Enter your search term

Search by title or post keyword

How to Remove Rust from Coffee Maker Hot Plate

Our website is supported by our users. We sometimes earn affiliate links when you click through the affiliate links on our website.

We all need that hit of caffeine from our first cup of coffee in the morning, and most of us need at least a couple more cups throughout the day to sustain us, especially during those long, drawn-out afternoons.

The most critical factor to a good cup of coffee from your coffee machine is the condition that the device is in. A dirty or rusty machine might work efficiently but can negatively influence the taste of your coffee. Let’s take a look at how to remove rust from coffee maker hot plate.

How Coffee Makers Work

You may have, at some point, wondered how your coffee machine works. The process is far simpler than it might seem.

Coffee makers, also sometimes called coffee machines, are home appliances that are used to, you guessed it, brew coffee. There are several different types and models of coffee machines, all that make use of different brewing principles.

Nowadays, in most coffee machines, ground coffee is placed into a metal or paper filter within a funnel, which is then set over a coffee pot made from ceramic or glass. Cold water is added to a separate vessel and is then boiled and moved into a funnel.

You will notice three main features when you remove the top from your coffee machine:

1. A reservoir that houses the water that you pour into the machine at the start of the coffee brewing process. There is also a hole at the bottom of the bucket that an orange tube moves through.

2. A white tube that leads upward from below the base of the reservoir. This tube carries hot water up toward the drip area.

3. A kind of shower head to which water arrives from the white tube. The water then escapes the shower head and is sprayed over the ground coffee. In some coffee machines, the water escapes from the tube itself instead of the showerhead onto a perforated disc known as the drip area.

Coffee machine manufacturers have been simplifying and honing their designs to make coffee makers as straightforward and easy to use as possible. You will also notice a heating element on the left-hand side of your coffee maker’s base.

Removing Rust From Your Coffee Maker’s Hot Plate

We’ve compiled some easy remedies for when you find rust on the hot plate of your coffee maker. Here they are:

White vinegar

White vinegar is highly acidic, and is, therefore, an excellent rust remover, with the added bonus of being easy to get ahold of. Most folks have some in their pantry or kitchen.

Start by unplugging your coffee machine and removing the coffee pot. Then, soak a clean cloth in the white vinegar.

Next, you will want to let the cloth sit on top of the machine’s hot plate to work the rust away. Once that is done, wipe the coffee maker’s hot plate with a rag or paper towel.

Aluminum foil

Aluminum foil is a cheap, easy, and effective way to remove rust from your coffee maker’s hot plate. It reacts with rust on a chemical level, and is soft in comparison to other materials, making it unlikely to scratch your machine.

You will need to tear a strip of aluminum foil and dip it into some clean water. Once the foil is wet, roll it up and rub it against the rusty areas of the hot plate.

If the foil dries out, simply dip it back into the water, or dip a fresh piece of foil into the same water. Clean the removed rust with some soapy water and a sponge, then rinse and dry the hot plate.

Oxalic Acid

Oxalic acid is a multi-purpose cleaning supply that most folks have in their homes. It is capable of removing rust from kitchen countertops, pipes, and sinks effectively.

To start, make a solution of one part oxalic acid to nine parts of water, and allow the solution to sit for 30 minutes. Then, wipe the solution from the hot plate with an old rag, and repeat the process if necessary.

Preventing Your Coffee Maker’s Hot Plate From Rusting

We all know that prevention is better than a cure. There are a few ways in which you can prevent your coffee machine’s hot plate from rusting.

  • Always dry your coffee machine after every use.
  • Do not use the coffee pot to fill the water reservoir with water. Use a large glass or jug instead.
  • Ensure that there is no water dripping once the brewing cycle is complete.
  • Wipe the coffee maker’s hot plate down with a damp rag to remove any coffee residue once the brewing cycle has finished.

Tips For Using A Coffee Machine

There are a few things you can do to ensure that you are getting the best cup of coffee possible, every time. The first, and as you may have guessed, most important, is to keep your coffee maker clean.

The second is always to use a medium grind. Most auto-drip coffee machines were designed to be used with a medium grind, though the optimal grind may vary. Find what works for you.

Finally, always brew a full pot. Your coffee machine’s reservoir and brew basket are manufactured to accommodate the machine’s maximum capacity, and anything less will cause the machine to run inefficiently.

Final Thoughts

Removing rust from your coffee maker’s hot plate is not as difficult as it sounds, but it is a crucial step in keeping your coffee tasting good. Follow the steps above, and your brewing machine will be good as new in no time.

Leave a Comment

what_is_a_frappuccino_1

May 13, 2022 0 min read

what_is_a_frappuccino_2

May 13, 2022 0 min read

strongest_k_cup_coffee_1

May 13, 2022 0 min read

Explore More within Art of Barista

Art of Barista
Browse our site for free advice to help you create coffee at home.
post explore

How we help

We’re coffee lovers at heart. That’s why we started this site – to share our love of coffee with you.

The art of coffee starts here

Start Here

Brewing Guides

Explore all the best ways to brew your coffee, from roasting the beans to making the perfect Caffe Latte.

View All

Buying Guides

With so many different kinds and brands of coffee out there, it can be hard to know what to buy. Explore our guides to find the best coffee for you.

View All

Coffee Facts

Our mission is to give coffee lovers the power to create the most delicious coffee cup from the comfort of their home.

View All