How to Clean a French Press Coffee Maker in No Time

Whether you're a die-hard coffee lover or just starting your caffeinated journey, knowing how to clean your French press properly is crucial for achieving that perfect brew. 

In this article, we walk you through daily and deep cleaning methods to ensure your French press remains free from coffee grounds, mold, stains, and buildup. Let's dive in!

What you’ll need

• Hot water
• Dish soap
• A long-handled spoon or spatula
• A soft sponge or brush
• A clean, lint-free towel

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How to clean a French press coffee maker in 7 steps

To clean a French press, start by discarding the coffee grounds in your carafe over a garbage can. Then, rinse all the parts of your French press under hot running water. Wash each part with a soft sponge dipped in a mixture of dish soap and hot water. Rinse again with hot water. Finally, dry all parts and reassemble.

Step 1: Disassemble the French press

Begin by carefully separating the components of your French press. This typically includes the carafe (glass or stainless steel container), plunger, and filter screen assembly.

Step 2: Discard the coffee grounds

Next, hold the carafe over a compost bin or garbage can and gently tap the filter screen to dislodge any remaining coffee grounds. Empty the grounds completely into the bin, as they can clog the sink if you pour them there.

Step 3: Rinse the components

Rinse the disassembled parts under hot running water to remove any remaining coffee residue. Make sure to rinse both the carafe and the filter screen thoroughly.

Step 4: Wash with soapy water

Mix a small amount of dish soap and hot water in a bowl. Then dip a soft sponge or brush in the solution and use it to gently scrub the carafe, plunger, and filter screen. This will help to remove any oils or stains. 

Pay extra attention to the filter screen mesh to ensure it is clean and free of buildup.

Step 5: Rinse again

After washing, thoroughly rinse all the components under hot water to remove any soap residue. This step is crucial so you don’t have soap mixing with your coffee in the future.

Step 6: Dry the components

After rinsing, carefully dry each component with a clean, lint-free towel. Ensure no moisture remains, especially on the filter screen, as this can lead to mold or mildew growth.

Step 7: Reassemble the French press

Once all the parts are dry, reassemble your French press. Insert the clean filter screen back into the plunger assembly and place it into the carafe. Ensure the plunger is in the fully raised position to allow airflow.

Finally, store your clean French press in a dry location where it won't be exposed to moisture or contaminants. Even better, keep your French press disassembled when not in use to further prevent mold or mildew.

How to deep clean a French press

To deep clean a French press (including a moldy one), mix equal parts hot water and white vinegar in a basin. Submerge the removable parts of your French press in the solution for 30 minutes. Using a soft sponge, scrub the parts thoroughly. Rinse with hot water and use a lint-free towel to dry before reassembling.

Follow these detailed steps to deep clean your French press:

• Separate components: Separate the carafe, plunger, filter screen assembly, and any removable parts to allow for thorough cleaning of each piece.
• Mix vinegar solution: Mix equal parts hot water and white vinegar in a sink or basin.
• Soak for 30 minutes: Submerge the disassembled parts in the vinegar solution for at least 30 minutes to loosen and dissolve any stubborn residue, mold, or stains.
• Scrub carafe: Use a long-handled bottle brush or a soft sponge to scrub the carafe's inside. Ensure thorough cleaning of the entire surface, including the bottom and sides.
• Scrub plunger and filter screen: Scrub the plunger and filter screen with the vinegar solution. Pay attention to removing any trapped coffee grounds or mold in the filter screen. Use a brush or sponge to access hard-to-reach areas.
• Rinse well: After cleaning, rinse all the components under hot running water to remove any remaining vinegar solution. 
• Sanitize with boiling water: Fill the carafe with boiling water and let it sit for a few minutes to further sanitize the components. Then, pour out the boiling water and rinse the carafe again with hot water.
• Dry well: Use a clean, lint-free towel to thoroughly dry each component. Pay special attention to ensuring the filter screen is completely dry to prevent mold from reoccurring.

Just like cleaning your French press coffee maker, if you have a Nespresso machine, maintaining and cleaning it is essential for a flawless coffee experience. Learn how to clean and descale a Nespresso machine.

Do you clean a French press after every use?

We recommend cleaning your French press after every use because coffee oils and residues cause build up and ruin the taste and cleanliness of your future brews. After use, remove the coffee grounds, rinse the components with hot water, and wash with a small amount of dish soap to remove those oils and residues.

How do you clean a French press without grounds going down the drain?

• Before cleaning, use a spoon to scrape out as many coffee grounds as possible into the bin.
• Rinse the remaining grounds into a fine-mesh sieve or coffee filter placed over the sink, capturing them while allowing water to flow through.
• Dispose of the collected grounds in the trash or compost.
• Proceed with regular cleaning.

Enjoy the best French press coffee possible

If you want consistently delicious and flavorful coffee, then you need to clean your French press regularly. Daily cleaning and periodic deep cleaning, when needed, will help remove coffee grounds, prevent mold and stains, and keep your French press in optimal condition. 

In addition to mastering the art of cleaning your French press, it's crucial to maintain a pristine kitchen environment. From daily maintenance tasks to weekly and monthly deep cleaning, our comprehensive kitchen cleaning checklist is the perfect guide for you.

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