Keeping Your Coffee Grinder Clean
Stale coffee oils cling to the burrs and chutes of your grinder, turning rancid over time and tainting every fresh bag of beans you buy. A deep clean once a month ensures your cup stays bright rather than bitter.
Water is the enemy of your grinder.
Never use soap or water on the burrs or internal components. If moisture reaches the motor or causes the metal burrs to oxidize, the grinder is finished.
- Stiff-bristled nylon brush
- Handheld vacuum or compressed air
- Microfiber cloth
- Grinder cleaning tablets (optional)
What goes in.
- 1 packetGrinder cleaning pellets
Removing the Residue
Use a stiff brush to manually dislodge caked-on oils from the burr teeth, then use air to clear the chute. The goal is to return the metal to its clean, original color.
The method.
Unplug the unit
Always disconnect from power to ensure the motor cannot engage while your fingers are near the burrs.
Remove the hopper and burrs
Consult your manual to remove the upper burr. Take note of the setting before you unscrew it so you can return it to your preferred grind size later.
Brush the internals
Scrub the upper and lower burrs with the nylon brush. Use the vacuum to pull away loose grounds as you work to keep your workspace tidy.
Run cleaning pellets
Reassemble the grinder, pour in the cleaning pellets, and run them through on a medium setting. They absorb oils and push out trapped dust in the chute.
Clear the remaining dust
Run a small handful of cheap, sacrificial coffee beans through to flush out any remaining pellet fragments or dust.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Keep a dedicated, dry brush stored next to the grinder for daily cleaning of the chute.
Wipe the hopper with a clean, dry cloth once a week to prevent oil buildup from the beans.
If your grinder has a static issue, a tiny spray of water on your beans before grinding can reduce mess but keep it away from the grinder internals.
The ones that keep coming up.
Can I use rice to clean my grinder?
Avoid it. Rice is harder than coffee beans and can chip or dull your burrs, or worse, jam the motor of a household grinder.
How often should I do a deep clean?
If you grind daily, once a month is sufficient. If you switch between different types of beans frequently, clean it between bags.
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