Did you know that recent scientific discoveries showcase the numerous health benefits of drinking coffee? It’s true – indulging in a cup of joe can help you live longer, slash your risk of specific cancers by as much as 50 percent, and even aid in keeping Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease at bay. However, if you’re not cautious about maintaining your coffee maker’s cleanliness, your next cup of coffee might come with some unpleasant surprises.
Coffeemakers: A Breeding Ground for Bacteria
Your trusty coffeemaker might do more than just provide you with a steaming cup to help kickstart your day – it could also be teeming with pathogens, eager to invade your system. The microorganisms found in coffeemakers can cause a wide array of illnesses, so if you aren’t vigilant about keeping your machine clean, you may be putting your health at risk.
In a report featured on CBS News, single-cup coffee makers have been identified as home to harmful bacteria such as staphylococcus, streptococcus, bacillus cereus, and even E. coli. Astonishingly, researchers discovered one machine with a water reservoir containing 100,000 bacterial units capable of forming colonies.
Additionally, Prevention highlights the risks of leaving coffee grounds or used pods in your machine for extended periods of time – doing so creates ideal conditions for mold growth. According to Charles Gerba, a microbiology and environmental science professor at the University of Arizona, “a lot of people leave the coffee grounds in the machine, and they stay moist. Mold has a better chance of growing in there than bacteria.”
Five Tips for Keeping Your Coffeemaker Clean and Germ-Free
Here are five steps you can take to safeguard against the invisible organisms that could be lurking inside your coffeemaker:
- Wash every removable part of your coffeemaker: Make sure to clean these with soap and water after you’ve made a batch of coffee. Some parts can be safely placed in a dishwasher, but if they’re made of plastic, you should wash them by hand to avoid exposing them to high heat that could break down the chemicals in the plastic.
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Use a fresh paper towel: Rather than relying on a sponge or scrubber to clean your coffeemaker, utilize a fresh paper towel to prevent transferring bacteria from the sponge to your machine.
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Dispose of used coffee grounds and pods immediately: To avoid creating a perfect environment for mold growth, throw away used coffee grounds or pods as soon as you’ve finished brewing your coffee.
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Regularly perform an internal cleaning cycle: Consult your coffeemaker’s owner’s manual for instructions on how to do this. If you own a pod-use coffee maker, refer to the manufacturer’s information for guidance.
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Wash your hands: Make a habit of washing your hands before brewing coffee, just as you would before cooking a meal.
You might assume that since your coffeemaker heats water, it would kill any germs and bacteria present. However, for the water to effectively combat contaminants, it would need to reach its boiling point and maintain that temperature for a full minute. Thus, regularly cleaning your coffee maker is vital to ensuring your safety and guarding your health – and it might even enhance the taste of your favorite morning beverage.
