How to Remove Coffee Stains From a Stainless Steel Coffee Pot
How to remove coffee stains from a stainless steel coffee pot
If you’re one of the 150+ million coffee connoisseurs who savours a steaming morning brew on the daily, you’re probably well aware of how universally loved coffee is. Its robust aroma, intense flavour, and invigorating stimulant effects have earned coffee its rightful place as the world's favourite caffeinated beverage.
What you might have also noticed is its vivid colour to match, thanks to the 1.25% soluble plant matter from roasted coffee beans that makes it the stuff we know and love.
The pigmenting powers of coffee is so prominent, in fact, that some of the more crafty folks have taken to repurposing coffee as wood stain and even hair dye (we don’t recommend trying this one at home!).
Indeed, no material is safe when it comes to this liquid gold. Because of the tannins in coffee and its tendency to seep into porous surfaces, as well as minerals from hard water that may be present, its intense colour can permeate almost any material - even stainless steel products.
Luckily, there are a few cleaning tips and tricks to keep up your sleeve to tackle even the most stubborn stains that have developed in your stainless steel coffee pot - and it won’t even require too much scrubbing and elbow grease. The best part is that you can do it with a few common household products that you probably already have in stock right in your own kitchen.
Ready to get those coffee pots sparkling clean again?
Let’s dive in to our 3 easy deep-cleaning methods, plus our daily cleaning advice that helps prevent coffee stains from reappearing:
Baking Soda Method
Let’s kick off with a foolproof deep cleaning method using an all-around household staple: Bicarbonate of Soda!
This baking soda solution is the ultimate enemy of a dirty pot, ideal for confronting those tough coffee pot stains. It acts as a mild abrasive strong enough to break down and completely remove stains from burnt coffee, yet gentle enough not to scratch your stainless steel carafe, and even can be used on a glass coffee carafe.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup Baking Soda
- Water
- Dish Brush
- ½ cup of Hydrogen Peroxide (optional)
Instructions
1. Pour a cup of baking soda into your stainless steel coffee pot, then fill it up the rest of the way with warm water.
2. Use your dish brush to scrub the inside of the pot.
3. Empty and rinse the pot thoroughly.
4. If any stains remain, repeat by adding 1/2 a cup of hydrogen peroxide and 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the pot. Swirl the mixture in the pot for one minute, then let it sit for 30 minutes.
5. Swirl the mixture in the pot for one minute, then let it sit for 30 minutes.
6. Empty and rinse the pot thoroughly.
Greens' Tips: To take your eco-friendly awareness to the next level, use plant-based dishwashing detergent that contains no sulfates, paraffins, or parabens.
Salt, Vinegar & Ice Method
Who knew this crowd-pleasing potato chip seasoning recipe doubles as an effective stainless steel cleaner? Just add ice! The universe does indeed work in mysterious ways. This creative cleaning solution is the best method for mitigating light coffee residue and hard water stains with zero elbow grease and minimal hassle.
What You’ll Need
- 6 Ice Cubes
- ½ cup of White Vinegar
- 2 tbsp of Table Salt
Instructions
1. Put 6 cubes of ice into your stainless steel coffee pot.
2. Add half cup of white vinegar and two tablespoons of table salt to the pot.
3. Gently swirl the mixture around in the pot until the ice melts or the stain disappears.
4. Empty and rinse the pot thoroughly.
Greens' Tips: Want the most hygienic drying option after deep-cleaning your coffee pot? Ditch the dish towel and allow it to air dry instead! Damp kitchen towels can harbor all sorts of bacteria, so air drying is your best bet for a perfectly pure interior.
Denture Tablet Method
Specifically designed to clean stubborn stains and eliminate bacteria, denture tablets are also an excellent choice to clean a stainless steel coffee pot! Perfect for removing stains caused by coffee and mineral deposits from hard water, having some of these unexpected handy coffee pot cleaner miracle workers is never a bad idea.
