In the world of coffee brewing at home, there is one method that stands out among the rest, that method is using a stovetop espresso maker. The stovetop espresso maker, or the Moka pot as it is also known, gives coffee a great flavor but can be difficult to clean. So we will take a look at how to clean a stovetop espresso maker.
Cleaning a stovetop espresso maker is as easy as running warm water over it directly after using it. When the pot has become especially dirty or moldy you can also use soapy water and when it becomes necessary you can give it a good scrub. After a soapy scrubbing, you should brew a few throwaways.
Many people think that you have to scrub the Moka pot with soap every time after using it. This actually damages the pot and makes for bad-tasting coffee. To make sure you get the best cup every time this article will take a look at how to clean a stovetop espresso maker.
How to clean Moka pot
Cleaning a Moka pot is as easy as running water over it directly after use.
After using Moka pot quick wash:
1) Water rinse away all the coffee ground particles – it will leave behind the oils from the coffee. These oils will seal the metal and will stop the metal flavor from getting into your coffee.
2) You can also rub the pot with your finger, this will also strip away some of the oils but not all. After one more brew, the oils will be back sealing in the metal and making sure your coffee taste like nothing but coffee.
When a Moka pot is washed with soap the oils get stripped away and the metal taste can find its way into your coffee. Scrubbing the pot is even worse because it completely strips the oils and also removes a light layer of metal. Scrubbing the pot with soap is not always a bad thing, sometimes it is necessary.
If a Moka pot has been used for a long time without being cleaned it should be washed with soap water.
The soap will also leave behind a taste, so it’s definitely advisable to make a few coffee brews that are to throw away and not for drinking. These brews will get the pot sealed with oils again and get the pot working as it should.
Moka pot not been washed in a while:
You’ll need: A sponge or rag, A toothbrush
1) Fill your pot with soapy hot water and let it soak for a few minutes. Then, use a sponge or rag to scrub off any built-up coffee or grounds.
2) If there is any stubborn residue, you can use a toothbrush to help get it off.
3) Finally, rinse the pot with clean water and let it dry.
How do you clean a burnt stovetop espresso maker
This is something that has happened to most people who use stovetop espresso makers, you put it on to brew and then you just step away for a few moments. The next thing you know, you have forgotten about the pot on the stove and it has completely burnt. Burning it like this causes the coffee to burn onto the metal and any coffee you make after that will taste of this burn.
The best thing to do is to completely clean your Moka pot so that you can start fresh.
How to clean a burnt stovetop espresso maker:
1) First, let it soak in very hot soapy water.
2) After it has soaked you can start scrubbing it to get the burn-off. Some of the metal will also get scrubbed off but that is not so bad.
3) If the scrubbing did not completely get the job done you can use some vinegar to soak the pot and loosen the burn. Vinegar works great for cleaning the Moka pot.
4) After you have scrubbed and scrubbed and the pot looks good again, you can get brewing once again. Similar to the above, you definitely want to make a few throw-away brews just to oil in the Moka pot.
How do you get mold off a stovetop espresso maker
Getting mold on a stovetop espresso maker is also a fairly common issue. This can happen when the pot is forgotten without being cleaned or when it has not been cleaned and dried properly. It is also more likely to happen when you store your stovetop espresso maker in a humid place without proper ventilation.
To get the mold off a stovetop espresso maker you will have to give it a very good clean. Similarly to getting rust off you can let it soak in hot soap water for as long as possible and after that, you can give it a good scrub.
How to get mold off a stovetop espresso maker:
1) In a bowl of hot water, add some dish soap and vinegar. The acidity in the vinegar will eat away at the mold making it easy and safe to remove
2) Optional — There are some more extreme chemicals that can also be used like hydrogen peroxide. These should be used with extreme care and with the proper safety precautions.
3) Scrip with a toothbrush or rag your moldy Moka pot
4) Once clean of mold, make a few throw away brews to add some oils back on the pot.
How can I clean a rusted moka pot
Rust is also a common issue when it comes to Moka pots. As with everything, the process stays similar. Taking good care of your Moka pot is the first step. When the Moka pot is handled in the right way, none of the issues will bother you. This is of course not always possible or perhaps you just didn’t know.
Rust will start when the Moka pot was not dried every time. If the pot gets used often and gets washed in the same way and stored in the same way, but with some water building up in the same place every time. This could spell trouble for some rust coming in.
How to clean a rusty Moka pot:
1) In hot water add some vinegar and dish soap.
2) Give it a good scrubbing to get the rust off.
3) Once the pot is rust free then dry completely and make a few throw-away coffees to add some oils back on the pot.
Can you put a moka pot in the dishwasher
If you have a traditional aluminum moka pot, then it is not dishwasher safe and should not be put in the dishwasher. The aluminum can corrode and create a hazardous situation. However, if you have a stainless steel moka pot, then it is dishwasher safe.
There is a fairly strong consensus that a Moka pot should not go in the dishwasher. There are of course exceptions and putting it in the dishwasher will not completely destroy the pot, but it is not a good practice to do too regularly.
The excess water can cause deterioration and the soap is not good for the flavors of the pot. Every once in a while you can do it to clean off all the old oils, but do not put the Moka pot in the dishwasher every time after using it.
How often should I clean a moka pot
The Moka pot should be cleaned every time after using it, but not with soap like so many people are doing. Every time you use the Moka pot you should just rinse it with hot water after using it and let it dry properly.
If you follow this procedure and you use your Moka pot every day then you can go on forever without ever using soap to clean it. Regular use will keep it in a clean condition.
When the pot has been standing for too long the oils will start to go bad so then it is best to give it a clean with warm water and cloth, still not even necessary for soap.
Stainless steel vs aluminum moka pots
Most Moka pots out there are either stainless steel or aluminum, but which one is best? Traditionally stovetop espresso makers have been made from aluminum. This is also due to the availability and ease of production. Stainless steel is a much harder metal and it is more complicated to mold and shape.
There are many differences between stainless steel and aluminum pots, but both are still great to use and highly effective. Most companies still produce both because there is still a market for both. It is mostly up to preference rather than anything else.
Wrap Up
How to clean a stovetop espresso maker is a question you might wonder but the answer and process is pretty simple. for the most part, simply use water to rise or us soapy wanter to clean it.
