Grinding coffee beans can be a ritual for many people brewing that first cup of the day. But over time, grinding beans can cause a buildup of residue that will affect the flavor of your coffee. What a waste to choose unique beans and grind them, only to find that you've brewed a lousy cup of joe. Follow this guide and learn how to clean a coffee grinder, including burr and blade grinders.
Why clean a grinder?
As mentioned above, a buildup of coffee particles and oils can eventually leave a rotten smell in the grinder. Every time you grind, the oils will seep into the new beans, resulting in bad tasting brew. It's not just about the flavor; letting your grinder get a little worse for wear will also impact the grind consistency. Leftover particles and grease can also cause the beans to grind unevenly. It's no good if you're after a fine espresso grind. As with any kitchen equipment, regular maintenance and cleaning will also extend its life.
What you need to clean a coffee grinder
You don't need much to clean your coffee grinder. While you can get specially designed grinder pellets, household cleaning tools will do fine.
Here are a few things to have on hand:
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Soft brush or grinder cleaning brush (an old toothbrush will work here)
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Lint-free/microfiber cloth
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Mild detergent
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Hot water
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Grinder cleaning pellets/rice (optional for deep cleaning).
How to clean an electric burr grinder
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First, unplug the electric burr grinder and remove any leftover beans.
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Disassemble the grinder's removable parts, such as the hopper and burrs.
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Hand wash the hopper with hot, soapy water, rinse with hot water, and then dry with a lint-free or microfiber cloth.
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Use a brush to clean the burrs and wipe away any remaining residue with a cloth.
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Clean the coffee grinder's exterior with a damp cloth.
How to clean a coffee grinder with rice
If you're deep cleaning a coffee grinder with rice or grinder pellets, follow these instructions:
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Pour a quarter cup of dry, uncooked rice into the grinder and grind until it becomes a fine powder.
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Discard the rice powder and wipe around with the microfiber cloth.
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After cleaning a coffee grinder with rice, run a few beans through first, then discard the grounds.
How to clean a manual coffee grinder
Follow these instructions to clean a manual coffee grinder, like the STARESSO Discovery Grinder.
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Disassemble the removable parts of the grinder
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Clean the burrs using a brush
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Wash removable parts with warm, soapy water
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Rinse and dry thoroughly before reassembling.
After you've reassembled your grinder, test everything has been appropriately replaced by grinding a few beans.
How to clean electric blade grinders
To clean a blade grinder, use rice or other absorbent material to remove any remnants of old coffee beans.
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Add 1/4 cup uncooked rice to the grinder and pulse for 30 seconds.
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Get rid of the rice grounds.
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Use a soft brush around the blades and grinding chamber to remove any remaining particles.
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Dampen a cloth and wipe around the chamber; use detergent if necessary. Keep the electrical components and motor away from water.
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Dry with a microfiber cloth.
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Wash the lid in warm, soapy water, and dry thoroughly.
How often to clean coffee grinders
How often you clean your coffee grinder depends on how often you use it. But even if you only use it occasionally, quickly wiping or brushing away any coffee grounds after use will certainly help to maintain it for longer.
Every time you use it, give the grinder a quick brush to extract leftover coffee dust.
Once every few weeks, do a complete clean by following instructions on how to clean a coffee grinder.
Occasionally deep clean, disassemble the entire grinder (as much as you can), and wash and dry everything by hand.
Whether you want to know how to clean a manual coffee grinder or an electric blade grinder, our tips should help you keep your coffee grinder in peak condition.
Frequently asked questions on how to clean a coffee grinder
How often should I clean my coffee grinder?
Give your coffee grinder a basic cleaning after each use with a soft brush, and deep clean your grinder monthly to maintain optimal performance and flavor quality.
Can I clean my coffee grinder with rice?
Yes, using dry, uncooked rice can help remove coffee residue and oils. Simply grind the rice as you would coffee beans, discard the rice powder, and wipe the grinder clean.
What type of detergent should I use for cleaning?
Use a mild, unscented detergent to avoid leaving any unwanted flavors in your grinder. Make sure to rinse each component properly before drying and reassembling.
Can I wash the burrs of my coffee grinder?
If the burrs are removable, you can wash them with hot, soapy water. Make sure to rinse thoroughly and dry fully before reassembling. Moisture can cause corrosion, so make sure they're thoroughly dry before reinstating the burrs.
How do I clean a manual coffee grinder?
Disassemble the grinder, use a brush to clean the burrs and interior, and wash any removable parts with soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly before reassembling.
Why is it important to clean my coffee grinder regularly?
Regular cleaning prevents rancid flavors from old coffee oils, ensures consistent grind size, and prolongs the life of your grinder.
