French press is a beloved method used to make that perfect, fresh cup of coffee. The reason for that is that the brewing time can be easily adjusted to everyone’s preference. Another reason is that there is no paper filter and more oils and flavours are left in the coffee.
If you don’t know what a french press is, we will tell you a few words about the way it works. First, place coffee grounds at the bottom of the glass brewing jar, then pour hot water and allow them to steep in it. When the coffee has brewed long enough for your satisfaction, the plunger is pushed down slowly as the metal filter traps any coffee grounds so they don’t end up in your cup.
Just like every other coffee maker, french presses also need to be cleaned regularly. Do not forget to empty the leftover coffee grounds after every use, as well as wash the plunger, metal filter, and glass jar. Any coffee residue that has not been washed may actually ruin the taste of the next cup of coffee. Whether you have a metal or glass french press, its cleaning is very easy and requires very few items and products. Keep reading to find out how to do that in the best way possible.
1. Get rid of all coffee grounds – Most of the coffee grounds will be stuck to the bottom of the glass brewing jar. You can use a spatula or a spoon to get rid of most of them and loosen the residue so it is easily flushed. Do not use a metal tool for that since you may scratch the surface. There are many ways in which you can use leftover coffee grounds. However, never throw them down the drain.
2. Rinse everything in hot water – Use hot water to wash all components. While the plunger and filter are still connected, rinse them as well.
3. Add a dishwashing liquid – When done with rinsing, add a few drops of dishwashing liquid detergent, best use one with a degreaser in it.
4. Add hot water – Fill the brewing jar halfway up with hot water and run the plunger up and down a few times. You will loosen up any oils by doing this.
5. Empty and rinse – Throw the soapy solution away and rinse your french press well.
6. Dry everything – Separate all the components and let them air dry on your dish drainer. Do not put them together until they are completely dry.
Cleaning a french press in the dishwasher
1. Dispose of the coffee grounds – Get rid of the coffee grounds and rinse your jar, plunger, and metal filter.
2. Disassemble the french press – Separate all components of the french press before placing them in the dishwasher. Unscrew the metal filter from the plunger and place them in the silverware basket of your dishwasher.
3. Place the jar on the top rack of your dishwasher. If it would not fit on there, place it at the bottom but make sure it is away from any other items that may scratch or damage it.
4. Run the dishwasher using your usual washing and drying circle.
How to deep clean a french press
1. Empty coffee grounds and rinse well – Make sure you dispose of all coffee grounds from the bottom of the jar, the metal filter, and the plunger. Rinse all components well. Best use hot water to ensure proper removal.
2. Disassemble the components – Make sure you take everything apart. Unscrew the metal filter from the plunger. You may need to rinse again to remove any trapped coffee grounds stuck between the two.
3. Prepare a cleaning solution – In a sink or a large enough bowl, mix 2 cups of hot water, 2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid detergent, 2 teaspoons of citric acid, and 2 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide. If you don’t have all these products you can also mix 1 cup of distilled white vinegar and 3 cups of hot water. No matter which of the two solutions you mix, know they are both equally efficient.
4. Submerge the components – Soak the plunger and metal filter in one of the solutions. Allow them to soak for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
5. Wash the jar and lid – Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to your brewing jar and wash it well. If there are any hard water spots on it, you can use a solution of water and white distilled vinegar to get rid of them.
6. Rinse well and dry – When done with the cleaning of your french press, rinse each one with hot water. Allow all pieces to air dry on a dish drainer or use a microfiber cloth to wipe them away.
It is best if you remove the coffee grounds after each coffee brewing. Do not let them dry inside and stay in the french press for a long time. Use filtered tap water or spring water if you live in an area with hard water. You will prevent white spots from occurring on the jar of your french press.