A time-tested method of making espresso, Moka Pot is the perfect middle ground between espresso and drip coffee. If you like a strong cup of joey in the morning, too, this is the good ideal brewer for you.
If you're just starting to use a Moka Pot, please check this blog before you start to enjoy your perfect time with your Moka Pot. Don't let the same thing happen to you as it did to me: buy a great Moka pot, only to ruin it by not cleaning it properly!
As coffee lovers, we not only enjoy making coffee but also gotta cleaning after using them. Yeah, cleaning isn't that fun, but please trust me, we have to do that, especially when it comes to Moka Pots. So, next, let me share some quick and easy ways to clean it for you. Hopefully, our Moka pots will work like my parents' one, which has been in use for five years and still working!
Why Clean Moka Pots
As we all know, a Moka pot has three chambers: one for the water, one for the ground coffee, and one for the finished coffee. When the water chamber is heated, steam is generated, increasing the pressure in the chamber and forcing the water through the coffee powder to brew the coffee. Finally, the liquid is forced into the top chamber, it’s time to enjoy.
The key to using a Moka pot is to keep the valves between the chambers clean and the gaskets pliable. Yes, so what happens if the valve becomes clogged? Have you guys ever encountered it? Hopefully, you won't encounter it, it would be a disaster in the kitchen.
Some of you may be confused, is it that serious? Let me share a few more useful safety knowledge with you, I hope you will not encounter these problems.
- When coffee grounds get stuck in the filter.
Over time, this can cause the valve to clog, compromising its safety.
- When the valve is clogged with limescale.
If your local water source is high in calcium and magnesium, over time, your kettle will see white objects. This dirt is very stubborn and can clog the safety valve.
- You compact the coffee grounds.
Compared to espresso machines, Moka pots do not require you to tamp the coffee grounds to get a balanced extraction. Tamping the coffee grounds will result in creating too much pressure. This leads to unnecessary safety hazards, so remember not to be pragmatic with the coffee grounds.
- The amount of water exceeds the safety valve.
When water exceeds the safety valve, it can prevent it from releasing steam. We should leave a small amount of space between the water level and the safety valve.
Of course, there is another very important reason, when the coffee stays in the coffee bin for a long time, it will lead to mold growth, and then the cleaning will be more difficult.
What is your Moka Pot material-stainless steel or aluminum?
If you are a Moka pot lover always, I am sure you have an aluminum Moka pot. However, now we have not only aluminum Moka pots, but also stainless steel ones. This makes a big difference in our cleaning. So, before you know how to clean it, you need to clarify whether your Moka pot is made of aluminum or stainless steel.Aluminum Moka Pots
For aluminum Moka pots, we have to be more careful when cleaning because of the sensitivity of the material, as every type of acid can damage the surface of the Moka pot. The recommendation is to clean it after every use to keep the Moka pot in good condition. Of course, the best time to clean it is when the Moka pot has cooled down.
The cleaning process is not complicated, it is mainly water with a little detergent. Of course, to clean it more cleanly, we need to take off the rubber seal and the sieve, and we can start cleaning it.
Stainless Steel Moka Pot
For Moka pots made of stainless steel, the requirements for cleaning agents are not as high as those made of aluminum, based on the fact that the material is more stable. So it will be more convenient.
Of course, if the Moka pot already has a lot of coffee stains, it is recommended to soak it in water for a short period and then clean it will be better
How to Deep Clean a Moka Pot?
Resin Well-Use Filtered Water
Tap water contains different minerals that can cause the body of the coffee pot to be covered with gutters if used for a long time to make coffee. I recommend that you use filtered water to make your coffee. Avoid the filter of the Moka pot to be clogged.
To share with you a note on the safe operation of a Moka pot: the steam produced by a Moka pot can be very pressurized. If the filter is clogged, the tension during boiling rises rapidly, which will eventually cause the valve to automatically stop not functioning, and it will be impossible to make coffee.
In the case of cleaning, we need to fill the underside with enough water to completely cover the safety valve and touch the bottom of the filter. Yes, this is more water than we use to make coffee at this time. This is the only way to achieve the purpose of cleaning.
Add White Vinegar and Baking Soda
When choosing cleaning tools, we do not need very advanced equipment, I suggest that we use natural cleaners, here we will recommend baking soda and white vinegar here is how and when to use them.
First, add two tablespoons of white vinegar and a teaspoon of baking soda to the filled jug (the top and bottom of the Moka pot are filled separately, of course). Put the Moka pot back on. Let it rest for about 3 hours, and the coffee grounds will flake off on their own! Wipe with a soft cloth, and a clean Moka pot is done! It's especially convenient. But if you want to clean it quickly, there is another way.
Fill the pot with the same amount of water as you would for making coffee, not more than the safety valve, and add some baking soda, about two tablespoons. Then add a spoonful of baking soda to the filter as well, install the Moka pot, and put it on the stovetop as you would for normal coffee making. After boiling, when the temperature is not so high, you can clean it with a soft cloth. We all know that baking soda is a natural yet powerful cleaning and deodorizing product.
For more severe dirt, I recommend using white vinegar and lemon juice. Please remember that aluminum Moka pots are not suitable for use.
The method is the same as for soda and white vinegar. Boil it, and let it cool until the solution collects, repeat once more and only with water, aiming for a cleaner pot. It also removes the taste of lemon juice as well.
🛎️🛎️WARNING
- Do not put any accessories in the automatic dishwasher. Detergents are too abrasive for aluminum.
- Never use a scrubbing sponge or pad to scrub the inside of a coffee pot. Even small scratches produce irreversible damage to the body of the pot.
Wipe Dry Thoroughly
After cleaning, you have to use a napkin to wipe the body of the pot all clean, and finally install the Moka pot, cleaning is complete!
Tips for extending the life of your Moka pot
When pouring coffee grounds, you should not pour them as hard as espresso. Aluminum Moka pots do not withstand the same pressure as espresso machines, so the force will cause the filter to deform.
When cleaning, pay attention to whether minerals or coffee grounds have accumulated around the safety valve to ensure that the safety valve is clean.
When filling the water, the amount of water should not exceed the safety valve, leaving a little space so that the excess steam can be discharged properly.
When using an aluminum Moka pot for a long time, the spare parts will easily break or rust, all we need to do is just replace the parts. This is economical and efficient, and our Moka pots will always be in excellent condition.
