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Here’s Why Your Coffee Maker Is Brewing Slowly

A person holds a nearly empty coffee pot.
NataliBrillianata/Shutterstock.com

We’ve all been there: it’s early morning and you stumble into the kitchen, eagerly anticipating your much-needed cup of joe. But to your dismay, the coffee maker seems to be working at a snail’s pace, leaving you frustrated, caffeine-deprived, and late to work.

If this scenario sounds familiar, don’t stress! The culprit behind your sluggish brew could simply be some normal mineral buildup. Descaling should solve the problem.

Over time and through regular use, mineral deposits—particularly calcium and limestone—can accumulate inside your coffee maker. These deposits tend to clog the internal components, hindering the brewing process. It restricts the water flow, leading to slower extraction and a prolonged brew.

You can fix this by descaling your drip coffee maker. Descaling is the process of removing these mineral deposits from your coffee maker, allowing it to function optimally again. Regularly descaling your coffee maker not only helps restore its efficiency but also prolongs your coffee maker’s lifespan.

Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi

Sometimes a slow coffee maker is a sign you should treat yourself to a new one.

Fortunately, descaling your coffee maker is a relatively simple task. It can be quickly accomplished using common household items or commercial descaling solutions. Vinegar, citric acid, or specialized descaling products can effectively break down the mineral buildup in no time.

Ideally, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific coffee maker model. Alternatively, you can consult the user manual to find its recommended descaling methods and ratios. 

For most coffee makers, the process usually involves running a descaling solution through the normal coffee brewing cycle, followed by rinsing your machine with clean water to remove any leftover residue.

To help avoid the issue entirely, you can take a couple of preventative measures. Using filtered or distilled water instead of tap water can significantly decrease mineral deposits. It also helps to avoid leaving water sitting in the reservoir for extended periods. Regular descaling also helps.

Mr. Coffee 2129512, 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker

If you can't get your old coffee maker clean enough, a Mr. Coffee will have fresh coffee brewed for you in no time.

It’s no secret that a slow coffee maker can put a serious damper on your morning routine. Thankfully, with the right knowledge and a little maintenance, you can bring it back to life.

By incorporating regular descaling into your coffee maker cleaning routine, you can bid farewell to slow brewing and enjoy your cup of coffee without unnecessary delays. Descaling is an easy task that helps you enjoy a satisfying brew every time.

Regularly descaling your coffee maker helps you avoid mineral deposits, maintain optimal performance, and enjoy a speedy and flavorful cup of coffee to kickstart your day. Never let a sluggish brew process stand between you and your caffeine fix.

Abbey Ryan Abbey Ryan
Abbey Ryan is a storyteller, preferably of stories in written form. Across the 5 years of her professional writing career, her work has been featured in The Chicago Tribune, Amazon, The Medical News Today, and more. When she's not writing (which is rare), she's likely traveling, painting, or on the hunt for a good snack. Read Full Bio »
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