Bacteria, fungus, mould: when you urgently need to change the water in the coffee machine

Created: 01/05/2023, 12:00 p.m

By: Kilian Bäuml

The coffee machine is a daily companion for millions of Germans.

But if it is not cared for, bacteria and fungi can collect in it.

Kassel – For most Germans, coffee is a must in the morning.

Not only does it wake you up, drinking coffee also has a positive effect on your health.

But once the coffee is ready and you take the first sip, you sometimes find that it tastes funny.

The question quickly arises as to when the coffee machine was last filled with fresh water.

But when do you actually have to change it?

Water is a product that basically cannot spoil, reports

.

If the machine is in regular operation and the water doesn't sit in the coffee machine for long, there is basically no risk of germs in the water, reports hna.de.

In addition, the water in the machine is heated to a minimum of 80 degrees Celsius when brewing coffee.

Even if it is only heated for a short time, the brewing process offers some protection against bacteria and fungi.

Nevertheless, the water in the coffee machine must be changed regularly, because the water itself is not the only source of bacteria and fungi.

Bacteria and fungi can also accumulate in pad machines.

(Iconic image) © Michael Gstettenbauer/Imago

Bacteria, fungi and mold in the coffee machine: It's not just the water that needs to be changed

If the water sits in the coffee machine for a long time, deposits can form in the water tank.

The so-called biofilms consist of bacteria and their metabolic products, writes

.

The biofilms falsify the coffee taste and can even clog the machine over time.

To eliminate and prevent them, the water tank should be cleaned regularly.

Sponge and detergent are sufficient for this, it is important that the machine dries completely after cleaning.

However, the real danger in the coffee machine does not come from the water and the water tank itself, but from coffee residues that are in the machine.

When leftovers accumulate, bacteria and fungi quickly spread there due to the temperature and humidity - This even quickly leads to mold.

Fully automatic machines are particularly affected because coffee residue quickly collects around the grinder.

But even in classic filter machines and pad machines, residues that go moldy can remain.

Bacteria, fungus and mold in the coffee machine: change the water and clean it properly

To prevent bacteria and fungi from multiplying in the coffee machine and mold from forming, the coffee machine must be cleaned regularly.

The coffee machine manufacturer DeLonghi writes on its website that it is best to change the water every day.

Since the coffee consists of 98 percent water, the water should be as fresh as possible.

The water tank should also be cleaned.

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If it is foreseeable that no coffee will be made for a long time, the water tank should be emptied to keep the moisture in the machine low, the portal

.

The coffee grounds container must also be emptied and cleaned.

If it stays in the coffee machine, bacteria and fungi collect there.

Elsewhere in the house and garden, coffee grounds are a real secret weapon.

Regular descaling of the machine is also recommended so that no germs can attach themselves to limescale deposits.

So delicious, so disgusting: coffee machines are hygienically sensitive

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If mold has already formed, the machine urgently needs to be thoroughly cleaned.

Baking soda, for example, is a real miracle product in the household and can be used to clean the coffee maker, as can vinegar.

Nevertheless, the machine must be cleaned as hot as possible afterwards, preferably in the dishwasher if the machine is suitable for this.

There are also special cleaning tablets that can be used for fully automatic machines.

(kiba)