How To: Clean your coffee maker

Make your coffee maker sparkle with these easy tips. This Howcast video presents a helpful guide on cleaning your coffee maker.

You Will Need
* A drip coffee maker
* White vinegar
* Ice cubes
* Table salt or rock salt
* Dishwasher detergent
* A dish brush
* Baking soda
* Alka-Seltzer tablets
* Denture tablets
* A fresh lemon

Step 1: Clean the machine
Clean the inside of your coffee maker by running a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water though the machine. Do two runs with water afterward to remove the vinegar.
Tip: You can substitute a half dozen Alka-Seltzer or denture tablets, a quarter of a cup of baking soda, or the juice of a fresh lemon for the vinegar.

Step 2: Get ice and salt
To get your carafe looking like new, try this barista trick. Toss a handful of ice cubes and a couple of teaspoons of salt—rock or table—into the carafe.

Step 3: Swish vigorously
Swish vigorously for a minute or two.

Step 4: Rinse thoroughly
Rinse thoroughly.
Tip: If you have a stainless-steel carafe, fill it with boiling water, add a few tablespoonfuls of powdered dishwasher detergent, let it sit overnight, then swish with a dish brush and rinse.

Step 5: Fill with water and baking soda
To get rid of any lingering vinegar smell in the carafe, fill it with warm water, add a teaspoon of baking soda, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse well. You're ready for a delicious cup of coffee!

Fact
The average American drinks 23 gallons of coffee a year, or about 400 cups.