Every night, I diligently prepare my coffee for the morning ahead. I carefully fill the glass pot, pour water into the reservoir, and battle with the filter while counting out scoops of coffee grounds. Sure, I might make a mess, but I pat myself on the back for being so organized. After all, nothing can ruin my morning coffee ritual, especially when cranky kids are demanding breakfast. But little did I know, lurking in the shadows of my beloved coffee maker is a not-so-friendly host of bacteria, yeast, and mold.
According to a study by NSF International, which once went by the National Sanitation Foundation, nearly half of the coffee maker reservoirs sampled—yes, even the classic Mr. Coffee style that I use—had traces of yeast or mold. How is that possible? I use my machine daily, so surely it’s clean, right? Well, not so much. And if you think yours is pristine, think again.
It’s easy to shrug off the idea of mold, especially when we’ve all accidentally eaten a bit of moldy bread and survived. However, further investigation revealed that home coffee reservoirs harbor more germs than the average toilet seat or bathroom doorknob. That’s a hard pill to swallow, especially since I’m not one to lick bathroom surfaces—yikes!
Single-serve machines like Keurig or Nespresso aren’t exempt from these alarming findings either. If you let water sit in the reservoir for days, you might as well be brewing a cup of germs. Lisa Yakas, a senior product manager at NSF International, recommends emptying any unused water daily and allowing the reservoir to dry thoroughly.
It makes sense; germs thrive in moist, dark environments. My coffee maker, while giving me that caffeine boost, is basically a damp breeding ground. I often neglect its upkeep, allowing dust and splatter to accumulate. Not only is my coffee pot grimy, but I’m also likely creating a haven for allergens and germs that can affect those with sensitivities.
If the inside of your coffee pot is a health hazard, don’t assume the outside is any better. The handle, touched by anyone who brews their morning cup, gathers bacteria too. Shared office spaces are particularly notorious, with break rooms often being the germiest places, where coffee pods, mugs, and filters become hotspots for E. coli and fecal matter. Yes, you read that right—fecal matter. The thought of that swirling into my afternoon coffee is beyond unsettling.
Even with diligent handwashing, if surfaces are cleaned with old sponges (which could be called “fecal germ bombs”), the illusion of cleanliness is shattered. We cannot ignore the “toilet plume”—a phenomenon where germs can be propelled into the air when a toilet is flushed. This can lead to bacteria finding their way into the kitchen from the bathroom. My previous coworker may have been a nightmare, but this new knowledge is giving me pause.
Working from home, I thought my kitchen was a fortress of cleanliness, but studies show that 44% of sinks and sponges harbor fecal bacteria. When I finally clean my coffee maker, I realize I might just be moving bacteria from one spot to another! Kelly Reynolds, a germ expert from the University of Arizona, assures us that while our bodies can handle household germs, there’s a tipping point where they can make us ill. The heat from brewing can kill some germs, but regular, thorough cleaning is essential.
To keep my coffee maker in check, I need to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and apply some common sense. Cleaning the pot daily with warm, soapy water and letting it air dry can significantly reduce the risk of germs. Since I use my coffee maker every day, I should also be decalcifying it monthly. Vinegar is a budget-friendly option that helps, but remember, it won’t eliminate all bacteria. And when not in use, letting all components dry out is key.
Did I clean my coffee maker after this wake-up call? Absolutely! I ran a mixture of half vinegar and half water through it, pausing halfway to let it work its magic. Afterward, I brewed a pot of plain water to rinse out any residual vinegar. Will I maintain this routine? I hope so! My coffee tasted better, and I feel healthier.
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In Summary
Taking care of your coffee maker is crucial not only for the quality of your coffee but also for your health. Regular cleaning, decalcifying, and being mindful of where you brew your coffee can go a long way in preventing a moldy mess.
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