Mould in Coffee? What about your machine!
Mould can be a real problem for coffee lovers, and it's not just in your cup of joe. Your coffee machine itself can be a breeding ground for the dreaded fungus, and it's something you'll want to stay on top of.
Recent choice testing in Australia revealed that around 50% of coffee machines had some level of mould growth. That's a pretty staggering statistic, and it highlights just how important it is to keep your machine clean and well-maintained.
One of the main culprits is the drip tray and group heads. This unassuming little tray is the perfect environment for mould to thrive, thanks to the combination of water and coffee grounds that can accumulate there. It's an easy part of the machine to overlook, but it's seriously worth the effort to clean it out regularly.
Aim to empty the drip tray daily if possible, and give it a good rinse with hot water to make sure there's nothing left behind for the mould to feast on. This simple step can go a long way in keeping your machine fresh and mould-free.
The knockbox, where you store your used coffee grounds, can also be a breeding ground for mould. "Coffee grounds can become mouldy really quickly – sometimes in as little as 12 hours," says our expert, Adrian.
To keep things clean, make sure to toss out the contents of your knockbox every couple of days at a minimum. You can compost the grounds, add them to a worm farm, or put them in your garden beds – just don't let them sit and fester.
Another area to watch out for is your coffee grinder. The oily buildup of coffee residue can turn rancid, which will not only affect the flavour of your brew but could also contribute to mould growth.
Give your grinder a good clean every so often, using a dry brush to clear out any built-up grounds. Avoid using water, as you don't want to introduce moisture into the mechanism.
And let's not forget about the inner workings of your machine itself. Over time, calcium deposits and coffee oils can accumulate, creating the perfect environment for mould to thrive. Most manufacturers recommend descaling your machine regularly, whether annually or every few months, to keep things running smoothly and mould-free.
Remember, a clean coffee machine is a happy coffee machine. By staying on top of the maintenance and keeping an eye out for any signs of mould, you can ensure that your daily cup of coffee is as fresh and delicious as it should be.
Backflushing your machine
Have you ever wondered what that little filter without holes is for? It's called a blind filter or blind basket, and it's used to 'backflush' your coffee machine.
Backflushing diverts the water pressure back through the grouphead and releases it from the valve into the drip tray, cleaning out built-up coffee deposits and oils along the way. For most machines, doing this once a week is enough, depending, of course, on how often you use it. Always read the manual and follow the instructions for your particular machine before backflushing or descaling.
Gunk will build up inside your machine
It's what's inside that counts – and that's especially true of your coffee machine. It might be shiny on the outside, but what's lurking within is more important.
Most manufacturers will recommend that you descale your machine regularly, whether annually or every few months, to clear out any calcium deposits that have built up inside. Be guided by the manual and make sure you schedule this accordingly.
Any gunk that's inside your machine is going to end up in your coffee, which, aside from the ick factor, will affect the flavour of your cuppa. Regular cleaning, backflushing, and descaling will help get rid of built-up oils, coffee grounds, and deposits.
Just remember to run a few shots through your machine and tip them out after descaling – they'll taste gross, and you definitely don't want to descale your insides!