fill up and ship back to the company, all at no cost to you. Keurig’s K-Cup pods can be added to most curbside recycling pickups. 

Now, go ahead and enjoy how much better that morning cup of coffee tastes!