What You’ll Need
- 1 Denture Tablet
- Warm Water
- Bottle Brush
Instructions
1. Place one denture tablet in your stainless steel coffee pot, then fill it up halfway with warm water.
2. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes while the denture tablet dissolves.
3. Use a bottle brush to scrub away stains and hard water build-up from both the inside, outside, and bottom of the pot.
4. Empty and rinse the pot thoroughly.
Greens' Tips: Protect your stainless steel kitchenware by steering clear of steel wool scouring pads or harsh wire brushes. Always clean your coffee pot with a soft, non-abrasive brush or cleaning cloth: Steel and steel don't mesh!
Daily Maintenance and Preventing Stains
While there are many ways you could clean a stainless steel coffee pot, sometimes simplicity is the best remedy. Not to mention that regular maintenance is the easiest way to prevent stains, including water stains and rust, from tarnishing your stainless steel pot and keep your fresh coffee safe from off-flavours and contamination.
All it takes is a bit of dishwashing detergent - this can be in the form of dish soap, dishwashing powder, or even a dishwasher pod - boiling water and a dish brush and viola - you’re set to enjoy coffee from your sparkling clean stainless steel coffee pot.
Daily Maintenance
1. First, boil water on the stove or by using a tea kettle.
2. Then, add dishwasher detergent, then fill the stainless steel coffee pot halfway with boiling water.
3. Use a dish brush to gently scrub the inside of the pot. Alternatively, skip the scrubbing and simply let the soapy water sit for 30 minutes.
4. Empty dirty water and rinse the pot thoroughly with cold water.
5. Wipe the pot dry with a soft cloth.
Tips for Preventing Stains
Tip #1: While some coffee maker brands might be dishwasher-proof, it’s generally good practice to hand wash clean a stainless steel coffee pot as stainless steel coffee pots are prone to rust.
Tip #2: To keep your stainless steel coffee pot in tip-top shape, be sure to clean after each use with hot water and dishwasher detergent to avoid build-up over time.
Tip #3: Try not to leave coffee, dirty water, or any residual moisture lingering on your stainless steel coffee pot for extended periods of time to avoid rusting.
Tip #4: Don’t use harsh chemicals or cleaning tools such as bleach and steel wool as they may scratch stainless steel and irreparably damage your coffee pot.
BENEFITS OF STAINLESS STEEL
Any java junkie can attest to the importance of having a coffee maker that is durable, safe, and easy to use and clean. After all, many of us use it everyday to get our daily fix! Not all coffee pots are created equal, however, and studies have found the most sustainable and durable are made of stainless steel.
While you’re at it, do yourself a favor and get yourself some high quality drinkware to match, like Greens Steel line of superior grade stainless steel drinkware.
Keep your hot coffee hot, or toss some ice cubes into your cold brew to keep it icy for hours on end with our best-selling BEAST tumbler. Lasting longer and having a lower environmental impact than their plastic, glass, and ceramic counterparts, you can’t go wrong!
TIPS & FAQS
How do you clean a stainless steel coffee pot with baking soda?
Baking soda is a common household item that doubles as an effective way to clean a stainless steel coffee pot. Simply toss in a cup of baking soda with some hot water and scrub away! Optionally, you can add half a cup of hydrogen peroxide to really get the job done.How do you get coffee stains out of a coffee pot?
When the usual dishwashing powder or detergent doesn’t cut it, there are a couple ways to clean a stainless steel pot using common household items. Try the baking soda method, or the salt, vinegar and ice method for a deep cleaning treatment on those stubborn coffee stains.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of your coffee pot is a quick and easy way to prolong its life and enhance the flavour of your brews!
Don’t forget, if your Greens Steel Coffee Mug could use a little glow-up, there’s some similar methods you can use for a sparkling result. Learn how in our guide, How to Clean Reusable Coffee Mugs & Lids.
For more cleaning and care guides, head to The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning and Caring For Your Stainless Steel Drinkware. Thank you for reading and choosing Greens Steel!
