How often should I clean my grinder?

If you follow us on social media, you might have seen one of our recent stories where we asked, "How often do you clean your grinder?" It was a bit worrying to see that some of you thought you didn’t need to clean it... but the truth is, you do! The ideal timing for cleaning your grinder is about once a month. Although it also depends on how often you use it. 

In the past, we’ve helped customers who came into the shop wondering why their coffee had a sour or rancid taste. After asking a few questions, we discovered that their coffee grinders had never been cleaned or serviced before. Once we cleaned their grinders, we solved the real issue. Coffee beans release oils when ground, which can build up over time. This build-up leads to a bad taste in your coffee, making it seem like the beans are the problem – the coffee can taste old and leave you with an unpleasant aftertaste.

 

Here are some reasons why you should clean your coffee grinder:

1. Old coffee oils and grounds build up

Even if you’re only grinding fresh coffee beans, oils from the beans can build up over time inside your grinder, especially on the burrs. These oils are released each time you grind, and if not cleaned regularly, they can create a stale or rancid taste. This happens because the oils go rancid, which negatively affects the flavour of your coffee.

2. Preventing cross-contamination of flavours

If you’re switching between different coffee beans, any leftover grounds or oils from the previous batch can cross-contaminate the flavour of your new beans. Cleaning your grinder regularly ensures that you're tasting your coffee as it was meant to be, without unwanted flavours lingering from your last grind.

3. Maintaining grinder performance

Over time, ground coffee particles, oils, and dust can accumulate in the grinder, especially in harder-to-reach areas. This build-up can affect the performance of the grinder, making it work less efficiently. A cleaner grinder will deliver a more consistent grind size and improve your overall brewing results. Plus, regular cleaning can extend the lifespan of your grinder.

How often should you clean your grinder?

Ideally, you would be cleaning your grinder every 4 weeks - depending on how often you use it. If you’re using your grinder daily, a light clean every 2-4 weeks is recommended. If you’re switching between different coffee beans frequently, a clean after every switch will help avoid flavour contamination.

 

 

How to clean your grinder?

1. Turn off and unplug your grinder from the wall. Do not open the machine before you unplug it.

2. Remove any remaining beans from the hopper and grind chamber.

3. Brush, brush and brush. Make sure you give it a good brush using a small dry brush (often included with grinders) to remove any loose grounds and oils from the burrs and grind chamber. If you don't have a brush, a soft paintbrush or even a toothbrush can work.

4. Wipe down the grinder. Use a cloth or paper towel to wipe down the exterior and any remaining areas inside that might have residue.

5. Reassemble your grinder and test. Once everything is clean, reassemble your grinder and run a small amount of coffee through it to ensure it’s working smoothly.

Important notes

- Avoid using water or soap. Using water or soap can damage the grinder, and may retain moisture, which could affect your coffee’s taste.
- Don’t use chemicals.
-Avoid pulling the grinder apart. This should be done by a professional - time to call The Coffee Company!

Cleaning your coffee grinder isn’t just about making it look pretty. It’s about maintaining the quality of your coffee, preserving your grinder’s performance, and ensuring that every cup of coffee tastes as good as the last. Regular cleaning helps you get the most out of your beans and keeps your grinder running smoothly for years to come.

Leave us a comment if you have any questions, or come and see us at the shop!