After daily use for several months (or years), your coffee maker can end up looking grimy and leaving your coffee tasting the same. Cleaning your coffee pot will result in great-tasting brew and free your appliance of hard-water deposits.

The following steps will keep your coffee maker looking and working great.

First, place a filter in the machine. Next, combine one part white vinegar with one part water in the pot. Pour the mix into the coffee maker and replace the pot. Turn the machine on to start the brewing process. Allow the solution to empty completely into the pot.

Now, turn the coffee maker off and rinse the pot and filter basket with warm water. Then, pour clean water into the coffee maker and turn it on to start the brew process for a second time. Allow the water to empty completely into the pot. Rinse the pot. Wipe the outside of the coffee maker with a soapy sponge and polish it dry.