How To Clean Out A Bunn Coffee Maker

We all live for our coffee—but it might be our coffee makers that are in need of some serious love, according to new research from the University of Valencia in Spain.

When a team of microbiologists analyzed the drip trays of nine java machines, they found every single tray was packed with bacteria—between 35 and 67 different kinds, in fact. Even worse: Some were 'pathogenic strains'—which can make us sick.

Different research from a CBS investigation also found both staph and enterobacter—bacteria found in your colon—in coffee makers. Sweet.

But before you panic, an important reality check: "Bacteria are everywhere," says Kathryn Jacobsen, Ph.D., a professor of epidemiology at George Mason University. And she's not surprised to see them in coffee machines, which are a good place for bacteria and mold to grow because they are wet and warm.

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The thing is, it's not possible—or necessary—to remove all of the bacteria from our homes. "Most bacteria are non-pathogenic—they don't make humans sick," says Jacobsen. "Some are helpful, like the ones that aid in digestion. Only a few are harmful."

That said, nixing potentially harmful germs is important. And a soapy sponge that's been sitting in your sink—which is usually extremely germ-laden—won't cut it, says Jacobsen. (A clean, damp cloth is a safer option.) If you are going to use a sponge, squeeze out excess moisture until it's just damp, and zap it in the microwave for 30 seconds to kill the bacteria, she suggests. "Just be sure to let it cool down, since they get really hot when they're nuked," says Jacobsen.

A better cleaning method: vinegar. "It isn't as good of a germ-killer as more potent chemicals like bleach, but it's safer to use in kitchen appliances," says Jacobsen. "Bleach can be corrosive and could damage the machine."

Additionally, when you're not using your brewer, you should keep the water chamber open so it can dry out.

As for how often you should clean the machine? That depends on how frequently you brew. "Most of the reports I've seen say that daily coffee makers should clean their machines with vinegar about once a month," says Jacobsen. Office coffee pots (that are in constant use) should probably be cleaned more often, she adds. So maybe get on your office manager about that, stat.

Cassie Shortsleeve Freelance Writer Cassie Shortsleeve is a skilled freelance writer and editor with almost a decade of experience reporting on all things health, fitness, and travel.

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